Tributes paid to Alexander McQueen as London Fashion Week opens

Published: 8:00AM GMT 20 Feb 2010

Previous of Images Next British Fashion Council chairman Harold Tillman spoke of the designer"s "extraordinary impact" on the international fashion industry Photo: AFP/GETTY McQueen was one of Britain"s most feted fashion exports Photo: REUTERS

The 40-year-old British designer was found hanged in his wardrobe at his Mayfair home on the eve of his mother Joyce"s funeral.

While McQueen had not attended London Fashion Week since 2001, he was one of Britain"s most feted fashion exports.

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His parent company PPR announced yesterday the McQueen label will continue despite his death.

Launching the event at Somerset House, British Fashion Council (BFC) chairman Harold Tillman spoke of the designer"s ""extraordinary impact"" on the international fashion industry.

He called for a minute"s silence to remember ""this great talent"".

He said: ""I ask you to join me in sharing both respect and reverence for the passing of one of our greatest British designers Lee McQueen.

"His impact on London and this international fashion industry has been extraordinary. And he will be sorely missed.

""I know that we will all remember his incredible achievements and what he did for fashion here in London.""

Praising McQueen"s talent, he added: ""He proved that this industry and this city is one of opportunity. He left school with one O-Level and with a good mix of determination, hard work and genius, he became and will remain one of London"s leading lights.

""To ensure London, his home city, continues to grow as a global fashion centre will be a fitting tribute to this brilliant man.""

Prime Minister Gordon Brown"s wife Sarah Brown said: ""I have no doubt this will be a creative and inspiring London Fashion Week and also a reflective time with the passing of Lee McQueen.""

Fashion journalists, buyers and designers from around the globe will descend on London for the series of catwalk shows which are to run until February 24.

Dublin-born Paul Costelloe was the first designer unveiling his new collection at the bi-annual event.

He drew on the ""Assassination of Jesse James"" as his defining inspiration with his collection featuring tweed, leather and period-inspired silhouettes.

London Fashion Week guests have the opportunity to pin messages to a board at the main venue at Somerset House, which will be placed in a book at the end of the week and presented to McQueen"s family.

One tribute, from Clara Mercer of the British Fashion Council, read: "So many memorable moments a real British hero."

Another from Marigay McKee, fashion and beauty director at Harrods, read: "My favourite McQueen creations are his skull clutches and scarves which fuse contemporary edginess and ladylike chic. His sculptured dresses are also an art form."

Rosanna Falconer of the British Fashion Council wrote: "I have never seen another show hit the theatrical heights of McQueen"s. We have lost an awe-inspiring talent."

An additional tribute will consist of a display wall at Victoria House embedded with 40 iPod touches, each holding images from McQueen collections.

For the first time this season the event will stream shows live online.

The BFC is launching an area on its website where visitors can view shows as they take place at Somerset House and other London locations.

High profile designers due to unveil their new collections over the next week include Julien Macdonald, Matthew Williamson, Paul Smith and Vivienne Westwood.