If fashion is what you live and breath, your raison d’etre, then Alexander McQueen’s name should pull at a few heart strings. Equipped with a truly inspiring success story, McQueen achieved so much throughout the course of his 40 years of life it’s enough to make anyone vaguely proud of their achievements feel utterly out-done. With a killer combination of education in Saville Row tailoring and study at Central St. Martins, McQueen inspired some, and became known himself, as one of the most prestigious designers in the UK.

Bringing drama and extravagance to the catwalk (his spring/summer 2001 show particularly springs to mind when he baffled all with only a reflective glass box on the catwalk, forcing the audience to view themselves as the main feature on display), McQueen adds fantasy, an emotional intensity and rebellion to fashion. It is not only the avant-garde celeb that McQueen appeals to (Lady Gaga dedicated her performance at the Brit awards in 2010 to the late McQueen), but even the more traditional royalty have upheld his honor – Kate Middleton’s wedding dress speaks for itself.

Since his death, the Alexander McQueen brand has still been a British favourite, and with Sarah Burton now in charge, designs include a more feminine, soft touch. So, if you’re searching for some classically British shops in London, certainly head to this one.