As of today, Britain is a less creative place, as we learn the awful news that Alexander McQueen has died at the age of 40.

So before the full three-ring media circus rolls into town, and the gossip-mongers, sensationalists and those who think posting on Twitter is an acceptable simulacrum for grief, take over the story, let’s remember why he was great in the first place.

The term “enfant terrible” was often bandied about when McQueen’s name was mentioned. This is usually a backhanded compliment aimed at people who are all mouth and no trousers, but in McQueen’s case he quite literally rose to fame by reinventing the trouser. His ‘bumster’, the trouser for wannabe flashers everywhere, was derided at the time but appeared just before hip-hop, emo and other street looks sent  the waistline hurtling south.

Aside from the occasional shock tactics, however, McQueen’s work as a couturier and designer was startling and beautiful. He took the staid perfection of the Saville Row tailor and blended it with the same feel for the absurd and theatrical that made Vivienne Westwood and John Galliano so successful. Some of his most recent work includes the ‘Alien’ shoes that Lady GaGa teeters around on in the video for Bad Romance.

It was this synthesis of wildness tempered with discipline that made his work so exciting. And what we’ll sorely miss.

Alexander McQueen, best collections

R.I.P. Alexander McQueen. We hope you rest in peace.