Sarah Burton Exits Alexander McQueen
After more than two decades at the British design house.
Sarah Burton is stepping down as creative director at Alexander McQueen, marking the conclusion of the prolific designer’s more-than-two-decade stint at the British fashion house. The label’s Spring/Summer 2024 fashion show, scheduled to take place during Paris Fashion Week later this month, will be Burton’s final collection for the brand.
On the announcement, Burton said, “I am so proud of everything I’ve done and of my incredible team at Alexander McQueen. They are my family, and this has been my home for the past 26 years. I want to thank Francois-Henri Pinault for believing in me and offering me this amazing opportunity. Above all I want to thank Lee Alexander McQueen. He taught me so much and I am eternally grateful to him. I am looking forward to the future and my next chapter and will always carry this treasured time with me.”
Burton began working at McQueen in 1996, after studying at the Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design. Following an internship, Burton became McQueen’s personal assistant, and she was promoted to head of womenswear in 2000. 10 years later, she was named the brand’s creative director.
During her tenure, Burton was lauded for embedding a signature sense of femininity into McQueen’s high-octane codes. In 2011, she was presented with the Designer of the Year Award at the British Fashion Awards; and in 2019, she won the CFDA’s International Award.
Gianfilippo Testa, Alexander McQueen’s chief executive officer, said, “We would like to express our immense gratitude to Sarah for writing such an important chapter in the history of the Alexander McQueen house. Sarah’s contribution over the past 26 years will leave an indelible mark.”
François-Henri Pinault, chairman and CEO of Kering, added, “Through her own experience, sensitivity and talent, Sarah continued to evolve the artistic expression of this iconic house. She kept and continued Lee’s heritage, attention to detail and unique vision, while adding her own personal, highly creative touch.”
Alexander McQueen did not disclose who will take Burton’s place, though the brand did confirm the announcement will come in “due course.”
Elsewhere, here’s what’s going down at New York Fashion Week.
