Former Alexander McQueen head designer Sarah Burton joins Givenchy as creative director, LVMH announced this morning.
The McQueen alumni will be overlooking the creative direction for both women’s and men’s collections, stating: “I am so excited to be able to write the next chapter in the story of this iconic house and to bring to Givenchy my own vision, sensibility and beliefs.” The announcement put an end to months’ of rumours and speculation of who’s going to take on the role since Mattthew Williams’ departure last year.
In September 2023, Burton announced that the SS24 collection would be her last, ending her 26-year-long career at the house of McQueen, where she held the role of creative director for 13 years, since the passing of founder Lee Alexander McQueen in 2010. Burton was succeeded by Seán McGirr, whose horse boots are already cult-status worthy.
Her tenure at McQueen continued the designer’s legacy of unparalleled tailoring, precise embroidery and iconic couture pieces – including Kate Middleton’s wedding dress in 2011, and an array of Met Gala and red carpet moments (such as Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, Taylor Russell, Zendaya, Timothée Chalamet, and more). Plus, the cult indie sleaze-era knuckle clutch bag.
Noteworthy Burton collections include FW12, which populated the runway with puffy pink fur dresses, white wigs and futuristic visors, FW13 inspired by Elizabethan England, and SS23, which featured tailored leather pieces and an embellished catsuit worn by Naomi Campbell.
Burton’s new role at Givenchy is interesting as her predecessor, Alexander McQueen himself, had taken on that role from 1996 until 2001. It’s an exciting opportunity to see her joining the French luxury house as her top-dog craftsmanship and unmatched feminine-embracing couture skills will thrive in the French couture environment, continuing on the legacy of Hubert de Givenchy. She’s only the second woman to take on the role of creative director, and only one of five women to hold this title at an LVMH house. We’re very excited to see her first collection, which will be showing in March 2025.
