Gay fashion designer Alexander McQueen died by suicide

Alexander McQueen, the gay fashion designer, has died by suicide.

The 40-year-old was renown for dressing stars such as Kylie and Lady Gaga and had once described himself as the “pink sheep” of his family.

His death has been confirmed by his office to a number of media outlets, with a source from his office saying: “It is a tragic loss. We are not making a comment at this time out of respect for the McQueen family.”

Other reports say he was grieving for his mother Joyce, who died last week.

The designer was found dead at his home in Green Park, London.

McQueen was born in London’s east end in 1969, the son of a taxi driver and the youngest of six children.

He began his career in fashion at the Savile Row tailors Anderson & Sheppard, subsequently moving on to Gieves & Hawkes and theatrical costumiers Angels and Bermans.

In 1994, he began studying fashion at Central St Martins School of Art and was championed by stylist and muse Isabella Blow.

The pair become firm friends until Blow’s death three years from suicide. McQueen later dedicated his spring summer 2008 show at Paris fashion week to her.

As a designer, he became known for his daring designs, one of which was the infamous ‘bumster’ jeans.