Weekly fashion buzz: the tragic truth about Alexander McQueen

(AFP PHOTO/FRANCOIS GUILLOT)

Catch up with fashion news from the week ending April 30 with these links.

Alexander McQueen killed himself while on a "significant level of cocaine," sleeping pills, and tranquilizers. ( Vogue UK)

As the first country in Europe, Belgium has banned the Islamic burqa in an almost unanimous vote. ( AFP) Meanwhile, Iran has struck the opposite path, warning that it would arrest suntanned women and those looking like "walking mannequins." ( Telegraph)

This fall's New York fashion week will take place September 9-16 and will feature a special space for video installations and other 'alternative presentations.' ( Fashionista)

Trends at New York's bridal fashion week included minidresses such as Marchesa's LWD (Little White Dress). ( StyleList, full galleries of the collections at Aisle Dash; for a great guide on alternative wedding dresses, visit Refinery29.)

Good news for high-fashion fans on a budget: German designer Jil Sander has announced she will create collections for the Japanese retailer Uniqlo "indefinitely." ( The Cut)

Following its new wedding boutique, online retailer Net-à-Porter has launched a special store for denim, featuring classic jeans and shirts, but also more unexpected items such as bikinis and sandals. ( Net-à-Porter)

More trouble at Ungaro: the label's designer of the men's line, Franck Boclet, has left the brand to start his own line. ( AFP)

For this fall season, designers booked more models than celebrities to star in their ad campaigns. The only big exception: Madonna for D&G. ( WWD)

Corset-clad Rihanna and Lady Gaga aren't the only stars originating new lingerie trends: apparently, seeing sexy ladies in their forties in the likes of Sex and the City has sparked the ' cougar effect,' causing more middle-aged women to invest in daring underwear. ( Daily Mail)

Blogger Tavi's site was temporarily shut down by Google this week due to a photo of a naked Maggie Rizer that she posted. ( Style Rookie)

Zara copied Miu Miu's animal prints. ( Le Cheap C'est Chic)

First her bold, dark eyebrows in the Mango campaign, now turquoise eyeshadow in Dolce & Gabbana's beauty ads: actress Scarlett Johansson seems to have the right touch with trend-savvy clients. ( InStyle)