This is the end of an amazing designer – The fashion world were lucky to have been graced with his presence and outstanding designs and tailoring. All this has now come to a tragic end as Sir Alexander McQueen was found dead at his London home in the morning of Thursday 11th Feb 2010. He was only 40 years old.

His Company spokeswoman Samantha Garrett said McQueen’s body was discovered in the morning but that she had no information “in terms of circumstances.” Police did not directly comment when asked about how McQueen died, but said the death was not being treated as suspicious.

Queen Elizabeth II made him commander of the British Empire for his fashion leadership in 2003.

“McQueen influenced a whole generation of designers. His brilliant imagination knew no bounds as he conjured up collection after collection of extraordinary designs. At one level he was a master of the fantastic, creating astounding fashions shows that mixed design, technology and performance and on another he was a modern day genius whose gothic aesthetic was adopted by women the world over.” said Alexandra Shulman, the editor of British Vogue.

He received his training at the Central St. Martin’s College of Art and Design, long recognized for its fashion-forward approach and encouragement of young designers.

McQueen worked for traditional Savile Row tailors Anderson and Sheppard and also Gieves and Hawkes before branching out into his own more theatrical designs.

He became chief designer at the renowned Givenchy house in 1996 and moved to Gucci as creative director in 2001.

His runway shows – more often like performance pieces because they were so dramatic, and sometimes, bizarre – were always a highlight during the Paris ready-to-wear fashion week.

One of his previous collections included a show built around the concept of recycling, with models donning extravagance headwear made out of trash. His last collection, shown in October in Paris, featured extravagant and highly structured cocktail dresses.

His edgy creations have been seen on numerous red carpets, worn by celebrities including Lady Gaga, Sandra Bullock, and Cameron Diaz.

His work was widely praised in New York City on Thursday by fashion writers leaving the BCBG show, the opener at New York Fashion Week at Bryant Park.

Hal Rubenstein, a fashion director for InStyle magazine, said McQueen started out tough and angry – in his work and attitude – but softened over time as he felt more appreciated by the industry. McQueen, he said, was a master of integration of technology into fashion.

“He changed the way so many of us see shows,” said Rubenstein.

Cindy Weber Cleary, another of the magazine’s fashion directors, said of McQueen: “He was a huge talent, a master of tailoring and always willing to push the envelope. He was forward thinking.”

Cindi Leive, editor in chief of Glamour magazine, said: “Everyone in this tent is shocked. … He was obviously incredibly talented and had a creative energy. There was a real sense of energy in everything he did.”

Leive said he was “always extreme” in his collections.

McQueen’s death came days before London Fashion Week, although McQueen was not scheduled to show in the British capital.

Fashion guru Isabella Blow, who helped launch McQueen’s career, committed suicide almost three years ago.