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.