Sarah Burton, the celebrated British designer known for creating Kate Middleton's iconic wedding dress, has been named new creative director of Givenchy, the prestigious brand owned by lvmh. The designer, who recently ended a 26-year career with Alexander McQueen, takes over from Matthew Williams, who held the role of creative director for three years, from January 2021 to January 2024. He will begin working with Givenchy immediately and will present his first Fall/Winter 2025 collection in March 2025 during the Paris fashion week.
Burton described Givenchy as “a jewel” and expressed his excitement at his new appointment: “I am thrilled to begin this new chapter in the history of Givenchy and to bring my vision, sensibility and personal beliefs to this iconic house,” he said.
The Legacy of Alexander McQueen
In September 2023, Burton announced that the Spring/Summer 2024 collection would be its last for Alexander McQueen, marking the end of a 26-year era at the brand, including 13 as creative director. Following the passing of founder Lee Alexander McQueen in 2010, Burton led the brand into a growth significant, helping to achieve sales of approximately 830 million euros in 2022.
The growth of female talent at LVMH
Burton joins a select group of women holding creative director roles at LVMH's luxury fashion houses, including Maria Grazia Chiuri for Dior, Camille Miceli for Pucci, Silvia Fendi (together with Kim Jones) for Fendi and Stella McCartney. This appointment marks a significant step forward in the recognition of female talent in the industry, and Burton becomes the second woman to lead design at Givenchy, succeeding Clare Waight Keller, who held the role from 2017 to 2020.
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Sidney Toledo, chairman of the board of directors of Givenchy, praised Burton as an exceptional creative talent, noting: “His unique vision and approach to fashion will be invaluable to Givenchy, known for its audacity and haute couture. I am confident that his leadership will contribute to the future success and international standing of the brand.”
Meanwhile, Givenchy, part of LVMH's Fashion Group which also includes Celine and Loewe, recently appointed Alessandro Valenti like new CEO. Valenti, former president of EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) at Louis Vuitton, said: “The arrival of Sarah Burton as our head of creative design is a very exciting moment for Givenchy. Her extraordinary journey and creative vision have already won many fans, and we are confident that she will continue to innovate and captivate a global audience. I look forward to seeing the new creative energy that Sarah will bring to our ateliers as we embark on this new chapter.”
