Seán McGirr is one of the youngest creative directors at a major fashion brand, consistently doing the opposite of what people expect. His creativity and legacy are impressive, Yanki Chu gives you 10 key things to know about Seán McGirr
1. Previous experience at JW Anderson
Before joining Alexander McQueen, McGirr was the head of Ready-to-Wear at Jw Anderson. He joined JW Anderson in 2020 to lead the men’s collections and later took on womenswear as well. His background includes working in Uniqlo’s creative offices in Tokyo and Paris, where he contributed to men’s collections. He kicked off his career by assisting at Burberry and Vogue Hommes Japan, gaining invaluable insights into the fashion industry.
2. Inspiration from Lee Alexander McQueen
The Spring/Summer 1995 collection by Lee Alexander McQueen resonates with McGirr the most. This collection profoundly influenced his approach to fashion, shaping his belief in creating beautiful tailoring and then deconstructing it to forge something entirely new.
3. Appointment at Alexander McQueen (2023)
The chief executive of McQueen, Gianfilippo Testa, cited McGirr’s experience, personality and creativity as key reasons for his hiring. In his Fall 2024 debut collection, he drew inspiration upon McQueen’s legacy while focusing on distinctive characters. He expressed a fascination with individuals who possess strong personalities. McGirr is known for pushing the boundaries while remaining true to McQueen’s heritage, as seen in his exploration of dandyism and deconstructed silhouettes
4. Gothic and romantic elements
McGirr’s designs reflect a strong connection to Longdon’s street culture, featuring strong shoulders, chunky boots and a youthful, breezy mood. He aims to blend toughness with elegance, creating designs that embody both powerful and vulnerability, a concept he refers to as “rough glamour”. His collection often incorporate sharp suiting and structural silhouettes enhanced by unexpected details likes supersized knitwear and leather piece.
5. Early sewing lessons
McGirr began learning to sew at a young age, thanks to a clunky 1950s sewing machine gifted by his aunt. She taught him how to use it, sparking his passion for fashion. He started buying vintage clothes from charity shops and tailed his school uniforms to be slimmer and more precise. His fascination grew as he watched runway shows on YouTube, where he discovered the groundbreaking work of Lee McQueen.
6. Surrounded by big personalities
Since moving to London in the late 2000s, McGirr has been surrounded by vibrant personalities – artists, poets and more. Although he may not always be the loudest voice in the room, he gravitates toward center of creative action.
7. An intellectual drive
Friends describe McGirr as a real intellectual with a punk edge, often seen in his vintage menswear-inspired outfits. He once worked part-time in a Shoreditch pub while studying, balancing his education with real-world experience in the fashion industry at Selfridges.
8. His work inspires other famous people
Notable figures like singer–songwriter Lauren Auer and beauty editor Tish Weinstock express admiration for McGirr’s work. Weinstock, for instance, feels “like a dark elven sorceress” when wearing McQueen. The sharp edges and bold attitudes of his designs serve as powerful symbols for many.
9. His designs draws heavily from storytelling
McGirr emphasizes storytelling as a crucial element of fashion, harmonizing perfectly with the McQueen legacy. He views fashion as a medium for deep narratives, drawing from his Irish heritage, known for its masterful storytellers. His dark sense of humor and storytelling ability are his superpowers, enabling him to connect with people.
10. Full of enthusiasm
McGirr’s enthusiasm is contagious, whether he’s discussing the Birdee heels he designed with a mohawk of leather feathers or a newly developed cobweb lace inspired by Louise Bourgeois. His passion for innovation and creativity shines through in every project he undertakes.
