Caroline Polachek embodies gothic glamour for McQueen 

There’s no denying that Lee Alexander McQueen (and his successor, Sarah Burton) left huge shoes to fill for creative director Seán McGirr. Yet the Irish designer is proving he has what it takes to reinvigorate the iconic British brand for a new generation. Case in point: his Spring/Summer 2026 campaign, which proves cool girls wear McQueen.

Shot by renowned fashion photographer Harley Weir, the campaign brings together today’s it-girls. Caroline Polacheck, Celeste, and Alex Consani command attention in a series of striking portraits that capture the brand’s fearless (and ferocious) spirit.

“Behind, and in front of the camera, each woman has a power that feels inherently McQueen”, explains McGirr. “They bring the house’s propulsive spirit to life – uninhibited but incisive and in control”. 

Since joining the brand in 2023, McGirr has been steadily modernising house codes for a younger demographic. This season marks the return of the legendary bumster trousers. Consani made headlines wearing the ultra low-rise design at the Paris Fashion Week show, proving the daring silhouette continues to captivate just as it did when it first debuted on the Spring/Summer 1994 runway.

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The collection also revives an archive bag with the Manta, originally a clutch that debuted on the Spring/Summer 2010 Plato’s Atlantis runway. Equipped with elongated handles for practicality, it pairs perfectly with corset-inspired lacing, which adds a contemporary nod to Victoriana.

Late founder Lee McQueen famously surrounded himself with powerful women, declaring, “I want to empower women. I want people to be afraid of the women I dress.” With his choice of models and daring designs, McGirr is continuing that legacy, redefining the house’s codes for a new generation while keeping the brand’s fearless, unapologetic energy at the forefront.

Discover the McQueen Spring/Summer 2026 collection at alexandermcqueen.com.