Alexander McQueen has announced that Sarah Burton will be stepping down from her position after more than two decades at the brand—thirteen of which she served as creative director.
In a statement issued by Kering, the label’s parent company, shared the news that the upcoming Spring 2024 show, set to debut at Paris Fashion Week on September 30, will be Burton’s last collection with the brand.
“We would like to express our immense gratitude to Sarah for writing such an important chapter in the history of the Alexander McQueen House,” wrote Gianfilippo Testa, Alexander McQueen’s chief executive. “Sarah’s contribution over the past 26 years will leave an indelible mark.”
While no successor has been immediately scouted, the company assured one would be announced “in due course”.
The British-born designer first joined Alexander McQueen in 1996 while on a placement during her course at the prestigious Central Saint Martins College. After graduating, she returned to work for the brand, becoming one of the founder’s closest collaborators, and was named head of womenswear design just two years later.
Following the tragic passing of the brand’s founder, Lee Alexander McQueen, in 2010, Burton was named as his successor and carried on with his pioneering legacy.
One of her most notable career highlights came a year later when Burton was tapped to design Kate Middleton’s wedding dress for her nuptials to Prince William. The long-sleeve lace gown became an instant classic and continues to inspire brides. In 2012, Burton reached another milestone—being awarded an Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her services to the British fashion industry.
