Paris came alive as creative director of Alexander McQueen, Sarah Burton’s successor, Seán McGirr, unveiled his interpretations of the uniform for the spring 2026 runway show during fashion week. To the upbeat sounds of pop and EDM, models strutted down the runway in reimagined British military jackets, corset details “liberated from tradition,” fringe handbags, and sensual low-rise bottoms. McGirr drew inspiration from Robin Hardy’s The Wicker Man, with strong tailoring of clean lines and contrasted deviations from the conventional uniform and suit.
Spring next year seems to promise rebellion in the realm of fashion as McGirr enthusiastically encourages diving into desire. “We push against nature, tempering instinct in the name of order. What happens when we give way, satisfying our deep-seated desires and innate impulses? What does it take to stir and submit to that primal drive?” the creative director exclaimed in the show notes. Ahead, see the key trends and celebrity front row style moment from McGirr’s subtly erotic collection for spring 2026.
Low-Rise Everything
According to McQueen, spring and summer 2026 will be all about low-rise bottoms, from “professional” looking pencil skirts to Y2K-style skinny and straight-leg jeans. Hip-hugging bottoms rather than waist-hugging will be a fashion crowd favorite. High-waisted bottoms have been on the outskirts of the fashion set’s mind for a few seasons now, but next spring will be a full commitment to low-rise.
(Image credit: Spotlight Launchmetrics)
(Image credit: Spotlight Launchmetrics)
(Image credit: Spotlight Launchmetrics)
Twisted Uniforms
British military jackets, as well as blazers, were made casually cool on the McQueen runway. Lapels sat curved, patch pockets were included, and tailoring was still hitting the mark throughout McGirr’s subversions.
(Image credit: Spotlight Launchmetrics)
(Image credit: Spotlight Launchmetrics)
(Image credit: Spotlight Launchmetrics)
Unexpected Corset Details
Rather than extra-tight corsets donning the runway, McGirr included the Victorian-era trend in not just tops, but in full-length dresses, decoratively on boots, and in deconstructed skirts. This level of detail is a telling sign of where trends are heading in the upcoming year
(Image credit: Spotlight Launchmetrics)
(Image credit: Spotlight Launchmetrics)
(Image credit: Spotlight Launchmetrics)
Fringe Handbags
Many of the runways this fashion month have debuted an iteration of the fringe trend, but McQueen’s has been the most intriguing thus far. Long- and short-handle bags in various shapes, from large bucket bags to mini triangular-shaped bags graced graced the runway. The materials of each bag were also different, but from the same vein, including chainlink metal, leather, and multicolor PVC.
(Image credit: Spotlight Launchmetrics)
(Image credit: Spotlight Launchmetrics)
(Image credit: Spotlight Launchmetrics)