Originally posted on eurorscgpr.com/blog.
When British designer Alexander McQueen was found hanged in his London home last Thursday morning, it rocked the fashion world. His suicide, at age 40, was undeniably terrible, and it sparked a powerfully emotional response.
That’s not unusual, but what was distinctive about the response this time was how quickly and efficiently the news traveled. Perhaps because the communities McQueen was closest to, fashion and celebrity, have embraced Twitter so completely, the reaction in Twitterville was immense. People responded in real time, sharing the news as fast as they got it, using Twitter as the new chain letter as well as the modern-age telephone.
The story soon spread beyond the fashion community, so deeply into the wider culture that by Friday morning, less than 24 hours after his death was discovered, Alexander McQueen was the ninth-most talked-about topic on Twitter. The site was filled with posts like this: “R.I.P Alexander McQueen. thanks for the originality, sparks of genius, and whimsical dreams you’ve scattered along the way.”
His most famous clients and fans used Twitter to pay public tribute. People.com catalogued some of their posts, including:
Dita Von Teese: “Rest in peace, Mr. McQueen.”
Kirstie Alley: “ALEXANDER MCQUEEN…you made big bottomed and not so big bottomed girls all over the world look stunning..come back soon..give it another go”
Kim Kardashian: “I just found out Alexander McQueen died!!! I’m in shock! So sad! I’m wearing one of his dresses now! He was such a talented designer”
Donatella Versace: “Alexander McQueen was unique. His imagination had no limits, he had an amazing personality and his creativity was genius.”
Catherine Malandrino: “I just heard about Alexander McQueen and I feel so devastated. My heart and prayers are with his loved ones.”
McQueen’s muse, Lady Gaga, quickly posted a photo on her Twitter page.
Interestingly enough, McQueen himself was an avid Twitterer, and some of his final tweets reveal his state of mind. Twitter has now taken down his page, but some journalists got their hands on the cache. McQueen was devastated by the death of his mother less than a week earlier, and The Telegraph reported that he tweeted about his emotions on Sunday: “been a ******* awful week but my friends have been great but now i have to some how pull myself together and finish with the HELLS ANGELS & PROLIFIC DEAMONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”
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