Corsets, Fringe, and Abundant Low-Rise: Alexander McQueen Reinvents the Uniform

Corsets, Fringe, and Abundant Low-Rise: Alexander McQueen Reinvents the Uniform

      Paris sprang to life as Seán McGirr, the new Creative Director of Alexander McQueen and successor to Sarah Burton, revealed his visions of uniformity for the spring 2026 runway show at fashion week. Set against an upbeat backdrop of pop and EDM music, models paraded down the catwalk wearing reimagined British military jackets, corseted details that were "liberated from tradition," fringe handbags, and alluring low-rise bottoms. McGirr found inspiration in Robin Hardy’s The Wicker Man, showcasing strong tailoring with clean lines that deviated from the conventional uniform and suit aesthetic. Next spring seems poised for a fashion rebellion as McGirr passionately advocates for embracing desire. “We push against nature, tempering instinct in the name of order. What happens when we yield to our deep-seated desires and innate impulses? What does it require to awaken and submit to that primal drive?” the creative director posed in the show notes. Ahead, discover the key trends and notable celebrity front-row styles from McGirr’s subtly provocative collection for spring 2026.

      Low-Rise Everything

      According to McQueen, the focus for spring and summer 2026 will be on low-rise bottoms, ranging from “professional”-looking pencil skirts to Y2K-inspired skinny and straight-leg jeans. Fashion enthusiasts will favor hip-hugging styles over traditional waist-hugging ones. High-waisted pieces have lingered on the periphery for a few seasons, but next spring marks a complete embrace of low rise.

      Twisted Uniforms

      British military jackets and blazers were transformed into casually chic pieces on the McQueen runway. Curved lapels and patch pockets were incorporated, while tailoring remained sharp throughout McGirr's reimagining.

      Unexpected Corset Details

      Instead of tight corsets, McGirr presented looser interpretations of this Victorian detail on tops and full-length dresses, along with other surprising lace-up accents on boots and deconstructed skirts. This attention to detail indicates the direction of trends for the coming year.

      Fringe Handbags

      Numerous runways this fashion month have showcased variations of the fringe trend, but McQueen’s interpretation stands out as particularly captivating. The runway featured bags in both long and short handles, in various styles from large bucket bags to mini triangular designs. Each bag was crafted from different materials, including chain-link metal, leather, and multicolored PVC, yet shared a cohesive aesthetic.

Corsets, Fringe, and Abundant Low-Rise: Alexander McQueen Reinvents the Uniform Corsets, Fringe, and Abundant Low-Rise: Alexander McQueen Reinvents the Uniform Corsets, Fringe, and Abundant Low-Rise: Alexander McQueen Reinvents the Uniform Corsets, Fringe, and Abundant Low-Rise: Alexander McQueen Reinvents the Uniform Corsets, Fringe, and Abundant Low-Rise: Alexander McQueen Reinvents the Uniform Corsets, Fringe, and Abundant Low-Rise: Alexander McQueen Reinvents the Uniform Corsets, Fringe, and Abundant Low-Rise: Alexander McQueen Reinvents the Uniform Corsets, Fringe, and Abundant Low-Rise: Alexander McQueen Reinvents the Uniform Corsets, Fringe, and Abundant Low-Rise: Alexander McQueen Reinvents the Uniform Corsets, Fringe, and Abundant Low-Rise: Alexander McQueen Reinvents the Uniform Corsets, Fringe, and Abundant Low-Rise: Alexander McQueen Reinvents the Uniform Corsets, Fringe, and Abundant Low-Rise: Alexander McQueen Reinvents the Uniform

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Corsets, Fringe, and Abundant Low-Rise: Alexander McQueen Reinvents the Uniform

Explore all the trends showcased at the Alexander McQueen spring 2026 runway presentation.