Influential and controversial British fashion designer Alexander McQueen was found dead in his London home Thursday, his company announced. He was 40 years old. McQueen’s sudden death robbed the fashion scene of one of its most innovative and successful young designers. He made his name first in London, then trickled over to audiences in Paris, New York and Milan to take his place in the upper echelons of the designing world. He was favored by celebrities like Madonna, Lady Gaga, and Naomi Campbell. He was named British Fashion Designer of the Year on four separate occasions.

Known for his dramatic statement pieces and impeccable tailoring, he helped raise the profile of British fashion and was recognized by Queen Elizabeth II in 2003 when she made him a Commander of the British Empire for his fashion leadership. His pieces were unique and outfitted by many stylish women across the globe. He was ahead of his time and his imagination defined style and set the plateau by translating craftsmanship and technology into fashion.

Hal Rubenstein, a fashion director for InStylemagazine, said McQueen started out tough and angry — in his work and attitude — but softened over time as he felt more appreciated by the industry.

The ultimate question is why would a famed designer with so much to live for with a long list of A-

list friends from Kate Moss to Vivienne Westwood who’s designs inspired the best of the best, kill

himself? Could it have been the anguish from the death of his mother? McQueen recently posted

comments on his Twitter page expressing pain and sorrow over the Feb. 2 death of his mother. He

said he wanted his mother to rest in peace and said, “But life must go on!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” Using an

obscenity, he added that he had had an “awful week” and said he had to “some how pull myself

together and finish.” A presentation of McQueen’s secondary label, McQ, had been scheduled for

Thursday’s opening day of New York Fashion Week. McQueen had never been expected at the

show, which was quickly canceled.

After his Savile Row stint, McQueen started to develop his trademark, more theatrical designs,

working with several other brands before first starting his own label in 1992. The company he

founded was later purchased by the Gucci Group, and he retained creative control of his own

brand. One of his previous collections included a show built around the concept of recycling, with

models donning extravagant headwear made out of trash. His last collection, shown in October in

Paris, featured elaborate and highly structured cocktail dresses. Critics raved. His edgy creations

have been seen on numerous red carpets, worn by A-list actresses, including Sandra Bullock and

Cameron Diaz. Lady Gaga recently made waves when she wore McQueen’s spring 2010 lobster-

claw shoes in her “Bad Romance” music video. McQueen’s death came days before London

Fashion Week, an event McQueen had skipped in recent years. Matthew Williamson said: “I am

shocked and deeply saddened by McQueen’s death. He was a genius and his talent was second

to none. Like many others I always cited him as a hugely inspirational leader of world fashion. He

will be greatly missed.”His creativity and legacy will lie forever and no other designer would ever

compare to him, he was truly in a class of his own.

Story and content contributed by Associated Press