Alexander McQueen

Designer Alexander McQueen founded his brand of the same name in 1992. Eight years later, 51% majority shares had been acquired by the Gucci Group, who appointed him as Creative Director. Almost immediately, stores sprang up in London, Milan, New York, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas. By October 2011, Alexander McQueen had opened its first store in China, launching with a runway show in Beijing. Alexander McQueen launched its first menswear collection in 2005. It then launched its first women's collection on the runway in 2008. It opened its first online store in the US in 2008, which expanded to the UK in 2010. This is also the year that its founding member passed away. Heavily in debt at the time of his passing despite posting notable profits from handbag sales, the banner was passed to Sarah Burton, McQueen's deputy for 14 years. By 2020, the brand and its product range had expanded, as had its store count, reaching 100 by the end of that year.