Seán McGirr To Take the Reins at Alexander McQueen as Creative Director
KERING’s creative leadership structure is now under scrutiny…
The collaboration between the Alexander McQueen Fashion House and Creative Director Sarah Burton, which had thrived for over two decades, concluded with the Spring/Summer 2024 fashion show during Paris Fashion Week.
Burton initially assumed the role of Creative Director in May 2010, building on her extensive 14-year partnership with Lee Alexander McQueen. Her tenure was marked by the creation of critically acclaimed collections that solidified her reputation as a respected designer. Over 13 years, Burton’s distinctive vision and creativity propelled the British fashion House to new heights.
News regarding the House’s new creative leadership structure has now been revealed. Seán McGirr, formerly responsible for ready-to-wear at JW Anderson, is set to lead the iconic British label into its next phase. The Central Saint Martins graduate started his career with positions at Burberry and Vogue Hommes Japan. He served as the Head of Womenswear at Dries Van Noten from 2018 to 2020 and previously contributed to Uniqlo’s creative offices in Tokyo and Paris under the guidance of Christophe Lemaire from 2014 to 2018.
Gianfilippo Testa, CEO of Alexander McQueen, shared: “We are delighted to welcome Seán McGirr as creative director. With his experience, personality and creative energy, he will bring a powerful creative language to Alexander McQueen while building on its unique heritage.”
Social media quickly drew attention to the appointment, emphasizing the lack of gender and diversity representation in KERING’s lineup of Creative Directors and framing it as a systemic issue. The public’s discontent with the decision has spurred calls for increased inclusivity within the industry. The question at hand is whether major corporations will start taking these concerns into account.
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