Today, on February 11th 2010, an intensely talented British designer Alexander McQueen allegedly took his own life. News of his possible suicide shook the world days before London Fashion Week and weeks before he was about to unveil his new collection. He was 40 years old.

I didn’t know where to sort this post, which category would be most appropriate for an obituary. And then it hit me: Inspiration. That’s what Alexander was, is, and always will be to people in the fashion world and beyond. Alexander’s designs entertained, shocked, inspired and influenced us in ways we cannot imagine. They made us laugh, made us cry, made us question, made us re-think. There is truly no other designer who dared tread on the fashion terrains McQueen so bravely stomped on.

My favorite performer, Lady Gaga, must be in tears. She, alongside many other fashion-forward celebrities such as Bjork & Rihanna, incorporated his edgy, thought-provoking designs into their work.

All of a sudden, it’s quiet in fashion. Let’s take a few moments of silence to remember this visionary. R.I.P. Alexander McQueen.