McQueen confirms Seán McGirr’s departure after three years as creative director, as Kering prepares a new strategy for the historic fashion house.
The fashion industry is once again witnessing a major creative shake-up. Seán McGirr is leaving McQueen after three years as creative director, bringing to an end a chapter defined by his reinterpretation of the British fashion house’s historic codes. The news comes shortly after the designer presented his Spring/Summer 2027 collection in London, a show that has now become his final offering for the Kering-owned house.
The company has confirmed that it will announce his successor in due course, with the incoming designer set to lead a new creative chapter. Although details of the appointment have yet to be revealed, McQueen will continue presenting its collections in London, reinforcing its connection to the city where its story began.
Kering CEO Luca de Meo has thanked McGirr for his contribution and emphasised that the group’s priority will be to establish a new direction for the house. Exceptional tailoring, uncompromising creativity and a rebellious spirit will remain fundamental elements of its identity.
Meanwhile, Gianfranco D’Attis, president and CEO of McQueen, has praised the designer’s contribution, particularly his efforts to reconnect the brand with London’s creative community.
Seán McGirr joined McQueen in October 2023, succeeding Sarah Burton, who had spent 26 years at the house, including 13 as creative director. Before taking on the role, the Irish designer had been head of ready-to-wear at JW Anderson, having previously worked for brands including Dries Van Noten, Uniqlo and Burberry.
His appointment represented an attempt to introduce the McQueen universe to a younger generation. His debut in Paris revisited the industrial aesthetic of Alexander McQueen’s early runway shows, featuring exaggerated knitwear, shearling coats and tailored pieces embellished with black beads.
Although his debut collection received mixed reviews, his subsequent presentations revealed a progression towards a more defined aesthetic, combining experimentation with a clearer commercial vision.
His final runway show, for Spring/Summer 2027, marked McQueen’s return to London. Staged beneath the Gothic ceiling of Lincoln’s Inn Chapel, the collection featured structured silhouettes, sculptural shoulders inspired by angel wings and dresses with unexpected details that revisited the house’s darker, more theatrical side.
McGirr’s departure coincides with a significant period of business transformation. Kering announced plans to reduce McQueen’s store network by approximately 50% by the end of 2026, compared with the previous year, alongside organisational changes aimed at restructuring the business.
During the first half of 2026, the company closed 20 McQueen stores, while reaffirming its intention to focus on categories such as tailoring, occasionwear, evening gowns and luxury accessories.
