It’s been a tumultuous few weeks for British fashion after the tragic death of the East End boy come world renowned couturier Lee Alexander McQueen.

The loss of a true fashion maverick— a designer whose brilliantly eccentric creations and non-conformist attitude to the industry—inspired much of the talent that was showcased at Somerset House over the 6 days of London Fashion Week.

It was on Tuesday, less than a fortnight after his death, whilst waiting for the Amanda Wakeley show to begin that I was able sit and reflect on the impact of his death. As I surveyed a tribute wall, erected in his honour, the emotion in the room was palpable. I watched as people scribbled heart-rending messages, some expressing the great loss they felt, others thanking him for inspiring their own work. It was a truly poignant moment that made me realise what a huge void ‘Le Enfant Terrible’ (meaning unruly child) as he was often referred to, had left.

Come Thursday, after the catwalks had been dismantled and the last of the wandering show pamphlets had been swept away into a dusty heap, it was time for those who knew the man behind the brand, to say their final goodbyes. It was the most moving fashion procession ever held under McQueen, as his friends and family paid tribute to his legacy by wearing his creations. One attendee in particular, Daphne Guinness, made a breath-taking homage to his 2002 A/W collection. Consumed by both overwhelming grief and a wonderfully avant- garde black cape, in this instance fashion really did speak volumes.

Leaving behind his eponymous company to the Gucci Group, McQueen fans across the globe— still in a profound state of sadness— will be anxious about the future of the McQueen empire, leaving us to wonder; with the prodigy no longer at the helm, will the identity of the brand still translate? I suppose we can only hope that Alexander McQueen’s inimitable spirit and creative vision will live on through those he inspired, but until then, we wait with nervous anticipation for March 9 when McQueen’s final and most significant collection will be shown in Paris.