Alexander McQueen CBE 1969-2010

He was born in the east end of London and left school at 16 to work on Saville Row.

After graduating from Central Saint Martin's School of Fashion McQueen set up his own label making a name for himself  with low waistband "bumster" trousers starting a trend which has remained popular to this day. Bursting on the scene at the end of the 1990's McQueens astoundingly creative fashion show's combined performance, design and technology.

...a bloke next door who just happened to be gay.

McQueen was renowned for his incredibly brave, creative and inspiring designs helping to define British fashion. He went on to win designer of the year 4 times and work with fashion houses such as Givenchy and Gucci. McQueen's iconic designs have been worn by close friends Kate Moss, Sarah Jessica Parker, Bjork and most recently Lady Gaga.

By the end of 2007, Alexander McQueen had boutiques in London, New York, Los Angeles, Milan, and Las Vegas. Celebrities including Lady Gaga, Nicole Kidman and Rihanna have declared themselves fans of the designer, often wearing his creations in public or professional settings.

Actor Paul Stag, McQueen's former boyfriend told PinkPaper.com that the designer was "a one off."

"He was so proud that he was out to the fashion world as HIV positive and representing it in a good light.

"He saw himself as a bloke next door who just happened to be gay - he believed that he was a good counterbalance to a lot of peoples' views of the gay stereotype."

His death has come three weeks before his Autumn/Winter 2010 collection at Paris fashion week.