Alexander McQueen label 'vows to continue'

Bosses at Alexander McQueen's fashion house have revealed plans to continue operating the company in honour of the late designer.

The legendary fashion icon was found hanged at his London apartment last week, a subsequent post-mortem later confirming that he had died from asphyxiation.

Francois Henri-Pinault, chairman of holding firm PPW, announced the clothing label's aims in a statement that described McQueen as a "pure genius" and a "poet".

He said: "You understand, the Alexander McQueen trademark will live on. Fashion has lost one of its extraordinary people. He was one of the falling stars that comes across our generation. He is a person we will miss enormously."

Robert Polet, president of PPW subsidiary The Gucci Group - which holds a 50% stake in the label - echoed his support, adding: "We believe in the future of the brand."

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