Sarah Burton to Exit Alexander McQueen After 20 Years
After more than two decades as creative director, Sarah Burton and Alexander McQueen are parting ways.
There’s been a great fashion exodus happening this year. First, it was Gabriela Hearst leaving Chloé, then Jeremy Scott left Moschino, and most recently Tremaine Emory exited Supreme over allegations of systemic racism at the brand. Now, Sarah Burton joins the lineup as she is reportedly leaving her position as creative director at Alexander McQueen after more than two decades.
“I am immensely grateful to Sarah, and I want to personally thank her for her work over the past two decades, first alongside Lee Alexander McQueen, where her role was instrumental to his success, and then as the creative director since 2010,” said Kering chairman and CEO François-Henri Pinault in a statement. “Through her own experience, sensitivity, and talent, Sarah continued to evolve the artistic expression of this iconic house. She kept and continued Lee’s heritage, attention to detail and unique vision, while adding her own personal, highly creative touch.”
In 2000, Burton served as the head of design of womenswear for Alexander McQueen, working side by side with the founder Lee McQueen. After his death, she appointed creative director in 2010, effectively honoring his legacy with his signature sharp tailoring and penchant for darker themes, while adding her own unique vision to the brand.
In 2011 she received the Designer of the Year Award at the British Fashion Awards, the same year she designed Kate Middleton’s wedding dress — who has since often sported custom Alexander McQueen designs.
“I am so proud of everything I’ve done and of my incredible team at Alexander McQueen,” Burton said in a statement. “They are my family, and this has been my home for the past 26 years. I want to thank Francois-Henri Pinault for believing in me and offering me this amazing opportunity. Above all I want to thank Lee Alexander McQueen. He taught me so much and I am eternally grateful to him. I am looking forward to the future and my next chapter and will always carry this treasured time with me.”
Burton’s last collection for the fashion house will be her upcoming Spring/Summer 2024 show during Paris Fashion Week. The new creative director for the House has yet to be announced and will be unveiled in due time.
