THE fashion world was today mourning the loss of a “modern-day genius”, as Alexander McQueen was found dead on the eve of his mother’s funeral. Alexander McQueen’s body was discovered at his £1 million flat in London’s West End.

The 40-year-old, whose full name was Lee Alexander McQueen, was mourning his mother, Joyce, who died 11 days ago.Sources said he was found in his home and that there were no suspicious circumstances. Alexander McQueen, the son of an East End cab driver, was named British Designer of the Year four times and awarded the CBE.

Editor of British Vogue Alexandra Shulman said: “He influenced a whole generation of designers. His brilliant imagination knew no bounds.”A police spokesman confirmed the death was not being treated as suspicious and a post mortem examination would be carried out in due course.