On September 9, a fresh breeze swept through the fashion world. LVMH-owned Givenchy announced the appointment of Sarah Burton as their long-awaited new creative director. Her debut collection is set to be unveiled at the March 2025 show.
Burton’s illustrious career at Alexander McQueen has left an indelible mark on fashion history. In 1996, while still a student at Central Saint Martins, she started an internship at the brand, where she became the right-hand woman to founder Lee McQueen. After McQueen’s passing in 2010, she took over as creative director, carrying on his visionary legacy while infusing her collections with her own elegance and strength.
Burton’s designs are known for their masterful blend of poetic sensibility and practicality. For instance, she has paired everyday items like blazers and combat boots with punk-inspired accessories and grandiose high-necked dresses adorned with lavish taffeta roses, creating a style that harmonizes both functionality and drama.
In 2023, however, Burton left Alexander McQueen after more than 25 years. Since then, Givenchy had been searching for a new creative director after Matthew Williams stepped down following the 2024 Pre-Fall collection.
Burton’s appointment at Givenchy feels almost fateful. Just like her late mentor, Lee McQueen, she is stepping into the role of creative director at the historic maison, with expectations of bringing fresh innovation to the brand. McQueen, who held the position from 1996 to 2001, shook up the fashion world with his eccentric and dramatic collections, offering a new interpretation of Givenchy’s traditional aesthetic.
Regarding her new role, Burton expressed her excitement: “It is a great honour to be joining the beautiful house of Givenchy, it is a jewel. 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.”
In addition, Givenchy embarked on a new phase in July when Alessandro Valenti, who previously served as Louis Vuitton’s EMEA President, was appointed as the brand’s new CEO. With a fresh leadership team in place, the fashion world eagerly anticipates what the next chapter will bring for Givenchy.
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