Alexander McQueen

Son of a taxi driver, Alexander McQueen, was born in East London on 17th March 1969 and achieved fame as a talented fashion designer. From designing outfits for his three sisters during his childhood, McQueen progressed to become a globally recognized fashion designer. Quitting school at 16, he sough apprenticeship with Anderson and Shepherd, tailors from the famed Saville Row, followed by a stint at Gieves & Hawkes and then a training period with theatrical costume designers, Angels and Bermans. Even in the early years of his career, McQueen was lucky to have customers such as Prince Charles and Mikhail Gorbachev. After spending time in learning the tricks of the trade with Koji Tatsuno, McQueen moved to Milan, Italy to work with well-known designer Romeo Gigli.

In 1994, McQueen started teaching pattern cutting at the upmarket Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design, and later joined as a student to acquire a Masters in fashion designing. When Isabella Blow agreed to buy his graduation collection, McQueen’s career was set. In 1996, McQueen was chosen as the head designer at the Givenchy fashion house. He has the distinction of being the youngest designer to get the ’British designer of the year’ award. He was also conferred the title of the Commander of the British Empire (CBE). In 2000, fashion giant Gucci bought 51 percent stake in his company and made him Creative Director.

McQueen designs both menswear and womenswear. The clothing incorporates contemporary cuts and silhouettes. The fabric and materials used are comfortable and durable. Besides clothing, McQueen’s company also manufactures trendy eyewear and perfumes. The company has a line up of shoes and stylish handbags too.