A Tribute to Alexander McQueen

Seven months ago, the fashion world lost one of brightest stars. At the age of 40, Alexander McQueen took his own life on February 11, 2010. While the shock and sadness is still felt present day, fashionistas and celebrities gathered yesterday in Londonʼs St. Paulʼs Cathedral to honor the life of the genius designer who astounded the world with his extraordinary creations.

Some 1,000 people gathered Monday morning at 11am inside the cathedral to attend the memorial service. Attendees included designers Stella McCartney and Hussein Chalayan; models Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell; actress Sarah Jessica Parker and Vogue editor-in- chief Anna Wintour. Passerbys and McQueen followers were on the street below.

The service began with two choirs leading a clerical procession. Rev. Canon Giles Fraser began the opening eulogy and acknowledged the two major influences that was in Lee Alexander McQueenʼs life - his family and his friends. Performances included The London Community Gospel Choir singing “Amazing Grace” and Icelandic songstress Björk singing “Gloomy Sunday.” Anna Wintour, in her address, said “There was no comfort zone with Alexander McQueen” and that his catwalk events transported everyone “into a world of sensation where you could be shocked, thrilled, and repulsed.” While McQueen had a reputation for not showing up to events, appointments, and photo shoots, his designs always regained the respect of the community. As one of those who were affected by his behavior, Anna Wintour spoke for all in her eulogy when she expressed that, “We always forgave Alexander.” At the conclusion of the service, a single bagpiper, playing music from the movie “Braveheart,” walked slowly down the aisle and made his way outside to join a group of 20 more bagpipers. Followed out by choirs and members of the clergy and then guests, McQueenʼs memorial did not lack the English pomp and circumstance he was accustomed to.

As the celebration of Alexander McQueenʼs life continues, letʼs not forget the homage that was paid via the many fashion creations that were worn by those that he was loved by:

Kate Moss in a leather corset mini paired with a tuxedo jacket
Sarah Jessica Parker in a black trench coat over a white dress

Naomi Campbell in a feather and leather ensemble

Other photos of the memorial:

Bagpipers outside the cathedral Mourners paying their respects

Anna Wintour Photo Courtesy: Sang Tan/Associated Press

Designer Stella McCartney

Cover of the service; by photographer David Bailey

RIP Alexander McQueen. Your brilliance will never be forgotten.

xoxo,

The Fein Girls