A dark cloud was cast over the fashion world last Thursday, when news was brought of British designer, Lee Alexander McQueen’s death. New York Fashion Week began with a sombre tone as news rapidly spread, regarding the demise of the prolific fashion designer whose lower-priced line , McQ , was scheduled to be presented that very afternoon. Instead, friends, family and fans paid tribute to one of the most influential fashion figures of recent years, looking back at the many highlights of his successful career. Crowds descended upon Alexander McQueen stores to pay their respects with flowers, notes and candles while the London store lowered its McQueen flag to fly at half mast above the window display, which now shows only black drapes. Aged just 40 at the time of his death, McQueen was seen as one of the most exciting designers in the business, constantly shocking and impressing onlookers at his conceptual shows, showcasing inspired designs, tailored to perfection. Perhaps more significant to current and future designers however, is the fact that the ‘enfant terrible’ of British fashion grew with the trends , and not merely in terms of fashion. McQueen’s last , and perhaps best , show, which displayed his spring 2010 collection, streamed live from Paris, enabling anyone with internet access to watch from the comfort of their own home. McQueen was perfectly in tune to the possibilities of fashion and constantly pushed boundaries, making his mark in fashion history whilst setting the benchmark for Fashion Weeks to come. The British Fashion Council are yet to decide how to mark McQueen’s passing but Lucy Yeomans, chairman of the BFC press committee told the Guardian: ‘it is only right that London Fashion Week marks his passing in some way, pointing out that it was important ‘to do something […]