'McQueen is Dead. Long Live McQueen!' Fashion World Moves On

LONDON, Feb. 22, 2010— -- Ten days after the passing of British designer Alexander McQueen, a stunned fashion world has gathered for the traditional autumn/winter collections in London. McQueen's suicide at age 40 shocked the fans of his clothing label, as well as the many friends he made over his career of more than 20 years.

"I think the death of Alexander McQueen has carved a big shadow on every one," said Vassi Chamberlain, Conde Nast fashion editor, in an interview with ABC News.

"He was probably technically the most creative designer. The construct of his clothes was incredible. It wasn't just about fairy tales, it was about something a bit stronger and longer-lasting, and we'll see his influence for a long time."

That thought was echoed by Brix Smith-Start, a singer and owner of London's Start boutique. "The mood is good but there is a cloud of sadness," she told ABC News. "But life goes on, fashion goes on, he would have wanted it to."

McQueen had often drawn on the macabre to inspire his collections. "I've always been fascinated by the Victorian period of death where they used to take pictures of the dead," he said when he showed off his spring/summer 2010 collection.

"Everything has an end. The cycle of life is a positive thing because it gives room for new things to come." McQueen was devastated by the death of his mother earlier this month, and took his life the day before her funeral.

On the board dedicated to him, the fashion community posted condolence messages. Among the notes of sadness and shock, some winked at the designer's talent.

"How will I look good without you?" reads one.

"Skulls are such an important part of my life because of you," read another, alluding to McQueen's trademark print.

Some expressed their gratitude for his work and some hailed his legacy: "McQueen is Dead. Long live McQueen!"

But despite the undertone of sadness at this year's London Fashion Week, it was hard to escape the head-spinning creative buzz. On Sunday, hundreds of fashionistas rushed to see British designer Richard Nicoll -- who, at 32, is already a veteran of London Fashion Week -- deliver simple checked skirts and ample trousers.

The same crowd stopped short of a stampede at the doors of Matthew Williamson's show. Williamson, also a Briton, offered block-color wool coats and used a much darker palette of colors than usual, which won the approval of British Vogue's Sarah Harris. "I love Matthew's fur pieces and this rich sweet chili color on his gowns," she told us.