Alexander McQueen's Will Made Public, Shows Love For Dogs

LONDON — The late fashion designer Alexander McQueen left most of his considerable fortune to charities but also left money to his siblings, household staff and for the upkeep of his dogs, according to documents made public Tuesday.

McQueen, one of the brightest stars in British fashion, committed suicide last year just days after his mother's death.

The documents show that McQueen, who was 40, left an estate worth just over 16 million pounds ($26 million).

He left 250,000 pounds each to his three sisters and two brothers, and 50,000 pounds each to his two-person household staff, his godson, and each of his nieces and nephews.

The animal lover left 50,000 pounds for the continual care of his dogs and donated 100,000 pounds each to two charities that help animals: the Battersea Dogs and Cats Home and the Blue Cross Animal Welfare Charity. Both provide care for abandoned animals and help find them homes.

Kim Hamilton, chief executive of the Blue Cross animal charity, said the group is "thrilled" with the bequest.

"It is a touching tribute to his obvious love for his dogs and his legacy will allow us to help many thousands more sick and homeless animals across the UK," she said.

McQueen also left 100,000 pounds each to the London Buddhist Center and the Terrence Higgins Trust, which helps promote sexual health and safe sex practices.

The designer, known for his edgy and artistic creations, left the bulk of his estate to his Sarabande charity with the suggestion that some money be used for scholarships at London's Central St. Martin's College of Art and Design.

He was one of the school's many famous graduates.

Comments

[Corinne Phipps]

01:07 AM on 07/29/2011

I think this is absolutely lovely. Bless his heart!

[Cynth]

01:35 PM on 07/28/2011

His final wishes underscores the tremendous loss of his kind soul.

[Fortune27]

05:00 AM on 07/28/2011

Given the deep complex beauty of his vision, I would expect no less than this from this brilliant man. He was a sensitive, troubled soul who clearly cared for and had profound respect his loved ones. There will never be another like him.

[Duane Mills]

12:08 AM on 07/28/2011

Suicide is this most selfish act that a self person can do.... weak! He may have been talented but it's all wasted for his selfishness.

[Sue Langland]

06:13 PM on 07/27/2011

A genius and a kind man, what a loss for fashion and for his friends.

[shuffleoff]

01:27 PM on 07/27/2011

Everyone loved this man so...heartbreaking. I hope his beloved dogs are doing well.

[BowlingForRevenge]

09:37 AM on 07/27/2011

Just curious but the bequeaths listed were miniscule compared to the total wealth of his estate.
How are estates taxed in Great Britain and where does the majority of the corpus go?

[Sue Langland]

06:11 PM on 07/27/2011

"left the bulk of his estate to his Sarabande charity with the suggestion that some money be used for scholarships at London's Central St. Martin's College of Art and Design."

I'm sure that a board is in place at his charity to decide how best to spend the millions, and promote his legacy, and help young designers.

[JJovana]

09:29 AM on 07/27/2011

To me personally, fashion died with him. It was an already dying business with designers thinking business and profit first, art and originality waaaayyy second, McQueen kept it fresh, exciting and absolutely thrilling. Sadly, I did not get the chance to see The Savage Beauty at MET, but I have ordered the book from his site and its brilliant. As a fashion admirer, I will never get over the loss of Lee. He was a gentle, but troubled soul who explored darkness, romance and out of this world concepts. I truly hope he found peace he didnt acquire here on earth and may his soul forever rest in peace. His generosity remains as evident as ever. Thank you for the ART Lee :(

[agness nutter]

10:45 PM on 07/27/2011

I was in NYC a couple of times this summer and my New Yorker daughter insisted I see Savage Beauty when it looked like plans might get changed. It truly was a remarkable experience. I'm not particularly interested in fashion, but being up close with those pieces, being able to see the actual construction details, and having the benefit of the commentary - it really was a once in a lifetime experience. Very hard not to touch.

[ChaiKat]

09:24 AM on 07/27/2011

What a wonderful legacy. So nice to see he wanted to provide for his family and dogs after his death, and also help animals in need.

[Jlbeaverton]

01:44 AM on 07/27/2011

He was amazing. Such a huge loss for the fashion and art world.

[DOC666]

11:50 PM on 07/26/2011

Age 40 with wealth in the tens of millions and he was so despondent that he committed suicide. This should show everyone that wealth is no guarantee of happiness.

[tcnsrq]

11:11 PM on 07/26/2011

generous.

[Brian Gorrell]

09:15 PM on 07/26/2011

Classy.
His exhibit at the MET is OUTSTANDING!

[agness nutter]

10:50 PM on 07/27/2011

One of the first documentaries I ever saw was on the Battle of Culloden. The Widows of Culloden is beautiful and haunting, far beyond fashion. Savage Beauty indeed. There are sleeves on a black silk dress that must have at least 25 vertical seams. What a brilliant man.

[PootiePoot]

08:29 PM on 07/26/2011

beautiful man he was.

[syl1969]

10:32 PM on 07/26/2011

second that

[PootiePoot]

01:02 PM on 07/27/2011

I should say, he still is...he will surely live on in the hearts of many and generations to come. His kind are rare and this world is a very hostile place for special and extraordinary souls like his. There is no way to know what is next when this journey is over, but for him, I would be willing to bet it's something very good. I can look in his face and see how lovely his soul is.

[calicoerotica]

07:15 PM on 07/26/2011

So talented and generous. What a tremendous loss.