The news of Alexander McQueen's death earlier today was a tragedy in every sense of the word - a life has been cut short, as well as a career which, perhaps, had only just begun. The term 'genius' is bandied about far too often in fashion, but for McQueen's relentless creative fire there truly is no other word, a statement borne out by a body of work which has provoked, shocked and ultimately seduced the world. Alexander McQueen is undoubtedly one of the most influential designers of our generation, and certainly ranks amongst the greatest British designers ever. His shows - fire and brimstone, flash and dazzle, were spectacles never before seen. Despite the drama of his presentation, it was impossible to overlook the clothes - savagely cut, archly romantic and always utterly mesmerising. Fashion is often decried as 'artisan-form' rather than art form - but for Alexander McQueen, fashion was a means to grapple boldly with the deeper and darker side of human existence. His work always posed the question 'why shouldn't - why couldn't - fashion be emotional?

Alexander McQueen's passing is a severe loss not only to the world of fashion but to modern culture at large, of which he was an integral and influential part. Nevertheless, his legacy will live on - exquisite creations, inspiring new generations of design talent, and enabling people to dream.

Alex Fury