Grim news struck the fashion world this morning as media outlets reported the untimely death of British designer Alexander McQueen. The 40-year-old McQueen had recently announced the passing of his mother Joyce on February 2nd, 2010. On his Twitter account (which was not verified), the designer posted “I’m letting my followers know my mother passed away yesterday if it she had not me nor would you RIP mumxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.”

McQueen was born in London to a social science teacher and a taxi driver. He dropped out of school at the age of 16 and went on to complete an apprenticeship at the prestigious Savile Row tailors Anderson & Sheppard, and later, another at Gieves & Hawkes. After a brief position with Italian designer Romeo Gigli, McQueen returned to London and enrolled at Central St. Martin’s College of Art and Design. After graduating with a Master of Arts degree, McQueen’s final thesis collection was purchased in entirety by fashion stylist Isabella Blow. Following five years of work with John Galliano at Givenchy—during which time McQueen won his first of four British Designer of the Year awards—the designer launched his namesake collection in 2001.

An admired and frequently discussed figure among the fashion community, McQueen was known to shock his audiences through catwalk presentations. Contentious shows include McQueen’s 1995 “Highland Rape,” which featured models in torn lace dresses and disheveled clothing. For his 1998 spring/summer collection, which the designer named “Yellow Rain,” models appeared on the runway amidst artificial rain tinted with yellow lights—a move that caused sponsor American Express to request that the show be renamed “Untitled.”

Other memorable shows include McQueen’s 1999 spring/summer presentation, where catwalk queen Shalom Harlow wore a white strapless dress and was doused in black and yellow spray paint by two robotic arms. In 2006, McQueen featured the first supermodel hologram of Kate Moss wearing a flowing organza gown encased in a glass pyramid.

As media continue to speculate about causes of death and potential memorials, McQueen’s publicity team has posted this message on his website:

“On behalf of Lee McQueen’s family, Alexander McQueen today announces the tragic news that Lee McQueen, the founder and designer of the Alexander McQueen brand has been found dead at his home. At this stage it is inappropriate to comment on this tragic news beyond saying that we are devastated and are sharing a sense of shock and grief with Lee’s family. Lee’s family has asked for privacy in order to come to terms with this terrible news and we hope the media will respect this.”

The fashion visionary will be remembered for his whimsical, scandalous, and unyieldingly innovative designs.