26 years after her reign, Sarah Burton gives in her unexpected resignation at Alexander McQueen. On October 3rd 2023, the trajectory changes, Sean is appointed in her place. London-based Dubliner, McGirr is Central Saint Martins educated previously worked as a stylist in both Tokyo and Paris.
McGirr began his relationship with fashion in 2014 at Uniqlo after graduating. His career took off, touching on Burberry and Vogue Hommes in Japan then most recently prior to his new appointment, McGirr worked for JW Anderson, focusing on menswear however he eventually added womenswear to his fashion responsibilities.
Unknown to the public and similarly mysterious to insiders, what exactly made McGirr appealing to the elites at prestigious fashion house, Alexander McQueen? CEO, Gianfilippo Testa, stated their ‘delight’ at welcoming McGirr, suggesting his ‘experience, personality’ and ‘creative energy’ is key to bringing a new creative ‘language’ to Alexander McQueen whilst simultaneously continuously building on their ‘unique heritage’.
His appointment can be seen as McQueen’s attempt at achieving their new objective which is to open a new chapter within the company. They aim to promote their approach to the new young generations of fashion consumers by encapsulating a new kind of McQueen that is attractive to them.
In fashion, competition is everything. McQueen and Loewe go head to head and this need to compete, and win, has been fuelled by McGirr’s selection. It has not only allowed for a fresh creative path for the house but it has also allowed for an ability for connection with newer generations as well as presenting itself as a viable competitor for powerful Spanish fashion house, Loewe.
McGirr’s most recent show, also only his second show, carried an immense hype around it. It featured a selection of eccentric pieces inspired by previous McQueen shows but mainly inspired by his own Irish heritage. His collection for the SS25 show was reflective of Irish Banshees which McGirr stated is ‘rooted in the history of McQueen but also a story that I grew up with.’