After months of speculation and an empty place at its helm, Givenchy has announced that Sarah Burton will succeed Matthew Williams as Creative Director of the House. Burton, who departed Alexander McQueen a year ago, will step into the role effective immediately. Her first collection will debut in March of next year.
Burton spent the entirety of her career designing at McQueen, with the last 13 of them at the brand’s helm following the untimely death of its founder, Lee Alexander McQueen. During her tenure, her designs received critical acclaim, and one of her most notable projects was designing Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales’s wedding dress.
“It is a great honour to be joining the beautiful house of Givenchy, it is a jewel. 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,” Burton said in a statement from Givenchy, which announced her appointment early yesterday.
Burton will be the second woman to take over the role of creative director, following Clare Waight Keller, who preceded Matthew Williams.
The Next Chapter
Givenchy has been in a transitional phase since Williams’ departure, with its in-house design teams stepping in the last couple of seasons. This next collection, for Spring 2025, will mark the end of the transition and hopefully put an end to the revolving door that has plagued Givenchy in recent years.
The House’s last two Creative Directors were at the helm for only three years each, which is not enough time to establish a clear point of view and vision. Burton’s experience, strong point of view, and detailed focus make her the perfect candidate for the job.
featured image via Givenchy
Maybe I’m just too much of a basic purse fan who anchors on “It bags” as a way to distinguish whether a brand is notable or not… but Matthew Williams’ vision for Givenchy was pretty run-of-the-mill, definitely not a risk-taker.
Sarah’s appointment is something to look forward to—both for a staid Givenchy and for herself. She’s been at McQueen her whole life carrying on Alexander’s legacy. How much will she be able to break free in her new role? Or did LVMH hire her to play it safe—Tim Cook a la Steve Jobs?
I think that’s great news. Givenchy has been so terribly boring for years.
How ironic Lee was at Givenchy and now Sarah. Lets hope her tenure goes better than his.