English Leading Designer Alexander McQueen Snuffed Out

The British fashion designer Alexander McQueen, known for his unconventional designs and shock tactics, has been found dead at his home in London at the age of 40.

Lee Alexander McQueen, CBE, born16 March 1969, began his career at the age of 16 on the traditional Saville Row, where he designed suits for the likes of Mikhail Gorbachev and Prince Charles, but then  he evolved his style to become a cutting edge designer, with his own label.

McQueen worked as the head designer at Givenchy for five years before founding the Alexander McQueen and McQ labels.

Alexander  McQueen, whose dramatic designs, worn by celebrities including Rihanna and Lady Gaga, met with critical acclaim, earning him the British Fashion Designer of the Year award on four separate occasions.

BBC News has contributed to the report.