FASHION WORLD LOSES AN ICON

PARIS—Provocative British designer Alexander McQueen has died, the company that owns his fashion house said Thursday.

"He has passed away," said a spokeswoman for Gucci Group, part of Paris's retail-to-luxury group PPR SA.

Alexander McQueen at his fall-winter menswear collection in Milan in January.
More on McQueen

* McQueen's Last Tweets
* Twitter Reactions to Designer's Death
* McQueen's Primordial Reveries (10/06/09)
* McQueen's Theatrics Revs Up Audience (03/10/09)
* McQueen Holds (Goth) Court (03/01/08)
* McQueen Pays Tribute to Isabella Blow (10/06/07)

Samantha Garrett, a spokeswoman for the British fashion icon, said the designers body was found at his London home Thursday morning. "We don't have any information in terms of circumstances," she said.

Police didn't directly comment about how Mr. McQueen died, but said the death wasn't being treated as suspicious.

Mr. McQueen was the creative chief behind the brand he founded in the 1990s and sold to Gucci Group in 2000. His dramatic designs, such as reptilian dresses and hoof-like shoes, were met with critical acclaim, yet he struggled to get commercial success.

Mr. McQueen, who was also once the designer for French fashion house Givenchy, was due to present his collection during Paris fashion week less than a month from now.

"McQueen influenced a whole generation of designers. His brilliant imagination knew no bounds as he conjured up collection after collection of extraordinary designs," said Alexandra Shulman, the editor of British Vogue. "At one level he was a master of the fantastic, creating astounding fashions shows that mixed design, technology and performance and on another he was a modern day genius whose gothic aesthetic was adopted by women the world over."

Mr. McQueen received his training at London's Central St. Martin's College of Art and Design, long recognized for its fashion-forward approach and encouragement of young designers. He worked for traditional Savile Row tailors Anderson and Sheppard, and Gieves and Hawkes before branching out into his own more theatrical designs.

His edgy creations have been seen on numerous red carpets, worn by celebrities including Lady Gaga, Sandra Bullock and Cameron Diaz.

News of Mr. McQueen's death came as New York fashion week kicked off, sending shock waves through the industry. "Everyone in this tent is shocked," said Cindi Leive, editor in chief of Glamour magazine. "He was obviously incredibly talented and had a creative energy. There was a real sense of energy in everything he did."

Hal Rubenstein, a fashion director for InStyle magazine, said Mr. McQueen started out tough and angry—in his work and attitude—but softened over time as he felt more appreciated by the industry. Mr. McQueen, he added, was a master of integration of technology into fashion. "He changed the way so many of us see shows," Mr. Rubenstein said.

Fashion designer Richard Chai, who learned of the news as he was preparing for his 11 a.m. show at Bryant Park, called Mr. McQueen's death a tragedy. "He was a genius. I really have no words. It is just sad," he said.

The British designer's death comes three years after the suicide of fashion guru Isabella Blow, who helped launch Mr. McQueen's career.

FALL INTO COLOR: COLOR REPORT A/W 2009

Subtle contrasts, like those found in a painter’s masterpiece, make up the diverse color palette for fall 2009. Designers play with a broad spectrum of unique color combinations this
season, resulting in distinct, yet cohesive color palettes.

“The fall 2009 palette is more unique and thoughtful than the typical autumnal hues of years past,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®.

“Designers recognize the desire for fundamental basics that speak to current economic conditions, but also understand the need to
incorporate vibrant color to grab the consumers’ eyes and entice them to buy.”













A natural choice during uncertain times, patriotic American Beauty, a wonderfully balanced, true red, speaks to the need for cohesiveness. Perfect for all skin tones, American Beauty is a feel-good color. Purple Heart connotes a sense of refinement and sensuality, adding an air of creativity and excitement to the top 10, especially when paired with American Beauty.

A warmer, more subdued Honey Yellow carries the 2009 color of the year, PANTONE 14-0848 Mimosa, through to fall and winter with its golden tones. Pairing Honey Yellow with its color wheel opposite, Purple Heart, will surely add a surprising flair. Or, for a more typical fall combination, group Honey Yellow with Burnt Sienna and Iron.

Strong yet understated Iron serves as the “new black,” making traditional basics much more interesting. Neither gray nor brown, Iron is a grounding color that coordinates well with all colors in the palette. Crème Brûlée, a grayed-down beige, and Nomad, which bridges the gap between beige and light gray, also speak to the need for timeless neutrals. All three classics can stand alone or serve as anchors when paired with other colors.

Fall would not be complete without a seasonal favorite like Burnt Sienna, a deepened, earthy shade of orange, reminiscent of an autumn sunset. Pair this versatile hue with Nomad and Rapture Rose for a different twist. Adding spark to the fall palette, Rapture Rose artfully captures the vibrancy of fuchsia and the softness of pink. Underscored by nurturing and feminine tones, the addition of Rapture Rose enlivens the more traditionally subdued fall hues.
Look for it in cosmetics as well as clothing and accessories. Like the olive in a martini, Warm Olive, a rich yellow-green, adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to fall. When combined, this tangy, intriguing hue makes all other colors come alive. Look for it paired with Majolica Blue, a deep, mysterious teal blue with more vibrancy than the usual navy. Majolica Blue brings an exotic flair to the group, especially when paired with Burnt Sienna or Purple Heart.

Each season, Pantone surveys the designers of New York Fashion Week to identify the 10 most directional colors. Like a painter’s palette, fall 2009 offers choice and diversity, but the unique integration of colors is what makes it so appealing.


HOW THE DESIGNERS INTERPRET COLORS INTO THEIR DESIGNS



























































































































Source: Pantone, InStyle, Barney's NY, WWD