Iconic British Fashion Designer Alexander Mcqueen Dies

RIP Alexander McQueen
The Fashion World suffered a huge blow today with the untimely death of one of it's biggest stars. Alexander McQueen died today in his London Flat.

Police said his death is not being treated as suspicious.

A spokeswoman for McQueen said: "Mr McQueen was found dead this morning at his home. We're devastated and I hope you understand that out of respect to his family and his colleagues we're not going to be making any further statement."

A message on his website alexandermcqueen.com said: "At this stage it is inappropriate to comment on this tragic news beyond saying that we are devastated and are sharing a sense of shock and grief with Lee's family."

I have followed Alexander McQueen since his career began and have always been a huge fan and have written about him in my blog many times. Workin' the Plaid: Alexander McQueen and Sarah Jessica Parker at the Costume Institute Gala 2006

Besides being a Fashion Superstar in his own right, McQueen has dressed almost every celebrity you can think of. One of the most memorable being Sarah Jessica Parker at the Costume Institute Gala several years ago. While she ended up on many peoples worst dress list, it was one of those images that is unforgettable and definitely made a "Fashion Statement" that is the very thing McQueen was so brilliant at.

Reptilian Diva: Alexander McQueen Spring 2010

Most recently McQueen dressed Anna Paquin for the SAG Awards in a cocktail dress from his Spring 2010 Collection. This will now be remembered as his final collection and there is no doubt after viewing these reptilian inspired looks that he ended his career at the "top of his game"
Painted Lady: Alexander McQueen Fall 2009

McQueen rose to fame quickly after he received his Masters Degree in Fashion Design from Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design and famously, his graduation collection was bought in its entirety by influential fashion stylist Isabella Blow, who committed suicide just 3 years ago.
Alexander McQueen: Fall 2006

He was known as the "Bad Boy of Fashion" and in his early years wore the banner proudly. In 1996 he was hired by LVMH president Bernard Arnault to replace designer John Galliano at the prestigious Couture House of Givenchy. Although he had a shaky start, he persevered and continued to design amazing collections until 2001 when he left to focus on his own label.

Alexander McQueen was a rare talent and will be truly missed.

SAG Awards Red Carpet

SAG GLAM...The Forties: Sandra Bullock Takes a Risk on her Shoulder Padded and keyhole neckline Alexander McQueen gown at the 2010 SAG Awards (love it!)

In lieu of the fact that we didn't do a Red Carpet Fashion Wrap for the Screen Actors Guild/SAG Awards for the TV Guide network, I decided to give my "Nick's Take" on who I thought looked amazing and what I thought may not have worked 100%. To begin with, it seemed like there was a lot more risk taking--or people were more "adventuresome" here at the SAG Awards Red Carpet--when it came to choosing gowns and dresses. White After Labor Day? Kate Hudson in a Pucci low back white jersey gown, 2010 SAG Awards Red Carpet

I remember when the Golden Globes used to be the award show where actresses would be a little more "risky" in their red carpet choices (Hello, remember Lara Flynn Boyle?) but now it seems that the SAG Awards is possibly the place for that. Here were some of my faves:

Diane Kruger:When I saw Diane Kruger on the red carpet, she took my breath away: Simply gorgeous! From the top of her off-kilter chignon to the last 1/4" of the trailing hem, she was perfect. I was sure that it was a gown form a European design house, such as Chanel or Valentino and was happy to see that it was not.I n fact it was by American Jason Wu (of Michelle Obama fame) influenced from a dress in his Spring 2010 Collection (seen in the photo above). She took a risk wearing that color; many people can't pull off that shade of mustard (and I'm sure there were some people that weren't fans of it) but I think it worked on Kruger.

Marion Cotillard:
Marion Cotillard wore an Elie Saab fully beaded cocktail number from his Fall/Winter 2009 "All White" Couture Collection , estimated to cost around $20,000. I absolutely LOVED this collection but I am not sure if I would have picked this particular dress. The silhouette almost looked "padded" at the hips. Cotillard would go under the "risk taker" category in choosing this dress--at least in my "style book". The top section is sensually sublime, with it's draped cowl and asymmetrical padded shoulder-- it's the bottom half that "bugs".

Anna Paquin:
Anna Paquin was one of those who took a risk in wearing this to the SAG Awards. It's a custom Alexander McQueen dress inspired by his AMAZING Spring 2010 Reptilian-Dinosaur-Skeleton Collection. She knew that print would not make friends--especially with the "OMG what is she wearing? I just don't get it...I would NEVER wear that!" crowd (you know who you are, Khloe Kardashian of E! Fashion Police). But the fact that she "went there", well, I am giving her "Nick Verreos Points" for that.

Meryl Streep:
Alright, it's official: I love this woman! Meryl Streep looked like aristocracy straight out of "Hola!" Magazine in this printed silk gown by designer Nicolas Ghesquiere for Balenciaga Fall 2009 (I know that Salma Hayek wore it before but I think Meryl looked waaay better). The padded 1940's-like shoulders, the plunging neckline, the cinched waist: You Go Meryl! The finished up-do, black clutch, and open-toe heels were the Cherry on this "Couture Cake".
See you next time at the Grammy Awards!