<text>  He was one of the UKs most controversial fashion stars, a man whose flamboyant public image concealed a private life blighted by depression and battles with drink and drugs. Now a retrospective of Alexander McQueens work is to go on display at Londons Victoria and Albert Museum, with pieces taken from his ground-breaking 1992 MA collection shown alongside his last. Savage Beauty, which opens next month but had a preview for A-List stars this evening, includes pieces from the unfinished 2010 collection as well as new pieces lent by McQueens friends, among them stylist Katy England. Scroll down for video . Spectacular: A curator puts the final touches to some of the dresses that make up the VAs new Savage Beauty retrospective . Supersized: The new exhibition is the largest Alexander McQueen retrospective ever held in Europe . McQueen, who was found dead on the 11th February 2010, was one of the UKs most influential designers at the time of his death and was the owner of a little black book that encompassed everyone from royals to first ladies and fashion editors. The son of a taxi driver and a social science teacher, the glittering world he came to inhabit was a far cry from the humble terraced home in Lewisham, south London, where he grew up with his five brothers and sisters. After leaving school at 16 with a single O-Level in art, the fledgling designer went on to do an apprenticeship at Savile Row tailors Gieves Hawkes, before a stint at theatrical costumiers, Angels and Bermans. Both would have huge influence on his later career. McQueens big break came following a spell in Milan working for Romeo Gigli. On his return to London, he applied to Central St Martins for work as a pattern cutter. Impressed by his portfolio, Bobby Hilson, the head of the masters course, persuaded him to enrol as a student instead. His faith in McQueen paid off. The designers graduate collection earned him rave reviews and the entire thing was bought by Isabella Blow. Talented: McQueen, pictured left during his SS06 show and, right, backstage with a model, was one of the UKs most talented designers . Striking: His pieces were adored by fashion press and fashion-buying public alike . Hard to walk in: His shoes were notoriously elaborate and hard to walk in, as several models discovered while on the catwalk . Finishing touches: A curator works on an exhibit left, while right, one of the structured gowns for which McQueen became famous . Last pieces: These designs are taken from McQueens SS10 collection which was inspired by sea creatures . From there, McQueen went on to become one of the most influential designers of his generation, designing David Bowies tour wardrobe in 1996 and following up with his infamous bumsters - which then sparked a craze for low slung jeans. The same year, he was appointed creative director at Givenchy, replacing fellow Briton John Galliano, and relocated to Paris. But despite his success, McQueen never forgot his London roots, often speaking of his love for the British capital. Indeed, he once spoke of how inspiring he found the VA itself, saying: The collections at the VA never fail to intrigue and inspire me. The nation is privileged to have access to such a resource... its the sort of place Id like to be shut in overnight. The museum repaid the compliment, first by including the designers work in Cutting Edge: 50 Years of British Fashion in 1997, and then again in its Fashion in Motion series. But it is the new Savage Beauty retrospective that will be the largest retrospective of McQueens work hosted by the museum, with more than 200 different pieces set to go on show. Enfant terrible: One of McQueens more shocking stunts involved spraying model Shalom Harlow with paint during his SS98 show . Striking: A VA assistant poses next to a dress taken from McQueens The Girl Who Lived In The Tree AW 2008 collection . Magnificent: As with his shoes, the headgear shown on the catwalk by McQueen was usually difficult to wear . Changing times: McQueens sea creature inspired SS10 collection left and a dress from his AW08 Widows of Culloden collection . Among the pieces included are gowns from his 1992 postgraduate collection, as well as some of his AW10 designs - the last the designer would ever create. His final collection was never completed, with just 16 dresses shown to fashion editors in Paris a month after he died. But while McQueen might be gone, his brand lives on and, in the capable hands of his former assistant Sarah Burton, continues to go from strength to strength. Lee was a genius and a true visionary who pushed boundaries, challenged and inspired, she explains. He believed in creativity and innovation and his talent was limitless. Savage Beauty is a celebration of the most imaginative and talented designer of our time. I am thrilled to announce that the VA will bring this wonderful exhibition to London to celebrate the extraordinary creative talent of one of the most innovative designers of recent times, adds VA director Martin Roth. Lee Alexander McQueen was brought up in London, studied here and based his globally successful McQueen fashion brand here by staging the exhibition at the VA it feels like we are bringing his work home. Dramatic: McQueen was famous for producing pieces that erred on the side of gothic such as these three dresses . Spectacular: Victoriana and bold blooms were also recurring motifs, as these striking gowns make plain . Setting the scene: Savage Beauty opens at the VA next month, with tickets due to go on sale on the 14th March . The stars turned out in force for the party the VA held this evening to celebrate the arrival of the exhibition. Supermodels including Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell and Erin OConnor all showed up at the event in dresses by the late designer. A-List names from the world of acting also showed up to view the designs, including Colin Firth and Laura Carmichael, while David and Victoria Beckham put in an appearance too. Princess Beatrice flew the flag for the British royals, turning heads as she arrived in a black tuxedo-style dress that was split to the thigh. Jamie Hince and Kate Moss also attended the exhibition . David and Victoria Beckham were also invited to the event . Custom Victoria Beckham AutumnWinter 15 . Shop Victoria Beckham at Net-a-Porter . Visit site . Theres no denying that Victoria Beckham is now officially part of the fashion elite. Her catwalk collections are met with as much respect as the long-established labels, as well as becoming a style icon herself. Attending the opening night of the Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty exhibition, Victoria demonstrated both of our points by looking stunning in a dress from her own brand. The strapless design gave it a chic look, but the bold cut-out features provided an edgy fashion-forward streak to the look. Naturally, when youre the head of a brand getting a custom made frock is not a problem, explaining why you can only spot a slightly shorter skirt version of this same cut-out design on the recent AutumnWinter catwalk. You might not be able to get our hands on this exact custom made dress, but not only can you click right to shop the current VB range at Net-a-Porter, but you can also get inspired by Victorias look with our edit of strapless dresses below. Just pair with some black pumps and pout like theres no tomorrow! Calvin Klein strapless dress at Macys now 182.99 Visit site . JS Collections mermaid gown at Macys . Visit site . Christin Michaels Leah dress at Nordstrom . Visit site . Hurley tomboy dress at Nordstrom . Visit site . Princess Beatrice looked chic in a tuxedo-style long black gown, which she accessorised with a diamante bracelet and a gold clutch . Poppy Delevingne smoldered in a black lace gown . Erin OConnor looked elegant in a long white dress . 