As if on cue, the clouds parted and the sun shone down on St. Paul’s Cathedral in London today as fashionistas, friends and family members arrived to remember the iconic British designer, Alexander McQueen.
London Fashion Week came to a standstill as Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell, Stella McCartney and Sarah Jessica Parker joined the 1,000-plus congregation invited to pay tribute to the man behind the fashion accolades, known to his friends as Lee McQueen. As controversial as he was iconic, the born and bred Londoner was more likely to be found at home with his beloved dogs than at a fashionable soiree.
Reverend Canon Giles Fraser said that “despite the dazzle of his world, he never forgot his East End roots and how much he owed to his loved ones.” He also asked those very people in the congregation to remember the late designer who tragically took his own life back in February for “his infectious laugh, his sharp tongue and for his strong commitment to his friends.”
One guest who attended the service said: “It was very emotional but with a real celebratory tone too, a perfect balance.” With eulogies from US Vogue editor, Anna Wintour as well as from his nephew and muse Annabel Nielson, the hour-long service finished with a performance by the Icelandic singer Bjork (pictured), who wore a feathered McQueen ensemble complete with wings to sing Gloomy Sunday, a song recorded back in 1941 by Billie Holiday.
As crowds gathered outside, the guests left, teary-eyed clutching an order of service with a picture of McQueen, jumping in the air for joy, in traditional Scottish attire, while The National Youth Pipe Band of Scotland played the theme tune of Braveheart on the steps of the cathedral.
Dramatic and breathtaking, it was a fitting tribute indeed.
Photo courtesy of Alexander McQueen.