French luxury brand Givenchy announced Monday the appointment of British designer Sarah Burton, formerly of Alexander McQueen, as artistic director.
“I am very excited to write the next chapter in the history of this iconic house and to bring my own vision of sensibility and convictions to Givenchy,” the 50-year-old designer said in a statement quoted by AFP.
The position had been vacant since January 1 and the departure of American Matthew Williams who, after a three-year collaboration with the French fashion house, decided to concentrate on his own streetwear brand.
Sarah Burton, known for designing Kate Middleton's wedding dress, took over the artistic reins of Alexander McQueen in 2010 after the suicide of its founder.
She bowed out of the famous British brand in 2023, after 25 years with the house. Since then, speculation has been rife.
With this appointment, Givenchy, owned by LVMH, makes a clear turnaround. This summer, the luxury giant had appointed a new CEO for the house, the Italian Alessandro Valenti, a retail specialist.
With the appointment of Sarah Burton, a lover of romance and an expert in the know-how and materials essential to haute couture, the brand, in search of stability, can hope to bet on all fronts.
A discreet designer, Sarah Burton, is known in the industry for her humility and her involvement in a number of causes, notably education.
She will present her first collection in March 2025.