Filed by KOSU News in World News.
July 26, 2011

The bulk of Alexander McQueen’s 16-million pound ($26 million) estate will go to his Sarabande charity, according to documents made public Tuesday. The renowned fashion designer killed himself in February 2010, following closely on his mother’s death.

McQueen said that he hoped Sarabande would support scholarships at the Central St. Martins College of Art and Design, which he attended.

Other beneficiaries name in his will include his three sisters and two brothers, each receiving 250,000 pounds. Two household staff members, McQueen’s godson and all of his nieces and nephews were provided 50,000 pounds each.

Care for the British designer’s dogs after his death has been covered by 50,000 pounds from the estate.

Finally, two animal charities, the London Buddhist Center and a health advocacy trust were given 100,000 pounds each.

When McQueen died in 2010, All Things Considered interviewed Washington Post fashion writer Robin Givhan, who said this about the designer:

“Much of what he did often made you scratch your head and ask, ‘Is he for or against women?’ ” she tells NPR’s Michele Norris. “You weren’t quite sure if he was empowering them or if he was subjugating them.”

This slideshow, produced at the time of his death, offers a look back at McQueen’s work: [Copyright 2011 National Public Radio]