I was giving my daughter her supper this evening when the 7 o'clock News on Channel 4 opened with the sad news of the death of Alexander McQueen.

My jaw just dropped in disbelief. Only last night, I was showing my husband a picture of the infamous 'armadillo shoes' he had made for his Spring/Summer 2010 fashion show.

The circumstances sound tragic and headlines full of speculation are flying on the internet - together with pictures of the body(!!) being carried out of the designer's flat on a stretcher...

Alexander McQueen was one of the most talented British fashion designers ever but he was also someone's son, brother, partner, friend. So today our thoughts are with those who cared about him and are now mourning his loss. May he rest in peace.

Alexander McQueen, Autumn-Winter 2007 show, Paris
Image courtesy of Condé Nast Digital UK