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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
World
Rachael Burford

Blue plaque for Alexander McQueen’s childhood home in east London

A blue plaque is set to be unveiled to mark the childhood home of Alexander McQueen in east London.

The tribute to the late fashion designer, known for his theatrical shows and precision tailoring, is the first official homage to McQueen in his home borough of Newham.

Known to friends and family as Lee, he grew up in Stratford as the sixth child of East End cab driver Ronald McQueen, and wife Joyce, a teacher.

He went to Rokeby School before completing a tailoring course at Newham College and then studying at Central Saint Martins.

Four times he was named designer of the year by the British Fashion Council.

Celebrities including Nicole Kidman, Sarah Jessica Parker and Lady Gaga have worn his clothes and the McQueen brand continues to be sported by icons including Michelle Obama and Beyoncé. The Princess of Wales chose the British house, now led by artistic director Sarah Burton, to make her wedding dress.

McQueen took his own life in 2010, aged 40.

The plaque unveiling will take place during on June 30 in Biggerstaff Road, where he grew up.

It is one of a number of events during Newham Heritage Month that will honour the late fashion icon.

His nephew and artist, Gary James McQueen, said: “Newham played such an integral part in Lee’s early life so I know how much he would have appreciated this blue plaque in honouring that fact.”

A blue plaque is set to be unveiled to mark the childhood home of Alexander McQueen in east London.

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