Alexander McQueen Spring/Summer 2025 Collection: Folklore and High Fashion under Seán McGirr
During Paris Fashion Week, stood out for its deeply emotional narrative inspired by the mythological figure of the banshee. This solitary, prophetic figure of doom served as the creative starting point for the brand’s new creative director, Seán McGirr, who introduced his vision for McQueen in a hauntingly beautiful and dramatic display, merging folklore with high fashion.
A Monochromatic Palette with Visceral Accents
The collection’s color palette was grounded in monochromatic tones of white, black, and gray, enhancing the somber and mysterious atmosphere that echoed the banshee’s myth. However, McGirr introduced an emotional contrast through accents of degraded blood-red in certain dresses, adding a visceral, haunting touch that disrupted the monochrome with a sense of impending doom.
Sculptural Garments and Twisted Pinning
Twisted pinning, a signature McQueen technique, featured prominently throughout the collection. The tailored, angular shoulders and form-fitting pieces evoked both anguish and power, core elements of the McQueen aesthetic. Ethereal, frayed chiffon fabrics were used in high-neck gowns and fragile, torn layers, mimicking the spectral presence of the banshee.
Key looks
Key looks included blouses with cast plaster details and jackets provocatively opened at the waist, revealing skin in a daring yet controlled manner. The collection closed with more dramatic, sculptural pieces, like a torso dress reminiscent of hand-sculpted clay, blending art and fashion for a powerful finale.
Accessories
Handcrafted details were equally essential, with avant-garde interpretations of McQueen’s nautical elements seen in striped sweaters adorned with pearls and gold chains. These elevated the accessories, bringing a sense of luxury and rebellious sophistication to the collection, staying true to the brand’s ethos.
The Future of McQueen under McGirr’s Vision
Seán McGirr’s collection demonstrated a respect for McQueen’s traditional codes while offering a fresh, contemporary perspective. By intertwining mythological references, sculptural tailoring, and intricate craftsmanship, McGirr signaled his intent to lead the brand into a bold future, where folklore meets high fashion in seamless harmony.
