It has been nearly two weeks since the death of Lee Alexander McQueen (only 40). There have been articles upon articles on how wonderful and creative McQueen was as a designer and as a person. Here at Queen in Heels we had not yet addressed the passing of Lee Alexander McQueen.
It was not because I was not saddened or stunned by the news. It was quite the opposite; I was shock beyond words. “What should I write?” “How should I write of his . . . untimely death? Passing?” “What words should I use?” Unfortunately, it is what it is and must be called such . . . suicide.
Sometimes, in life there are moments and events that leave one saddened and wondering why. Why someone who was so creative, talented, and young chooses to end his or her life?
The news of the death of Lee Alexander McQueen was one of those moments. When the email alert was sent from wwd.com the first reaction was one of shock and utter disbelief. After the initial reaction, when the feelings of sadness emerged so did the question of why.
Many times, it is easy to wonder why someone would take action that is so final with no reversal, when they seem to be cruising through life in a car of clouds. It is easy for others looking in to forget that we all, no matter our background, education, or financial situation, we all get down sometimes. We all find ourselves suffering from the depression, at one time or another, either of heartache (a break-up) or pain (the death of a loved one).
It is not my place or intention to judge or examine the actions that another, including Alexander McQueen, has taken in coping with his or her problems. Instead, I would only like to encourage anyone who is down or feeling alone to please remember that in time, though it may not seem like it, the hurt and trials do pass or at least may become more bearable. Sometimes it is difficult to view the sliver lining with the dark clouds blocking our sight. Yet, if we hold fast, remain strong and remind ourselves of that silver lining we will survive to smile again.
I know. I have had those moments myself.
Please, talk to someone, a family member or trusted friend. If you have no one or it seems that those around you do not understand, do not stress. You do not have to go through it alone. There are many sources of assistance and help lines.
(Prevention Hotline)
(Save.org)
My daughter (who has also developed a love of fashion) asked me why McQueen chose to kill himself and how she wished she could have saved him (she has such a caring nature). After smiling at her and giving her a hug, my initial thought (the mother in me) was to yell at her and demand that she never ever commit suicide no matter what has happened in her life, then turn and do the same thing to my son. Instead (the experienced and wiser woman), asked them both to sit down and explain how I felt about McQueen’s death. Suicide is permanent and hurts those that that are left behind irreparably.
I also told them that they will make mistakes in life and things will happen to them they may not understand. I explained that there are times when they will feel down and alone, however mistakes can be learned from and no matter what happens to them, they are strong and will survive (with help from those who love them) to fight another day.
Lee Alexander McQueen has left behind his legacy. As a designer, he was not only creative and thought provoking (jaw dropping) as everyone has written. He was daring and edgy and his fashion often indescribable.
I am sure for those who knew him personally he was a great person to know (and he was quite handsome too).
Fortunately, Gucci Group (51% percent stakeholders) president and CEO Robert Polet announced that the last collection McQueen worked on will show at Paris fashion week on March 9th. It was also announced that McQueen’s line would continue. In that regard, I am happy for McQueen, for he once said, “When I’m dead, hopefully this house will still be going on a spaceship.”
I do wish the person or persons who will create his collections to follow much success in their endeavor. However, one thing will remain true . . . they have some pretty incredible shoes to fill.
Lee Alexander McQueen is his own words:
