The First Sneaker From Alexander McQueen's New Creative Director Is a Big Step
Alexander McQueen's new Flexion sneaker is a fashion-forward answer to the best-selling Oversized trainer — in the best way possible. The Flexion, the first sneaker from Alexander McQueen under new creative director Seán McGirr, is soft, lightweight and a big step into the future.
It is also the complete aesthetic inverse of its oversized predecessor.
The Flexion's soft look and rounded appearance mirrors that of a ballet sneaker but its slightly defined arch more closely mimics the JW Anderson Bumper-Hike chunky sneakers, sans bulk.
Fitting, since McGirr was previously head of ready-to-wear at JWA.
The plush leather Flexion shoe is offered in either an all-black or pale blend of understated hues, and it is now available for pre-order on Alexander McQueen's website for $790, though note that the brand that produces these ready-to-wear collections and accompanying products — like the new Flexion shoe — is simply referred to as "McQueen."
Now, luxury's chunky shoe era was quite a wild ride. That period of time, which for some is still ongoing, saw some of the best fits of a generation grounded with what some might've described as comically large sneakers. McQueen's Oversized shoe was far from the only member of this brigade, as plenty of fashion houses have had their moment in the sun with the clunky trend.
For years, the Balenciaga Triple S, which came out three years after McQueen's oversized sneakers, was briefly an omnipresent part of Fashion Week streetstyle. But Rick Owens' Jumbo Lace leather sneakers are still pretty buzzy and the Lanvin Curb Sneakers remain a regular part of TikTok GRWM-style videos.
But, for the Spring/Summer 2024 season, a host of fashion brands flipped the script, shrinking their shoes into flatter shapes and sneakers followed suit.
McQueen having a star player in the big shoe scene is, by now, widely accepted. But that it's staying the course is a sign of stability amidst greater switch-ups.
When Sarah Burton left Alexander McQueen in September 2023, fans of the house were, to put it mildly, distraught.
It was the end of a twenty-year run and an emotional goodbye to a well-loved era, one overseen by an actual McQueen confidant.
As we move further into McGirr's McQueen era, the shifts are incremental but poignant, a choreographed waltz with little room for missteps.
Already, ardent McQueen fans are wary of McGirr's adventurous creations, even though they represent a bold new future for the fashion house
Suffice to say, he has some big shoes to fill.
