Remembering Alexander McQueen: Family and friends pay tribute to late designer at London premiere

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Designer Alexander McQueen didn't like to be on camera much, and the opportunity to capture him on film in an intimate setting was only afforded to his close friends and family. Now, eight years after his death, a new DOCUMENTARY delves into the darkness and genius of the controversial fashion icon, and tries to showcase his rebellion, theatrics and cutting edge creativity. Qi Jie has more.

Family, friends and admirers of the late fashion designer Alexander McQueen took to the red carpet for the UK premiere of the new documentary "McQueen".

Focusing on the designer's life, his work and his legacy, the co-directors of the documentary say they sought to create not just a fashion film, but a film about an extraordinary man who happened to work in the industry.

IAN BONHOTE CO-DIRECTOR, 'MCQUEEN' "We really hope that people don't get worried that it might be a fashion film, we hope that the audience will see that it's about an extraordinary man who happened to work in fashion. I think Peter (Ettedgui) and I, as film makers, we don't come from the fashion world, so as filmmakers we wanted to tell a story which is worth telling."

PETER ETTEDGUI CO-DIRECTOR, 'MCQUEEN' E "Absolutely. I mean it's an extraordinary emotional journey with huge highs and lows, obviously there's a tragedy, but it's also a story that's full of hope, because he came from nowhere and achieved so much in his life. I think that's a very universal story in that sense."

Born to a working-class family in the East End of London, Alexander McQueen grew a fashion empire. He even headed up the legendary house of Givenchy, and won the title of "British Designer of the Year" four times.

His sister Janet attended the premiere and sang praises of both the film and McQueen himself.

JANET MCQUEEN ALEXANDER MCQUEEN'S SISTER E "I think this film will be a testament to Lee's tenacious personality, how he came from virtually nothing and he became one of the most famous fashion designers."

Alexander McQueen took his own life in 2010, but those attending the premiere hope his legacy will live on. "McQueen" is released in the United Kingdom on June 8. QIJIE, CGTN.