McQueen Returns to Savile Row for London Fashion Week Reunion with Huntsman
Fashion

McQueen Returns to Savile Row for London Fashion Week Reunion with Huntsman

By Luke Leitch • • 3 min read

Models walked a runway set within a reimagined tailoring atelier, emphasizing

Seán McGirr brought Alexander McQueen back to London Fashion Week in September 2026, staging a show that marked the house’s return to Savile Row through a collaboration with historic tailor Huntsman. The presentation took place during London Fashion Week, reconnecting the brand with its sartorial roots in the heart of British tailoring. McGirr’s decision to return to London was driven by a desire to re-establish McQueen’s dialogue with British craftsmanship after years of focusing on Paris-centric collections. The Huntsman partnership allowed the house to explore the intersection of McQueen’s avant-garde aesthetic with traditional Savile Row techniques, resulting in garments that combined sharp tailoring with the label’s signature theatricality.

Models walked a runway set within a reimagined tailoring atelier, emphasizing the handmade process behind each piece. How Huntsman’s Craft Shaped McQueen’s Latest Silhouettes Huntsman’s master tailors worked closely with McQueen’s design team to adapt century-old cutting methods to exaggerated proportions and unconventional fabrics. The collaboration produced structured jackets with exaggerated shoulders, trousers featuring intricate side-button detailing, and coats lined with McQueen’s iconic skull motifs rendered in hand-embroidered silk. According to McGirr, the process involved over 500 hours of hand-stitching across the collection, with each look requiring multiple fittings to achieve the desired balance between structure and fluidity.

Huntsman’s head cutter described the project as „a rare chance to push

Huntsman’s head cutter described the project as „a rare chance to push tailoring into new emotional territory.” What Does This Mean for the Future of British Luxury Fashion? The Savile Row reunion signals a renewed commitment by McQueen to invest in British artisan skills as a core part of its identity, potentially influencing other luxury houses to reconsider local craftsmanship amid globalized production trends. Industry analysts noted the show’s emphasis on transparency—showing tailors at work during the presentation—as a response to growing consumer demand for traceable, ethically made garments. While McQueen will continue to present in Paris for its main collections, McGirr confirmed plans for periodic London-based projects that deepen ties with UK makers, suggesting a dual-city strategy moving forward. Frequently Asked Questions Why did McQueen choose to collaborate with Huntsman specifically?

McQueen selected Huntsman due to its 175-year legacy on Savile Row and reputation for technical excellence in bespoke tailoring, aligning with the house’s goal to authentically engage with British craft heritage. Will this collection be available for purchase? Yes, the pieces from the McQueen x Huntsman collaboration were made available through McQueen’s flagship boutiques and select retailers shortly after the London Fashion Week showing, with pricing reflecting the handcrafted nature of the work.

Content written by Luke Leitch for perfect-routine.com editorial team, AI-assisted.

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