Designer Alexander McQueen commits suicide at age 40.

News of fashion designer Alexander McQueen's death by his own hand has rocked the international fashion industry. 

According to the latest reports, his office confirmed his death, saying: 'It is a tragic loss. We are not making a comment at this time out of respect for the McQueen family.' .

McQueen was due to present his Fall 2010 collection in Paris next week. It is not known if the show will go on.

McQueen was born in the East End of London on March 17, 1969. His father was a taxi driver and as a child he made dresses for his three sisters.He apprenticed on Savile Row and actually made suits for Prince Charles and Mikhail Gorbachev 

Hie caught the eye of influential and eclectic stylist Isabella Blow. The two became very close friends until Blow committed suicide on May 7, 2007. McQueen dedicated his spring 2008 collection to her.

McQueen was named England's designer of the year four times between 1996 and 2003.

This is so tragic and sad.