British fashion designer Alexander McQueen has been found dead. Reports have confirmed that the pioneering designer was found hanged in Central London.

McQueen, who dressed the likes of Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell was one of Britain’s most talented and innovative designers, and made suits for Prince Charles and was named British Designer of the Year four times between 1996 and 2003.

He went on to be awarded a CBE, and was named International Designer of the Year at the Council of Fashion Designer Awards.

Renowned for taking risks with fashion – McQueen’s collections always caused a stir – from his ‘Highland Rape’ collection to his use of models painted as blow-up dolls. His shows in Paris were always one of the most sought after tickets – with celebrities and fashion insiders a like desperate to see what he would do next – whether it was a spray painting models, creating holograms of Kate Moss or filming Rachel Zimmerman morph into a lizard.

The Daily Mail have drawn parallels with the death of his close friend, Isabella Blow three years ago, who is credited with discovering him as a designer. Isabella killed herself after taking an overdose of weed-killer having been diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

McQueen was forced to deny rumours of an argument between the pair at the time of her death, with him saying “They don’t know me. They don’t know my relationship with Isabella”.

A source at McQueen’s office confirmed his death saying: “It is a tragic loss. We are not making a comment at this time out of respect for the McQueen family”.