5 reasons why Sarah Burton’s arrival is the best thing to happen to Givenchy

On the morning of Monday, September 9, the news spread. Sarah Burton is the new artistic director of Givenchy’s women’s and men’s collections. The 50-year-old British designer will meet the team this week at the workshops located on Avenue George V in Paris, and will present his first collection in March 2025 in Paris. A statement that shocks the world of fashion, since Givenchy has been operating without an artistic director since the departure of Matthew Williams on January 1. The latest Fall-Winter 2024 collection, which was presented the same month in Paris, was designed by the studio team.

With 26 years of experience at Alexander McQueen, Sarah Burton’s arrival comes at the right time. “I am very excited to write the next chapter in the history of this iconic house and to bring my own vision, sensibility and beliefs to Givenchy,” he said in a statement.

McQueen Temple Guardian

During her third year of fashion design at London’s prestigious Central Saint Martins, Sarah Burton joined Alexander McQueen’s workshop for an internship. An experience that saw her make her first wedding dress at just 20 years old before landing a job on graduation. He quickly became director of a ready-to-wear design studio, which allowed him to establish himself as designer Lee Alexander McQueen’s right-hand man. She learns everything from him: her codes, her style, her fashion vision. Naturally, she soaks up the oft-praised fashion shows. In 2010, Alexander McQueen ended his life. Sarah Burton appeared at the head of the collections of the British house. He held this position as art director for thirteen years before leaving the ship in September 2023.

Designer of Kate Middleton’s wedding dress

On April 29, 2011, Kate Middleton and Prince William got married in front of cameras around the world. The wedding dress of the Princess of Wales became a cult after its first appearance. Sarah Burton’s Alexander McQueen signature piece designed with Caudry lace and finished with tulle and a 2.7m train. The long sleeves are reminiscent of those adopted by Lady Dee or Grace Kelly at their own weddings. Everything was carefully thought out by the stylist who, when designing the skirt, wanted it to look like a blooming flower. For this purpose, she hid a cape made of lace and tulle under the dress to add volume. That day Sarah Burton became world famous.

Designed for Givenchy

In fashion, fate usually does well. By becoming the artistic director of Givenchy’s women’s and men’s collections, Sarah Burton somehow pays tribute to her former mentor, Alexander McQueen. The English designer actually headed the Givenchy house collections from 1996 to 2011, succeeding John Galliano. It was around this time that he made history forever by allowing a robot to spray a dress at the end of his own label’s spring-summer 1999 show, which he pulled off in parallel.

Bright style

Couture creations, detailed embroidery, infinite creativity… Sarah Burton’s style mixes the extravagant codes of the McQueen school with a very English softness. This clever mix made him a popular and easily recognizable stylist. He dares to use colors, voluminous cuts and patterns, breaks the trenches and layers materials. At Sarah Burton, suits are embroidered and dresses are romantic. In an era where fashion is constantly updated, the designer quietly imposes his vision of fashion. He doesn’t chase time, he takes it.

Famous fans

Sarah Burton’s inimitable style has made her much admired by celebrities, from Michelle Obama to Lady Gaga, including Meghan Markle, Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss and, of course, Kate Middleton. Today, the front row of a fashion show is as scrutinized as the collection presented. Even the tiniest of star looks can quickly go viral and garner a lot of attention for the designer. With Sarah Burton, it’s a safe bet that a lot of people will be at her first Givenchy show, scheduled for March 2025.