Sarah Burton, known to many as the designer behind Kate Middleton‘s wedding dress, has been announced as the new creative director of Givenchy – the design house behind Meghan Markle‘s nuptial gown.
The 50-year-old artist worked as creative creator for Alexander McQueen for 26 years – she was its creative director for 13 of those years.
Sarah took over the role in 2010, following the death of its founder Lee Alexander McQueen.
According to Vogue Business, industry estimates suggest she helped grow the Kering brand’s sales to around €830 million by 2022.
Her last collection for the British design house came in Spring/Summer 2024, after which she became a free agent.
Top fashion designer Sarah Burton (pictured in London in April) is the new creative director of fashion house Givenchy
The designer worked at Alexander McQueen for 26 years, 13 of which, as creative director, during which she designed the now-Princess of Wales’ wedding dress (Prince William and the Princess of Wales on their wedding day in April 2011)
The event was described as emotional, featuring a standing ovation, and many tears.
Following her departure from McQueen, her next move was highly anticipated.
Last December, it was revealed that Matthew Williams would be stepping down from his role as Givenchy’s creative director. No successor was named.
In the meantime, he turned his attention back to to his brand 1017 Alyx 9SM.
Following Matthew’s three-year tender at LVMH-owned Givenchy, its studio team led the design process, while a new creative director was found.
Now it has been announced that Sarah Burton – who described Givenchy as a ‘jewell’ will be taking over, and will be responsible for all of the women’s and men’s collections.
Speaking about the role, which is effective immediately, Sarah said: ‘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.’
Clare Waight Keller, a former creative director at Givenchy, was the designer behind Meghan Markle’s wedding dress (pictured: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at their wedding in Windsor in May 2018)
Sidney Toledano, chairman of the Givenchy board, added: ‘Sarah Burton is an exceptional creative talent whose work I have passionately followed for many years.
‘Her unique vision and approach to fashion will be invaluable to this iconic maison, known for its audacity and haute couture.
‘I am convinced that her creative leadership will contribute to the future success and international standing of the maison.’
In July, another new hire – Alessandro Valenti – became the CEO of Givenchy.
Describing the arrival of Sarah Burton as head of our creative design as ‘a very exciting moment for Givenchy’, Alessandro added that her ‘remarkable career path and creative vision have already won her a vast fan base’.
He said: ‘We are certain that under her direction, Givenchy will continue to innovate and captivate an extensive audience across the world stage.
‘I eagerly anticipate the new creative energy Sarah will bring as she works alongside our outstanding teams in our exceptional workshops and we embark on this new chapter in the history of Givenchy.’
Sarah’s new role makes her the woman to hold a creative director at an LVMH house.
Her antecedents include Alexander McQueen, who held the position between 1996 and 2000.
As the second woman to head design at Givenchy, Sarah follows Clare Waight Keller.
Clare, who was its creative director between 2017 and 2020 is known by many as the designer behind the wedding dress worn by Meghan Markle during her marriage to Prince Harry in 2018.
She spoke about the gown during the couple’s 2022 Netflix series, Harry & Meghan, appearing on episode four.
During the episode, Clare said the minimalist silk outfit, without lace or any other embellishments, had to be ‘flawless’.
She said: ‘Looking at the design of the dress, there were many conversations about how you want to present yourself to the world.
‘Most of us have a wedding with 70 to a hundred people.
‘This was billions of people watching.
‘It has to be flawless, it has to be perfect.’
Sarah Burton will present her first collection for Givenchy in March 2025.
