Backstage after his third Paris Fashion Week show, Dublin-born Seán McGirr, 36, reflected on his growing confidence as the designer of Alexander McQueen, albeit with some hesitation. “I spend so much time with the incredible atelier,” he noted, suggesting a deepening connection with his craft.
The collection he presented exuded a self-assuredness that belied his modesty. Set in the Royal Cabinet of Natural History, the runway featured a catwalk-shaped space lined with wooden cabinets, creating a dramatic backdrop for the show.
McGirr drew inspiration from Charles Dickens’ “Night Walks,” infusing the collection with a unique aesthetic that harkened back to McQueen’s legacy. The show began with sleek black tailoring that emphasized fluid grace and exaggerated silhouettes.
Flounced dresses followed, paired with lace-up Victorian boots and modern accessories like black sunglasses. McGirr’s palette included blood red, soft lilac, and a queasy green reminiscent of absinthe, reflecting influences from Oscar Wilde.
Despite challenges such as slowing sales and the looming presence of his predecessor Sarah Burton, now at Givenchy, McGirr finds himself in a dynamic moment for fashion.
As the industry shifts back to hourglass silhouettes and away from oversized styles, McQueen’s focus on tailored waists and feminine lines is timely, positioning McGirr’s vision within a revitalized fashion landscape.
