Kering Names Seán McGirr As the Next Creative Head of Alexander McQueen — Retail Bum

Kering has named Seán McGirr as the creative director of the Alexander McQueen brand.

McGirr succeeds Sarah Burton, whose decision to depart the famed luxury brand was announced by Kering last month. He most recently worked as the ready-to-wear director at J.W. Anderson and has previously worked for brands such as Burberry, Dries Van Noten, and Uniqlo, where he worked under fashion designer Christophe Lemaire.

“We are delighted to welcome Seán McGirr as creative director,” said the brand’s CEO, Gianfilippo Testa. “With his experience, personality, and creative energy, he will bring a powerful creative language to Alexander McQueen while building on its unique heritage.”

McGirr’s appointment comes at a time when Kering is experiencing slowing demand for Gucci, which is prompting the luxury conglomerate to look to some of its other brands to accelerate overall growth.

Prior to the start of the pandemic, Alexander McQueen was one of the company’s fastest-growing brands. However, demand for its products among aspirational shoppers has also slowed in recent months.

“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…