After 26 years at Alexander McQueen, 13 of which were served as the brand's creative director, Sarah Burton has announced her departure from the British label. The designer will present her final collection for Alexander McQueen on September 30 as part of Paris Fashion Week.
Burton has spent her entire career at the fashion house; cutting her teeth as an intern after graduating from Central Saint Martins in 1997. At the time, it was just Burton, Lee McQueen and another colleague creating the collections, with the designer swiftly climbing the ranks to head of womenswear in 2000. She was considered Lee McQueen's right hand and would step into the role of creative director after McQueen's tragic death aged 40 in 2010.
Speaking to her departure, 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." She went on to pay tribute to the late designer and close friend, saying: "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 him.”
During her tenure at Alexander McQueen, Burton has racked up countless career-defining moments. Many will remember her for designing Kate Middleton's wedding gown, along with Pippa Middleton's eye-catching bridesmaid dress, mere months after being named as creative director. She's dressed numerous celebrities for the red carpet, such as Zendaya, Lady Gaga, Beyoncé, Elle Fanning, Taylor Russell and Timothée Chalamet. But what of her most memorable collections? Below, we bring you Sarah Burton's most noteworthy collections at Alexander McQueen.
Alexander McQueen Spring 2011
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Burton's first collection completed for the house following McQueen's death. Here, she underscored her own importance at the house as a nurturer ideas. It was also the beginnings of a more commercial turn for the house. "We’ve always had these great shows, but the point is, we want women to wear these clothes," Burton told British Vogue for its December 2011 issue. "They’re meant to be worn."
Alexander McQueen Fall 2012
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Alexander McQueen Spring 2012
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Alexander McQueen Fall 2013
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Alexander McQueen Spring 2016
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Alexander McQueen Fall 2016
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Alexander McQueen Spring 2019
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Alexander McQueen Spring 2020
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Alexander McQueen Spring 2021
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Alexander McQueen Spring 2022
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As for what will become of Alexander McQueen? With its namesake designer's vision upheld for so long by Burton, it's time to pass the baton. The question of who will succeed Burton is undoubtedly on everyone's minds, we expect an announcement to be made follow the designer's last hurrah at Paris Fashion Week.
