Seán McGirr is leaving his role as creative director of Alexander McQueen after three years, the Kering-owned house confirmed on Thursday. The label said it will announce its new creative leadership shortly, and the successor will make their debut in London, where McQueen has committed to showing its collections.
Kering CEO Luca de Meo thanked the designer and said the group wants to set a bold new direction for the house, drawing on its heritage of tailoring and rebellion. McQueen CEO Gianfranco D’Attis credited McGirr with reconnecting the brand to London and its creative energy. McGirr said he was proud of the “progressive energy” his team cultivated.
From JW Anderson to McQueen
McGirr, an Irish designer born in 1987, took the job in October 2023, succeeding Sarah Burton, who spent 26 years at the brand. He previously led ready-to-wear at JW Anderson and held roles at Dries Van Noten, Uniqlo and Burberry. His debut collection drew skepticism for moving away from Burton’s tailored approach, while his second show was seen as more cohesive and commercially viable. His final collection, for SS27, was shown at Lincoln’s Inn Chapel in London.
A Brand in Transition
The exit follows a restructuring that included job cuts and executive changes. D’Attis became CEO on June 3, and de Meo has outlined plans for 50 percent fewer McQueen stores by the end of 2026, refocusing the brand on occasion wear, tailoring and gowns. Bernstein estimates put the house’s 2025 sales below €200 million, well down from a peak of €850 million in 2022 and 2023.
De Meo has argued that Kering erred by treating all its brands the same way, regardless of their nature. Attention now turns to the group’s third-quarter earnings on October 22, where creative changes are expected to feature, as Saint Laurent also still needs a new creative director following Anthony Vaccarello’s departure.