An insider's guide to your favourite fashion brands Lee McQueen (he later changed his name to Alexander) was born in London on March 17, 1969. After leaving school at 16 he worked at two Savile Row tailors, then theatrical costumiers Angels and Bermans, where he perfected the brutally sharp tailoring that would become a trademark. After a short stint at Koji Tatsuno he went to Milan to work as a design assistant for Romeo Gigli. In 1992, he completed his master's degree in fashion design at Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design in London. His degree collection was bought by fashion critic Isabella Blow. After graduation, he set up his own label and showed his first women's collection, the Taxi Driver, in 1993. He made headlines with a racy collection called Highland Rape two years later, which showed off models in ripped lace dresses and skirts with dangling string. In 2000, the Gucci Group bought 51 per cent of his company, allowing him to launch eyewear, fragrances, menswear and bags. Last year, he collaborated with sports giant Puma,a nd his first collection of men's and women's Puma trainers was launched in spring this year. McQueen plans to add a diffusion line, McQ. The range for men and women, out this autumn, will include 1960s-inspired biker jackets, dresses and capes. McQueen remains creative director for the brand. The look? Known for his theatrical shows, his collections are romantic, with his signature sharply tailored look. He combines bespoke British tailoring, workmanship of haute couture atelier and the finish of Italian manufacturing. For the spring/summer 06 women's collection he sent Grecian goddesses down the runway, focusing on gladiator- and Roman-inspired details. For autumn/winter 06, McQueen paid tribute to his Scottish roots with tight tartan suits and chequered dresses with knitted sleeves, reminiscent of his Highland Rape collection. Defining fashion moment? One of McQueen's most controversial shows grew from his art direction for an issue of alternative fashion magazine Dazed & Confused, in which he used models with severe physical disabilities. The show featured model Aimee Mullins, whose legs had been amputated at the knee, walking down the catwalk on hand carved wooden legs. Who swears by it? David Bowie, Dita von Teese and Kate Moss. Where can I buy it? McQueen has stores in London, Milan and New York. In Hong Kong, Alexander McQueen is available at Joyce boutiques at 18 Queen's Rd Central, tel: 2810 1120, and Pacific Place, Admiralty, tel: 2523 5944. His Puma range is sold at Joyce, and Lane Crawford, IFC Mall, Central, tel: 2118 3388.