Irish designer Sean McGirr named creative director of Alexander McQueen

Katie Wright, PA Fashion and Beauty Editor

Seán McGirr has been announced as the new creative director of iconic fashion house Alexander McQueen.

The Irish designer takes over from Sarah Burton, who held the position for 13 years and staged her final catwalk show last week in Paris.

Dublin-born McGirr was previously head of ready-to-wear at JW Anderson, the eponymous brand of Northern Irish designer Jonathan Anderson.

A graduate of London’s prestigious Central Saint Martins fashion school, he began his career as an assistant at Burberry and Vogue Hommes Japan before joining the creative team at Uniqlo.

Before joining JW Anderson, McGirr was womenswear designer at Belgian fashion brand Dries Van Noten.

“We are delighted to welcome Seán McGirr as creative director,” Gianfilippo Testa, chief executive of Alexander McQueen, said in a statement.

“With his experience, personality, and creative energy, he will bring a powerful creative language to Alexander McQueen while building on its unique heritage.”

François-Henri Pinault, chairman and chief executive of Kering, added: “Alexander McQueen is a house we are passionate about, and we are confident that Seán McGirr will be able to pursue its journey with a new creative impetus. We look forward to opening this new chapter in the history of this unique brand.”

The British luxury fashion house was founded in 1992 by Lee Alexander McQueen.

Burton was appointed to the role of creative director in 2010 following the death of McQueen, having previously worked alongside the ground-breaking designer for 14 years.