Givenchy has named Sarah Burton as its new creative director, effective immediately, putting an end to the months-long search for a new designer at the French couture house. Burton takes over the role from Matthew Williams who left the house in January 2024, after three and a half years in the job.
“It is a great honour to be joining the beautiful house of Givenchy, it is a jewel,” Burton said in a statement following the announcement. “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.”
In McQueen’s Footsteps
Besides her arrival at Givenchy, news of Burton’s appointment also comes as a relief to the fashion world, as there has been a long speculation about her future in the industry. Burton spent her entire career at Alexander McQueen, where she started out as the right-hand of founder Lee Alexander McQueen before stepping into the creative director role after his death in 2010.
After more than 25 years at the LVMH-owned fashion house, Burton exited in 2023, presenting her final McQueen show (the SS24 collection). Until today, there have only been talks about what direction she would take her career. Her journey to Givenchy is quite poetic as she finds herself yet again following the footsteps of her late mentor. (McQueen was the creative director at Givenchy from 1996 to 2001).
A New Chapter
“Sarah Burton is an exceptional creative talent whose work I have passionately followed for many years,” Givenchy chairman Sidney Toledano said of the appointment. “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.”
Givenchy presents both a new opportunity and an exciting challenge for Burton, making her the second female and eighth designer to lead the house since its founding in 1952. Clare Waight Keller was the first woman to hold the post from 2017 to 2020 (where she was responsible for designing Meghan Markle’s royal wedding gown).
In her new role, Burton will be responsible for overseeing the design of both women’s and men’s collections. Her debut collection is expected to be unveiled at Paris Fashion Week in March 2025.
Featured image: @givenchy/Instagram
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