Givenchy has named British designer Sarah Burton as its new creative director with her first collections for the LVMH-owned house due to be shown in March 2025.
The former creative director of Alexander McQueen, and right-hand woman of the late Lee Alexander McQueen, will be responsible for the creative direction of all of the women’s and men’s collections at the Givenchy. She replaces American designer Matthew Williams who stood down at the start of the year after three years in the role.
Burton had been with Alexander McQueen, owned by LVMH rival Kering, for 26 years initially working alongside its founder Lee Alexander McQueen and then taking over the creative direction after McQueen’s untimely death in 2010. She left the house of McQueen in 2023 to be replaced by Irish designer Seán McGirr, amid reports Kering wanted to take the brand in a more youthful direction,
In taking on the role at Givenchy, Burton follows in the footsteps of McQueen himself who held the role between 1996 to 2001. Her reputation for exquisitely crafted tailoring and eveningwear would seem to be a perfect fit for Givenchy, which she has described as a “jewel”.
“It is a great honour to be joining the beautiful house of Givenchy, it is a jewel,” Burton 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.”
Givenchy chairman Sidney Toledano said of the appointment: “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.”
