Alexander McQueen’s Fall 2025 show made an unmistakable statement under Seán McGirr’s direction—his second full season since stepping into the creative helm after Sarah Burton last year. He’s already proving that the brand’s subversive heritage can evolve into something both unapologetic and commercially savvy. “It makes sense in the culture because when I was a teenager, it was one of the first things I could afford,” McGirr said during a preview, underscoring his personal attachment to a house he has rapidly reimagined.
The runway kicked off with all-black silhouettes defined by high collars, structured shoulders, and cinched waists—a nod to Alexander McQueen’s Victorian-inspired roots. McGirr meets with the archive team regularly, and it showed in the way he updated historical shapes with elongated footwear and dramatic ruffles reminiscent of 1960s rock muse glamour. A cocked hat here and there kept the dandy vibe alive, while sheer lace dresses amped up the romance factor.
Accessories—ranging from jeweled masks to sculptural metal pieces—suggested a future-forward spin on British eccentricity. Colors arrived in jolts of fuchsia, deep blue, and soft green for fluid gowns, maintaining a sense of drama that still feels wearable. A glossy leather bomber with punk accents and a tailcoat parka iced with chunky crystal embroidery balanced elegance with an irreverent edge.
Evening coats carrying gold bullion embellishments and swirling prints from head to toe felt bold, as did the lace tights and steampunk-esque details on eyewear. This is the direction McGirr is steering: a tension between theatrical flair and modern wardrobe potential. It’s a pivotal step for Alexander McQueen, part of the Kering group, as the label continues to invigorate its rebellious DNA. In time, one suspects McGirr will weave even more of that original renegade spirit into his precisely honed collections.
