Alexander McQueen gave the world fantasy like no other, from outrageous reptilian creatures of the sea to swashbuckling pirates and dramatic holograms. In every look that came down the runway, the melding of dark fantasies and the levity of each garment’s movement is imagination and romance materialized.

The late Alexander McQueen

(above image source)

Every fashion show sucked you into an alternate universe, where you could just sit and stare at the wonders of the inhabitants as they stalked across a catwalk or a screen, and best of all, you could join that universe. If you were interested in design, maybe you could intern one day for Mr. McQueen—Christian Siriano did, and the puffskein of fierce credits much of his success today to that experience. Maybe you could follow in the steps of Isabella Blow, and buy whole collections of McQueen, or maybe you could emulate Lady Gaga and create a music video detailing your own McQueen fantasies.

The prolific designer was the youngest of six children, born Lee Alexander McQueen in London in 1969; he first began working in fashion as an apprentice to various Savile Row tailors and theater costumiers before going abroad to Italy.

In 1994, McQueen had returned to London and began studying at Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design, where he graduated with a Masters degree in fashion design and his final student collection acquired entirely by style icon Isabella Blow, launching his career. It was also Blow’s influence that caused McQueen to drop his first name as he entered the fashion industry.

McQueen was appointed head designer at Givenchy from 1996-2001, before leaving to establish two lines, the eponymous Alexander McQueen and McQ with Gucci Group as creative director. He won “British Designer of the Year” four times at the British Fashion Awards between 1996 and 2003, awarded the Commander of the British Empire (CBE) in 2003, and famously collaborated with Puma and Target to release, respectively, a capsule collection of trainers and sportswear.

McQueen was announced deceased on February 11, 2010 at his home in London; his office released a statement reads: “On behalf of Lee McQueen’s family, Alexander McQueen today announces the tragic news that Lee McQueen, the founder and designer of the Alexander McQueen brand, has been found dead at his home.” McQueen’s death came days before London Fashion Week, although McQueen was not scheduled to show in the British capital.”

It reads a bit like a bio, the above four paragraphs, because as a simple blogger an ocean away, there’s no legitimate way for me to mourn someone I didn’t really know, and presumptuous for me to believe I could do so. As an admirer of what beauty he’s created, though, and as a student of fashion and design and of life, I have a huge sense of appreciation for the marvels he’s molded fabrics and models and technology into, and ultimately, I’m just grateful that we still have what he’s done to remember him by, and saddened that he’s not around to continue amazing us with his vision.

Thanks, Mr. McQueen. You’re sorely missed.