Alexander McQueen getting biopic

The 2009 death of arguably one of the greatest fashion designers of his time was a bit much for the fashion industry to handle.

McQueen was one of the brightest fashion stars of the time, and his success was expected to go on for decades to come. When the news of his tragic suicide broke, the industry lost a man, who despite only being 40 years old, would still go down in history as one of the greatest designers of all time.

45 Years director Andrew Haigh has realized the significance of McQueen's life and contributions to fashion, and has signed on to direct a biopic about the late designer for producer Damian Jones and Pathe. The script will be written by playwright Chris Urch, whose latest play *The Rolling Stone*, just opened up to rave reviews in London. Jones also optioned Andrew Wilson's McQueen biography Blood Beneath the Skin*, but the film will not be based exclusively on the book.

McQueen's story is nothing shy of interesting. Born Lee Alexander McQueen to a taxi driver and teacher, he was the youngest of six children. At age three, he declared that he wanted to be a fashion designer.

Andrew Haigh to direct Alexander McQueen biopic

The young boy with a dream would go on to become an apprentice on Savile Row where he was renowned for his immaculate tailoring skills. His client list would grow to include Prince Charles and Mikhail Gorbachev. McQueen would go on to design the wardrobe for David Bowie's 1996-97 tour, further catapulting him to fame.

The designer would go on to become the head of Givenchy before he eventually launched his own label in 2001. While his life was all glamour on the runway, behind the scenes he was plagued by depression and drug use. Nine days after his mother passed away from cancer, he committed suicide.

Pathe and their UK Managing Partner Cameron McCracken are aiming to get the project into production by the end of the year.

Haigh is coming off of a celebratory high after his film 45 Years has landed in many critics top five lists this year, and has earned actress Charlotte Rampling an Oscar nomination. Hopefully he'll be able to recreate those dramatic catwalk shows for the big screen.

photo:alexandermcqueen.com