ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Seán McGirr's First Alexander McQueen Collection Debuts in Paris

other · 2026-04-27

Seán McGirr presented his debut collection for Alexander McQueen at Paris Fashion Week, marking a new chapter for the brand after Sarah Burton's 20-year tenure. The Irish designer, a Central Saint Martins graduate, previously led ready-to-wear at JW Anderson and worked with Dries Van Noten and Uniqlo. His autumn/winter 2024 line references McQueen's Birds spring/summer 1995 collection and incorporates automotive-inspired colors as a tribute to his mechanic father. The collection features structured tailoring, asymmetric lapels, unconventional shoulders, hidden pockets, oversized knits, and dramatic draping. McGirr aims to balance commercial viability with archival homage, focusing on accessories for retail. The show raises questions about the brand's identity post-McQueen, as the designer navigates nostalgia and contemporary relevance.

Key facts

  • Seán McGirr is the new creative director of Alexander McQueen
  • He presented his debut autumn/winter 2024 collection in Paris
  • McGirr previously led ready-to-wear at JW Anderson from 2020
  • He also worked at Dries Van Noten and Uniqlo with Christophe Lemaire
  • The collection references McQueen's Birds spring/summer 1995 line
  • Automotive-inspired colors pay tribute to McGirr's mechanic father
  • Key details include asymmetric lapels, hidden pockets, and oversized knits
  • The show focused on accessories for retail sale

Entities

Artists

  • Alexander McQueen
  • Seán McGirr
  • Sarah Burton
  • Christophe Lemaire
  • Dante Alighieri

Institutions

  • Alexander McQueen
  • Central Saint Martins
  • JW Anderson
  • Dries Van Noten
  • Uniqlo
  • Artribune

Locations

  • Paris
  • France
  • London
  • United Kingdom
  • Milan
  • Italy
  • Bari

Sources