Givenchy has appointed Sarah Burton as its new creative director, marking a significant step in the brand’s evolution. Burton will be responsible for the creative direction of all womenswear and menswear collections. Her appointment follows the departure of Matthew M. Williams, who stepped down in December 2023 after presenting the Pre-Fall 2024 collection.
Burton brings a distinguished career in fashion to Givenchy. She began her journey at Alexander McQueen in 1996 as an intern while studying at Central Saint Martins. Her talent quickly blossomed, and by 2000, she was appointed as head of womenswear design, working closely with the founder, Lee McQueen. After McQueen’s passing in 2010, Burton was named creative director, inheriting the brand’s legacy. She skillfully maintained McQueen’s signature aesthetic, infusing it with her own exceptional tailoring skills and crafting stunning ready-to-wear collections that mirrored the elegance of haute couture.
Burton’s impact extends beyond the fashion world. Her design of the wedding dress for Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, in 2011, brought her global recognition. She has garnered numerous accolades, including the prestigious British Fashion Award for Designer of the Year, and in 2012, she received an OBE for her significant contributions to the British fashion industry. Burton departed from Alexander McQueen in October 2023 after showcasing the Spring/Summer 2024 collection in Paris.
Burton expressed her enthusiasm about this new chapter, stating, “I am incredibly honored to be joining Givenchy, a house of such exquisite beauty. I am excited to write the next chapter in this iconic story and bring my own vision, sensibility and beliefs to Givenchy.”
The Givenchy studio team has been managing the brand’s creative direction since Williams’ departure. Burton’s debut collection is slated for release in March 2025. This appointment signals a new era for Givenchy, one that promises a captivating blend of heritage and innovation under the leadership of a visionary designer.
