Alexander McQueen's fashion label to continue despite designer's death

Alexander McQueen's label will live on despite the death of the designer, his parent company said today.

PPR SA's chief executive Francois-Henri Pinault announced the decision after paying tribute to McQueen, who was found hanged in a wardrobe in his London home last week.

Mr Pinault called McQueen a genius, a poet and a friend.

The designer was known for his daring, edgy fashion and skilful tailoring. He is credited with helping to revive the once-flagging British fashion industry.

McQueen hanged himself on the eve of the funeral of his mother, Joyce, after leaving a note at the scene, an inquest heard yesterday.

Westminster Coroner's Court was told the 40-year-old, whose full name was Lee Alexander McQueen, was discovered at his £1 million flat in Green Street, Mayfair, central London, last Thursday.

A post-mortem examination found he died as a result of asphyxiation and hanging.

PPR also confirmed McQueen's highly anticipated autumn/winter collection will be shown at Paris Fashion Week next month.

In reference to the brand, Mr Pinault said: "You understand, the Alexander McQueen trademark will live on.

"This would be the best tribute that we could offer to him."

He added: "His art went beyond the fashion world. He had a great command of technique... he hid behind an armour of provocation.

"Fashion has lost one of its extraordinary people. He was one of the falling stars that comes across our generation.

"He is a person we will miss enormously."

Gucci Group president and chief executive Robert Polet also paid tribute, saying: "We believe in the future of the brand. Lee was very proud of the people working in his company, and so am I."

PPR's annual results released today described the Alexander McQueen brand as making a "solid increase in retail and wholesale unchanged".

Gucci Group bought a 51% stake in the Alexander McQueen label in 2001.

As tributes continue to flood in for the designer following his suicide, his clothes have become collectors' items.

In the days following his death, sales of McQueen clothes soared 1,400%, according to trade publication Drapers.