London - Lee Alexander McQueen, was found dead at his London home today, February 11. McQueen was born on March 16, 1969, in Lewisham, London. His father was a tax cab driver, and his mother was a Social Science teacher.

McQueen was well known for his unconventional designs and shock tactics. He worked as the head designer at Givenchy for five years before founding the Alexander McQueen and McQ labels. Celebrities including Lady Gaga and Rihanna, among others, wore McQueen's dramatic designs. He received critical acclaim during his short career, and earned the British Fashion Designer of the Year award on four separate occasions.

McQueen attended Rokeby School and gained an apprenticeship with Savile Row tailors Anderson & Sheppard, before joining Gieves & Hawkes and, later, the famous theatrical costumiers Angels and Bermans. While on Savile Row, McQueen's clients included Mikhail Gorbachev and Charles, Prince of Wales.

He received his Masters degree in Fashion design and famously, his graduation collection was bought in its entirety by influential fashion stylist Isabella Blow, who was said to have persuaded McQueen to change his name from Lee to Alexander (his middle name).

The following has been posted to McQueens' website:

"On behalf of Lee McQueen's family, Alexander McQueen today announces the tragic news that Lee McQueen, the founder and designer of the Alexander McQueen brand has been found dead at his home. 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.

Lee's family has asked for privacy in order to come to terms with this terrible news and we hope the media will respect this."