The great McQueen buy-up

Liberty reported a spike in sales as early as 4pm yesterday, only one hour after the news broke.

Kate Brindley, Liberty's Head of Press, said, "just after the news broke, all of our Alexander McQueen stock started flying off the shelves. Initially the signature skull print scarves were the most popular items, but now we've seen a surge in sales of the more serious fashion items like the dresses and jackets".

Net-a-Porter's selection of Alexander McQueen's clothes and accessories shows dozens of sold out items. They too are seeing that it's not just the lower priced scarves and pendants that are being bought up. The reptile-print silk dress - a key piece from his spring summer collection - has sold out despite its £2,845 price tag.

Liberty is revealing a McQueen window and ground-floor installation today while McQueen's Bond Street store has removed its window displays and is showing black curtains. Its flag is at half-mast in tribute to its designer and hand-written notes from well-wishers are beginning to gather on its door.

Over in New York, McQueen's Chelsea store was closed for business yesterday save for a visit from longtime friend Naomi Campbell who arrived with friends wearing the skull-print scarf. The scarf's popularity as the mourners homage piece is building momentum.

Click here to see a retrospective of the Alexander McQueen collections...