Alexander McQueen SPRING 2025 READY-TO-WEAR

Seán McGirr's second collection for McQueen was a marked improvement from his debut. Stepping away from the skepticism that greeted his first collection, McGirr presented a more cohesive and commercially viable offering at the historic École des Beaux-Arts.

The move from a remote Parisian warehouse to this iconic venue, coupled with a longer lead-up time, allowed him to showcase his growth as a designer.

McGirr's exploration of McQueen's archives was evident in the collection's signature S-bend silhouette, achieved through rolled lapels. He reimagined McQueen's iconic bumster with a more delicate approach, incorporating horizontal mesh panels that offered a peekaboo glimpse of skin. Military surplus inspired cropped jackets and a washed cotton mac, showcasing McGirr's versatility.

A clear thread running through the collection was the influence of McQueen's second runway show, Banshee, which McGirr connected to their shared Celtic heritage. The dark romanticism of Banshee manifested in a long black dress embroidered with thorns, a nod to the Met Gala dress he designed for Lana Del Rey.

This season saw a greater focus on red-carpet ready pieces, highlighting McGirr's talent for eveningwear. A striking frayed lilac georgette dress adorned with silver bullion and a brushed white chiffon minidress paired with a gold beaded and sequined jacket showcased his mastery of intricate details.

The most daring piece, with its silver chain embroidery, was a showstopper, drawing attention to McGirr's growing confidence in pushing boundaries.

Daphne Guinness, a prominent figure in the McQueen world, graced the front row, lending her support to McGirr's vision. With this collection, McGirr made significant strides, showcasing his talent and the potential for a successful future at the helm of McQueen.