Sarah Burton, the renowned British designer who spent her career at Alexander McQueen, has been appointed as the new creative director of GIVENCHY. This marks a new chapter for the iconic French fashion house, which has seen numerous designers come and go since its founder, Hubert de Givenchy, retired in 1995.
Burton, known for her impeccable tailoring and empowering designs, brings a unique vision to GIVENCHY. Her creative journey at Alexander McQueen began under the tutelage of the late Lee Alexander McQueen, who himself once led GIVENCHY. Burton’s tenure at McQueen saw her blend poetry and utility in her collections, creating a softer, more luxurious aesthetic that still maintained the brand’s confrontational edge.
Sidney Toledano, chairman of the GIVENCHY board, praised Burton’s appointment, stating, “Sarah Burton is an exceptional creative talent whose work I have passionately followed for many years. I am very glad that she is joining GIVENCHY today. Her unique vision and approach to fashion will be invaluable to this iconic maison, known for its audacity and haute couture.“
Burton, who will oversee all women’s and men’s collections, expressed her excitement about the new role. “It is a great honor to be joining the beautiful house of GIVENCHY, it is a jewel,” she said. “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.”
Burton’s appointment follows a year-long search for a new creative director at GIVENCHY, which has struggled to find a balanced path between Parisienne glamour and contemporary urban glitz. The brand achieved significant growth under Riccardo Tisci, whose streetwear-inflected designs drove sales for over a decade. Clare Waight Keller, Tisci’s successor, reconnected the brand with mid-century French elegance, while Matthew Williams, the most recent designer, blended chic suiting with utility hardware and kinky stockings.
The new duo at GIVENCHY, consisting of Burton and Alessandro Valenti, the recently appointed CEO, aims to ignite a renaissance at the storied house. Valenti, who joined from Louis Vuitton, praised Burton’s creative vision, saying, “Her remarkable career path and creative vision have already won her a vast fan base, and we are certain that under her direction, GIVENCHY will continue to innovate and captivate an extensive audience across the world stage.”
