Arguably the most anticipated show of Paris Fashion Week closed out day six of the fashion festivities – the debut collection of Seán McGirr as creative director of Alexander McQueen. Following his appointment back in October 2023 and subsequent to a series of teaser campaign images just last month, McGirr described his first collection as “rough opulence” and revealing of the “animal within.” On location within a vast industrial space on the outskirt of Paris, the Irish designer who previously held the position of head of ready-to-wear at JW Anderson offered a lineup of exaggerated funnel-neck knits, larger-than-life furs, hoof-like boots and plastic dresses fit for dolls – with his model army marching to a soundtrack of Enya’s Orinoco Flow.

Read below the reactions of theFashionSpot’s forum members:

“Can’t describe what I’m seeing in any word other than ‘schizophrenic’.” [upNorth]

“Genuinely aghast at this, it’s one of the worst shows I’ve ever seen.” [gallianostan]

“What a very bland, generic collection. Nothing stands out, it’s all so painfully forgettable. Even at their worst, Sarah and Lee had exquisite tailoring to back them up. This doesn’t look exquisite. And of course, not much McQueen to be seen here. Any attempts at interpreting McQueen silhouettes fail to impress me. I really wanted to like this, but McGirr’s first attempt was a massive non-event. The show isn’t over yet and I can’t for the life of me remember a single good look I’ve seen in the past ten minutes.” [aracic]

“I was not prepared for how psychotic this made me feel. I’m gonna be sick.” [sussieinmcswanny]

“Diluted Alexander McQueen for Gen Z’s. I feel nothing. God help us all.” [FelipeV]

“I did think McGirr was going in the right direction with the first look but completely lost me afterwards. I had high-hopes but genuinely just felt like I’ve sat and watched some show from a student who has just graduated… and not from a brand as established and highly-regarded as Alexander McQueen.” [vogue28]

“Well that was incredibly disappointing. He barely even scratched the surface of McQueen, the brand and the designer. You could see some slight references in some looks here and there, but they were so diluted, contrived and lacking any sense of attitude. This brand deserves more.” [Marc10]

“That was scarily disappointing. Fresh CSM graduates do a better job than this. I actually have no words.” [proseccotabis]

“The worst collection of the season. Not coherent, not exciting, poorly executed and absolutely disgraceful in terms of quality of tailoring.” [perhydrol]

“This is going to be torn to shreds everywhere is my prediction. Grab your popcorn. I feel sorry for everyone involved.” [NakedAndAfriad]

See all the looks from the Alexander McQueen Fall 2024 collection and join the conversation, here.

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Ever since Seán McGirr was announced as Alexander McQueen’s creative director back in October 2023, the momentum and buildup to his debut collection has been immense. The highly-anticipated unveiling will take place Saturday March 2 during Paris Fashion Week. Until then, we have ourselves a preview of McGirr’s vision for the British fashion label in the form of a series of Tommy Malekoff-shot images (in addition to a revised logo). Art directed by Edward Quarmby, the Dublin-born designer taps models and friends of the house Debra Shaw and Frankie Rayder. Shot amongst the wilderness, on location within an ancient pine forest, the models roam the rugged landscape in McGirr’s designs and don plastic toy masks which are a nod to the McQueen heritage.

Read below the reactions of theFashionSpot’s forum members:

“I wanted him to bring back the dark and gritty vibe from the 90s so I’m digging this a lot. Perfect casting with Debra. Looking forward to the show.” [Marc10]

“I love the idea of that broken glass dress. I like the direction. And that redrawn logo is very beautiful. Let’s hope this guy gets time.” [Norden]

“Good theme with the forest, A lot to explore. The dress is nice, and so is the suit.” [Alquimista]

“Need to see the first collection to really get a feel for the direction! These teaser images leave me curious. Certain aspects of this could be good. Enlisting Debra was a good move along with the nods to the tartan and the skull etc. However, those shoes.. the tailoring or lack there of and those cheap-looking masks are not sitting well with me. Hoping this is all tied together for a better first showing!” [mteb123]

“Something about the previews gives me Alexander McQueen x H&M vibes and I don’t know why.” [The Byronic Boy]

“I like the idea of the forest and setting and the way it is shot but what are those shoes, and the tartan dress looks cheap like it’s from SHEIN or at best Mango but certainly not where McQueen should be headed. I am still interested in seeing a collection but hope it doesn’t go off the rails.” [reese06]

See more from Seán McGirr’s McQueen preview and join the conversation on theFashionSpot forums, here.

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Following the shock news back in early September of Sarah Burton‘s sudden departure from Alexander McQueen, Kering has seemingly wasted no time in seeking a replacement. Not even a week has passed since Burton received a standing ovation (from both front row attendees and theFashionSpot’s very own forum members) as she took her final bow as creative director of McQueen during Paris Fashion Week on Saturday. Yesterday, the world-class luxury group owned by François-Henri Pinault announced Seán McGirr as Burton’s successor.
At 35, the Irish designer (born in Dublin) has quite the portfolio. Prior to his new appointment at McQueen, McGirr held the position of head of ready-to-wear at JW Anderson and prior to that, was women’s designer for Dries Van Noten. From 2014 to 2018, McGirr was part of Uniqlo’s creative offices in both Tokyo and Paris, having started his career assisting at Burberry. A Central Saint Martins graduate, McGirr obtained his Master of Arts in Fashion in 2014.

It didn’t take long for members of our forums to react to the news. “Complete shock, I’ve never heard of him neither about his input, aesthetic etc. I was hoping that for such fashion house they will actually bring someone who was at least studio director level etc. Regardless, there is a benefit of the doubt so I wish him all the best,” voiced Olaffo.
“Wow that was fast… I guess Sarah’s departure was in the works for a while. I do like that Kering seems to go for the unknown but behind the scenes experienced designers compared to LVMH always chasing the stars. JW Anderson and Dries are great credentials,” stated Marc10.
“I must say, I’m extremely disappointed they didn’t promote someone from the company. Let’s see how he’s going to understand McQueen, but it somehow makes me terrified,” added perhydrol.
“Guess we need to wait what he’s going to do to the house. I hope he keeps the spirit of the house alive,” wrote forum member Mrs.T.
“Surprising. Best of luck. Let’s not be Negative Nancies and wait for his first collection,” Thefrenchy reasoned.
Share your own thoughts on McGirr’s appointment at Alexander McQueen, take a look back as his early work and join the conversation over on theFashionSpot forums, here.

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