Seán McGirr's Vision Soars in Alexander McQueen SS25 with Ethereal Banshee Inspiration

The central inspiration for McGirr’s SS25 collection came from the banshee, a supernatural figure from Irish folklore known for her wails that foretell death. McGirr’s fascination with this figure not only nods to McQueen’s iconic Autumn/Winter 1994 “Banshee” collection but also reflects his personal connection to Irish culture. McGirr described the banshee as a symbol of "feeling and forthrightness"—a guiding force in today’s world. This personal connection was evident throughout the show, with ethereal designs that balanced between ghostly and powerful.

The show opened with sharp, tailored looks—a signature of McQueen. Nipped-in jackets featured lapels that appeared gathered and stitched, followed by ethereal all-white gowns reminiscent of traditional ghostly banshees. As the show progressed, the collection shifted from muted, historical designs to more vibrant, modern silhouettes. Colorful pieces in pinks, greens, and yellows contrasted with the opening looks, bringing McGirr’s vision of a more contemporary, liberated banshee to life. Hemlines rose, torsos were bared, and oversized leather jackets introduced an element of “rough glamour,” paying homage to the rebellious spirit of London's East End.

Accessories played a significant role in the collection, with leather bags adorned with silver hardware, and sleek, cat-eyed sunglasses framing the models' faces. However, the real scene-stealers were the towering platform boots, which echoed the viral success of McGirr’s hoof boots from his Autumn/Winter 2024 collection. The shoes were hidden beneath layers of dry ice for much of the show, only to be revealed later, much to the audience’s delight.

Metallic embellishments were a recurring theme throughout the SS25 collection, adding a sense of industrial strength and delicacy to the pieces. A silver flower appeared on the back of a jacket, while metal hardware adorned accessories and even a handheld mirror carried by one of the models. The final look was perhaps the most striking of all—a dress composed entirely of glittering metal ropes that obscured the model’s face, creating a ghost-like, otherworldly appearance. This closing moment encapsulated McGirr’s ability to blend the haunting with the beautiful, staying true to the spirit of McQueen while pushing the boundaries of fashion forward.