Just after Sarah Burton’s final show for Alexander McQueen, the appointment of Seán McGirr as her successor at the House may surprise many, but it was slightly to be expected after all. Who is Sean McGirr, and which prestigious fashion houses appear on his CV?
Cover image: Robin Galigue for Alexander McQueen
Seán McGirr appointed as creative director at Alexander McQueen
Today, Séan McGirr was publicly announced as Alexander McQueen’s new creative director. His appointment was revealed quickly – less than a month – after the news of Sarah Burton’s exit from the brand. It is nothing new for Kering-owned brands. Burton had been with McQueen for almost three decades, being one of the last creatives at the House to have worked with McQueen in person. Kering’s move to get rid of Burton was probably one of the last wild moves of the company. Over recent years, Kering has been reshaping itself into a future-proof player in the ever-changing competitive fashion world. Other recent swaps include Sabato de Sarno at Gucci and Matthieu Blazy at Bottega Veneta.
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Alexander McQueen’s CEO, Gianfilippo Testa, is happy with the new appointment: “With his experience, personality, and creative energy, he will bring a powerful creative language to Alexander McQueen while building on its unique heritage.” François-Henri Pinault, Chairman and CEO of Kering, added: “Alexander McQueen is a House we are passionate about, and we are confident that Seán McGirr will be able to pursue its journey with a new creative impetus. We look forward to opening this new chapter in the history of this unique brand.”
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Also, read: Gucci Ancora – Sabato de Sarno’s debut formed an exciting blank canvas for Gucci
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Fashion resumé Seán McGirr
Formerly the Head of Ready-to-Wear at JW Anderson, Dublin-born McGirr embarked on his journey with the house in 2020, initially taking the reins of the men’s collections. Not much later, he embraced the world of womenswear at the House.
Before gracing JW Anderson with his talents, Seán McGirr was the Women’s Designer at Dries Van Noten in Antwerp. Between 2014 and 2018, he embarked on an inspiring journey, collaborating with Uniqlo’s creative hubs in Tokyo and Paris. Under the mentorship of the visionary Christophe Lemaire, he honed his craft while contributing to the evolution of the men’s collections.
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McGirr studied at the London School of Fashion and Central Saint Martins as one of the last pupils of Louise Wilson, who passed away a couple of months after McGirr’s graduation. She has been mentoring many now-famous creative directors, such as Christopher Kane and Mary Katrantzou. After graduating, Seán McGirr started as an assistant at Burberry and worked for Vogue Hommes Japan.
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Also, read: These are most exciting (upcoming) designers that showed at London Fashion Week spring/summer 2024
