British fashion designer Alexander McQueen has been found dead in his London home, a week after his mother Joyce passed away.

Initial reports say he committed suicide by hanging himself. He was 40.

The tattooed “bad boy” of fashion was known for his theatrical runway shows and had a penchant for using images of skulls in his designs. He has designed for Givenchy and Gucci, created a cosmetics line for MAC and an affordable clothing line for Target.

He counted the model Kate Moss among his close friends, and was beloved by celebrities including Lady Gaga, Heidi Klum and Madonna. Lady Gaga memorably wore McQueen’s lobster-claw shoes in her “Bad Romance” music video.

News of McQueen’s death comes on the first day of New York Fashion Week. Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour reportedly ran out of a fashion show Thursday upon being notified via text. McQueen was expected to show at Paris Fashion Week next month.

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