McQueen AW24 Review: Seán McGirr’s Bold Debut for Alexander McQueen

Seán McGirr's bold debut for McQueen AW24 revives the brand’s rebellious spirit while forging a daring new path in modern fashion.

The stage was set for the unveiling of a new chapter in Alexander McQueen’s storied history. As fashion aficionados flocked to catch a glimpse of the Autumn Winter 2024 (AW24) collection, all eyes were on Seán McGirr’s debut as creative director. This McQueen AW24 review reveals that the moment was more than a tribute to the brand’s rebellious DNA—it was a declaration of bold, new beginnings.

A New Era for Alexander McQueen

Taking the reins from Sarah Burton, who had spent over 25 years nurturing the brand’s legacy, was no small feat for McGirr. The question on every fashion enthusiast’s mind: Could he honour the iconoclastic spirit of Lee Alexander McQueen while charting a new course for the brand?

McQueen AW24 review

Set in an industrial space reminiscent of McQueen’s raw, audacious energy, McGirr didn’t simply tip his hat to the past. As the first models emerged in public footage, it became clear that he was reigniting McQueen’s rebellious flame for a new, discerning audience.

The Essence of “Rough Glamour” in McQueen AW24

McGirr’s vision for McQueen materialised before our eyes in what he aptly called “rough glamour.” He captured the brand’s essence and reshaped it for a modern era. The AW24 collection delivered a masterclass in balancing toughness with elegance. Leather overcoats, cinched tightly at the waist, exuded an undeniable edge, while sharply tailored jackets paired with billowing trousers evoked both power and vulnerability in equal measure.

This contrast felt uniquely McQueen but with a contemporary twist—an homage to the past, yet unmistakably fresh.

Accessories That Define Rebellion: A New Look at McQueen’s Signature Style

Accessories in McGirr’s debut weren’t mere afterthoughts; they were pivotal characters in the unfolding narrative. From fedora hats that dripped with a noir mystery to horse-hoof boots that blurred the lines between fashion and art, these pieces echoed the house’s tradition of pushing boundaries.

One standout accessory? A handbag adorned with the iconic McQueen skull, but now reimagined in glowing LEDs. It was a nod to the brand’s rebellious history while firmly planting its feet in the digital age. These accessories weren’t just ornamental; they carried the rebellious spirit of McQueen forward, inviting us to reimagine luxury in the 21st century.

What McQueen AW24 Says About Fashion Today

Beyond the striking silhouettes and daring accessories, McGirr’s McQueen AW24 review showed he was making a statement on the world we live in. His ethos of “anti-politeness in a polite world” was evident in every stitch and detail. The pieces defied conformity, urging wearers to embrace their individuality in a world that too often demands we blend in.

While McGirr paid his respects to Lee McQueen’s legacy, this was no mere homage. By reviving the house’s original logo and reinterpreting its signature motifs, McGirr crafted a collection that honoured the past while fearlessly looking ahead.

A Defining Moment: McGirr’s Debut and the Future of McQueen

This McQueen AW24 review concludes that Seán McGirr’s debut was not just bold, but a necessary reminder of what makes fashion transformative. His first collection was both a celebration of individuality and a critique of the modern world’s penchant for conformity. McGirr dared us to embrace rebellion, and he left us asking: In a world that insists on politeness, are you ready to unleash your inner rebel?

Fashion, at its best, isn’t just about what you wear—it’s about how it makes you feel. If McGirr’s AW24 debut proved anything, it’s that the spirit of Alexander McQueen is alive and well, challenging a new generation to look beyond the seams and see the story underneath.