Fashion’ s Fragility

BY: Andy Shoulders

Behind the couture, runways, and flashy editorials lies a darker side of the fashion industry. With some of the most beautiful and revered designs often come some of the most tortured minds that create or wear them. Whether it’s the massive fame, pressure, substance abuse, or any combination thereof, certain brilliant designers and models alike simply cannot handle what the fashion world (and fashion-obsessed public) throws at them. Let’s take a look at some of the most notable fashion figures that left us way too early.

ALEXANDER MCQUEEN

The name Alexander McQueen probably comes to mind first when one thinks of designers who succumbed to their demons. His tenure as chief designer at Givenchy from 1996 to 2001 brought the house back to relevance, and his own label was obviously the stuff of fashion dreams. He was truly a master of fashion as art, with world-renowned collections like “Highland Rape,” “Widows of Culloden,” and “Plato’s Atlantis” cementing him as a fashion legend. However, McQueen always struggled with drug addiction, as well as anxiety and depression. The news of his mother’s death (they were always extremely close) in February 2010 proved to be too much for him to handle, and he committed suicide barely two weeks later.

ISABELLA BLOW

Often credited with jumpstarting Alexander McQueen’s career by purchasing his entire 1992 premier collection, Isabella Blow paved the way for many notable people in the fashion industry. She was the muse of hat designer Philip Treacy, and is credited with discovering models Stella Tenant and Sophie Dahl. She remained close with Alexander McQueen throughout his career and continued to be his champion until things soured when Gucci Group (now Kering) purchased the McQueen label in 2001. Blow felt left behind by the deal that many thought she herself brokered, and she suddenly started having trouble finding a home in a world she once so heavily influenced. Add to that an ovarian cancer & bipolar disorder diagnosis, along with being disinherited by her father. Soon the (several) suicide attempts started, and she unfortunately succeeded in May of 2007. Check out SHOWStudio’s amazing short film about her below.

L’WREN SCOTT

In an industry known for its cattiness and superficiality, L’Wren Scott (born Laura “Luann” Bambrough) stood out for her calmness and compassion for others. Known for her classic tailoring and sumptuously-detailed red carpet gowns, Scott’s designs were worn by such A-listers as Sarah Jessica Parker, Nicole Kidman, and Renee Zellweger. She was also known (and perhaps a bit overshadowed) for being the girlfriend of the legendary Mick Jagger. She launched her first fashion collection in 2006, and also issued regular tips on etiquette, known as “L’Wrenisms.” Following a long period of depression and financial troubles, those close to Scott began to notice her downward spiral. In March of 2014, she was found dead in her NYC apartment by her assistant. Scott had apparently hanged herself with one of her own black silk scarves.

KATE SPADE

Known internationally for her colorful handbags, Kate Spade launched her eponymous label, Kate Spade New York, in 1993 and opened her first shop three years later. Bridging Main Street and high-end, Spade’s handbags were quirky yet luxurious, and symbolized professional achievement for countless young women. The Kate Spade brand eventually grew to 140 retail stores and outlet shops nationwide, along with 175 stores internationally. Spade (along with her husband Andy) sold a majority of the company to Neiman Marcus in 1999 for a cool $33.6 million. In 2007, Liz Claiborne acquired the company, and Spade left her namesake brand altogether. Despite her massive success, her demons got the best of her, and she hanged herself (in eerily the same fashion as L’Wren Scott, silk scarf and all) in her Manhattan apartment in June of 2018.

JOSEPHUS THIMISTER

Dutch fashion designer Josephus Thimister was renowned for his modern and minimalistic vision. After starting his career as an assistant to Karl Lagferfeld, he became creative director of women’s ready-to-wear at Balenciaga in 1991. After six years there, he began designing for Italian fashion house Genny, followed by a stint as creative director for Charles Jourdan. His recent death by suicide in November of this year shocked the fashion world.