Sarah Burton Bids Farewell to Alexander McQueen After 26-year Legacy

In an announcement by the parent company, Kering, on Monday, it was revealed that the much-anticipated Alexander McQueen show at Paris Fashion Week on September 30 will mark Sarah Burton’s final bow. The creative genius is departing the British luxury fashion house after a commendable tenure of 26 years. Kering promises the revelation of a “new creative organization” for McQueen’s esteemed fashion house soon.

Gianfilippo Testa, CEO of Alexander McQueen, expressed his gratitude, stating, “Sarah’s monumental contributions over almost three decades have truly shaped the identity of the Alexander McQueen brand. Her legacy here is profound.”

The tale of Burton’s journey with McQueen started in 1996. As a student at London’s Central Saint Martins Art and Design School, she sought a recommendation from Simon Ungless, a collaborator with McQueen and her then-teacher, to join the brand as an intern. Despite the brand’s young age of four years, it was already carving out a distinctive McQueen aesthetic.

Though her stint began as an internship, Burton’s association with the brand and Alexander Lee McQueen solidified when she rejoined after her graduation. By 2000, she had climbed the ranks and was widely recognized as the cornerstone of McQueen’s design ethos, known formally as the head of design for Womenswear.

The tragic passing of Alexander McQueen in 2010 saw Burton stepping into the role of creative director. Despite the brand’s acquisition by the Kering Group in 2001, under Burton’s stewardship, McQueen underwent a subtle transformation. While preserving McQueen’s iconic tailoring and dramatic silhouettes, Burton delicately introduced softer elements, reducing the brand’s historical shock elements.

Reflecting on her illustrious journey, Burton shared, “Alexander McQueen was more than a brand to me; it was my family, my mentorship under Lee Alexander McQueen, and my evolution as a designer. I’m deeply grateful to Francois-Henri Pinault for his unwavering belief in me. As I step into my next chapter, I’ll always cherish my time here and everything I’ve learned.”