A commemoration plaque is being unveiled to mark the place where Alexander McQueen, one of the most celebrated fashion designers of his generation, grew up in Stratford.

The unveiling is part of Newham Heritage Month and honours the late fashion icon.

Lee Alexander McQueen, who died in 2010 aged just 41, began his sartorial journey on a tailoring course at Newham College in East Ham.

His designs led to a global fashion career and awards including British Designer of the Year four times between 1996 and 2001 and a CBE for services to the fashion industry, as well as International Designer of the Year in 2003.

The blue plaque is to be where he lived in Biggerstaff Road, close to where the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park was opened.

The installation is on June 30 at 5pm, led by Newham mayor Rokhsana Fiaz, with members of McQueen’s family.

“McQueen’s genius and craft set the fashion world ablaze,” the mayor said. “Newham is home to such outstanding creative talent and Lee was among the very best of them.”

The unveiling follows the screening of the documentary McQueen at Stratford Town Hall on June 8 with director Ian Bonhôte taking a Q-and-A session with McQueen’s nephew, artist Gary McQueen.

There will also be an exhibition of previously unseen photos of his life growing up in Stratford from the family archives.

Gary said: “Stratford played an integral part in Lee’s early life, so I know how much he would have appreciated this plaque.”

The McQueen heritage project is the brainchild of journalist Neandra Etienne, who has already had plaques installed for stars with links to Newham, such as rock icon Jimi Hendrix and footballer Jack Leslie.

Neandra wants people to know about McQueen’s life in Stratford. She hopes his achievements in the fashion industry “inspire others to reach their own success beyond their wildest dreams”.

Celebrities who have all worn his designs include Nicole Kidman, Sarah Jessica Parker, Bjork and Lady Gaga, while the McQueen brand continues as a label of choice for Michelle Obama, Eddie Redmayne and Beyoncé.

The Princess of Wales also opted for a McQueen design for last month’s coronation.