It’s with an aching heart that we must report the tragic loss of brilliant UK designer Alexander McQueen. Devastated by the death of his mother last week, Mcqueen, only 40, apparently hung himself in his London apartment. He was certainly one of the most prolific and imaginative designers of our lifetime – anyone who loved fashion aspired to own something by McQueen. The pieces we have of his are now collector’s items. In a recent interview Mcqueen said “In my passing, I do not want my label to go forward.” Mountains of flower arrangements, bouquets, and cards are heaped outside his store on Melrose Avenue and a sign says it will not re-open until Monday. It’s the end of an era.

Hot on the heels of Richard Dawkins’ book defining evolution, designer Alexander McQueen became inspired by the notion of Darwin’s The Origin of the Species, and these shoes and fashions were the result. His collection featured feathers and amphibian scales and prehistoric greenery. (The models even have gills on their temples.) The pinnacle of the collection, however, are the 12 inch high booties that resemble animal hooves. We’d like to see an X-ray of the position of the model’s feet inside. Walking a catwalk can be dangerous.