Stars pay tribute to Alexander McQueen

As the fashion world is left in mourning, McQueen’s famous friends and fans pay their respects to the British icon

With the sudden and sad news of Alexander McQueen's tragic death, the fashion world has gone into mourning - and it didn't take long for the tributes to come pouring in.

SEE ALEXANDER MCQUEEN: A RETROSPECTIVE

Having dressed some of the biggest names in Tinsel Town during his career, fans and friends such as Sarah Jessica Parker, Kate Moss and Victoria Beckham have all released statements, paying their respects. 

Sarah Jessica Parker:

'I am shocked and overcome with grief upon learning about the untimely death of the quiet genius Alexander McQueen. My heart goes out to his family and all those who worked for and with him.

What is more devastating is that despite all his success thus far, creatively, critically and commercially, his greatest achievements lay ahead of him. The future would be whatever he hoped to make of it.

God speed Lee. It has been a privilege for all of us to know you. You will be indescribably missed.'

Kate Moss (via spokesperson):

'Kate is shocked and devastated at the tragic loss of her dear friend Lee McQueen. Her thoughts are with his family at this sad time.'

Victoria Beckham:

'MCQueen was a master of fashion, creative genius and an inspiration. Today the fashion industry has lost a true great, an icon of all time. He made all he touched beautiful and will be desperately missed.'

Heidi Klum:

'I have never worked with him, but what a talented man. It's really sad. One of the biggest losses in the fashion world. A lot of people make basic things that are beautiful, but he was out of the box. Extraordinary designer.'

Naomi Campbell:

'I am truly devastated to lose my close friend. His talent had no boundaries and he was an inspiration to everyone who worked with him and knew him. This is a sad day to all who loved him around the world and my condolences are with his family. I will miss him so much, he will never be forgotten.'

Karl Lagerfeld:

'I found his work very interesting and never banal. There was always some attraction to death, his designs were sometimes dehumanised. Who knows, perhaps after flirting with death too often, death attracts you.'

Camilla Belle:

'This is a devastating loss for both the fashion industry and art world. Alexander McQueen's designs were consistently unique and pushed boundaries. I always felt extremely special when wearing his creations, and am deeply saddened that we have lost this artistic genius too soon.'

Helena Bonham Carter:

'It's absolutely tragic. What horrible news. It's just horrendous to think that someone was so devastated by his mother dying. I loved MCQueen.'

Matthew Willamson:

'I am shocked and deeply saddened by McQueen's death. He was a genius and his talent was second to none.

Like many others, I always cited him as a hugely inspirational leader of world fashion. He will be greatly missed.'

Paul Smith:

'He was a very talented and creative designer, especially in respect of his tailored clothing. This is a very sad time and my thoughts are with his family.'

Stella McCartney:

'Lee was a fashion genius. I don't say that lightly, and it is a total shock that I am referring to him in the past tense.

He was a real friend. I will miss him as a mate, a peer, and as a true British talent, full of life and energy in everything he ever did.'

Stars have also turned to Twitter to vent their grief:

Katy Perry:

'Rest in peace Alexander McQueen. Just woke up, so sad.'

Kelly Osbourne:

'I am so, so sad to hear the news of Lee McQueen. I really just don't know what to say. I'm really in shock. I can't stop thinking about Lee. I am just devastated.'

Rachel Zoe:

'I cant describe the tragic loss of such a brilliant man and designer Alexander McQueen...R.I.P.'

Tyra Banks:

'RIP Alexander McQueen. So so sad. Such a huge loss. He was one of my favorite designers. He will be missed.'

Henry Holland

'In shock. So sad.'

Dita Von Teese:

'Rest in peace, Mr. McQueen.'

SEE ALEXANDER MCQUEEN: A RETROSPECTIVE