Mourning the Loss of Alexander McQueen

This morning, the fashion world was rocked by the news that Alexander McQueen had tragically taken his own life. In many ways he was the Michael Jackson of fashion: Provocative, outrageous, often misunderstood, adored the world over, and ultimately gone too soon. His over-the-top designs and theatrical shows captivated imaginations and forever changed the way we look at fashion. "Great talents are always complicated and Alexander McQueen was both greatly talented and complicated. This Paris season will feel far less colorful without him. Fashion has lost one of its most original voices," says MC's Editor in Chief Joanna Coles. "We have lost one of the most talented and visionary designers of our time," adds MC fashion director Nina Garcia. "There was no one else like him. He will be greatly missed." Over at Saks Fifth Avenue, buyers were bonding together to pay tribute to the fashion great. "I'm holding a McQueen pump in my lap for the rest of the day," says Saks Fifth Avenue's Everett Moran. "I just can't believe it." Whether or not McQueen's scheduled presentation this next month at Paris Fashion Week will still take place, remains to be seen. But one thing's for sure, his indomitable spirit and genius will always be front row.

See Alexander McQueen's provocative designs in the fashion pages of Marie Claire here.