Sarah Burton Steps Down as Creative Director of Alexander McQueen
Sarah Burton, the creative director of the British fashion house Alexander McQueen, has announced her departure from the role. She had been leading the brand since the tragic death of its founder, Lee Alexander McQueen, in 2010. Burton’s association with McQueen began when she joined as head of design for womenswear in 2000, working closely with the visionary founder.
A Grateful Farewell
In her statement, Burton expressed her pride in her work and her gratitude toward her team at Alexander McQueen, whom she considers her family. She also thanked François-Henri Pinault for believing in her and offering her the opportunity. Most importantly, she paid tribute to Lee Alexander McQueen, acknowledging the invaluable lessons she learned from him. She looks forward to the future and her next chapter while cherishing the time she spent with the brand for 26 years.
Acknowledgment from François-Henri Pinault
The Kering group, the owner of Alexander McQueen, was appreciative of Burton’s contributions. François-Henri Pinault, the chairman and CEO of Kering, praised her work over the past two decades. He highlighted her instrumental role alongside Lee Alexander McQueen and her creative direction as the brand’s Creative Director since 2010. He commended her for preserving McQueen’s legacy while adding her unique creative touch to the brand.
Sarah Burton’s Fashion Legacy
Burton’s tenure as Creative Director garnered widespread acclaim in the fashion world. Her most notable achievement was designing the wedding dress for Catherine, Princess of Wales, in 2011. This association continued with the princess patronizing the house for numerous high-profile events, including Queen Elizabeth’s funeral last year. Burton’s fashion collections continued to push the boundaries of artistic expression while maintaining the distinctive dark aesthetic signature of McQueen. Under her leadership, McQueen’s sales increased significantly, reaching €830 million, up from €758 million in 2021, according to Morgan Stanley estimates.
Final Collection and Successor Speculation
Sarah Burton’s final collection for Alexander McQueen will be showcased at Paris Fashion Week on September 30th. As she steps down, speculation about her successor is expected to dominate discussions in the fashion industry during the ongoing fashion show season, which commenced last week in New York.
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