On Thursday February 11 2010, critically acclaimed fashion designer Alexander McQueen was found dead at his London home just days away from London fashion week. The 40 year old’s body was discovered by his housekeeper and was pronounced dead on the scene by paramedics just a month before he was to unveil his new collection at Paris fashion week.

As I write this, not much is known about McQueen’s death. It is suspected that he committed suicide days after his own mother died. An autopsy is scheduled to take place on February 15th, and a coroner's inquest later that week.

Born Lee Alexander McQueen in London in 1969 as the youngest of six children, McQueen left school at the age of 16 to serve as an apprentice at the traditional Savile Row tailors Anderson and Shephard. After that he joined Gieves & Hawkes and, then the theatrical costumiers Angels and Bermans.

At 20 he was employed by the designer Koji Tatsuno. A year later McQueen travelled to Milan where he worked as a design assistant to Romeo Gigli. He returned to London in 1994 where he completed a master's degree in fashion design at Central St Martins College.

In less than 10 years McQueen became one of the most respected fashion designers in the world. In October 1996 he was appointed chief designer at the French label Givenchy where he worked until March 2001.

In December 2000, 51% of Alexander McQueen was acquired Gucci, where he became creative director. Expansion followed and included the opening of flagship stores in New York, London and Milan.

McQueen also became known for using skulls in his designs. A scarf bearing the motif became a celebrity must have and was copied around the world

McQueen was a four-time winner of the British designer of the year award as well as the international designer of the year award from the Council of Fashion Designers of America. He was awarded the CBE in 2003.

Ever wonder who designed Lady Gaga’s crazy looking shoes she wears at some events and in her Bad Romance music video? Alexander McQueen.