Sarah Burton waves goodbye to her glory days at Alexander McQueen

Alexander McQueen’s predecessor, Sarah Burton OBE, is stepping down as Creative Director following her final show on 30 September at Paris Fashion Week.

Burton has spent her 26 year career span at the British luxury house, but is best known for designing Kate Middleton’s wedding gown in 2011.

Burton first joined Alexander McQueen as an intern in 1996 during her studies at Central Saint Martins. In 1997, upon graduating, she was hired full time and by 2000, she had risen the ranks and was appointed Head of Womenswear.

Following Lee McQueen's death in February 2010, and after company owner Gucci confirmed that the brand would continue producing, Burton was named the Creative Director in May 2010.

It wasn’t until 29 April 2011 that Burton shot to stardom after it was revealed she had designed the wedding dress of Catherine Middleton and maid of honour Pippa Middleton’s dress. In the same year, she was announced the Designer of the Year at the British Fashion Awards. By the next year, she was awarded an Order of the British Empire (OBE) in recognition of her services to the British fashion industry.

Sarah Burton designed the Princess of Wales’ wedding gown (Suzanne Plunkett/PA)

After founding the luxury label in 1992, Lee McQueen sold a majority stake to the Gucci Group - since merged with Kering - in 2001. Reports suggest Kering would like to reposition the brand, which is best known for its tailoring and red carpet gowns, to drive growth.

Gianfilippo Testa, CEO of Alexander McQueen, said in a statement: "We would like to express our immense gratitude to Sarah for writing such an important chapter in the history of the Alexander McQueen House. Sarah's contribution over the past 26 years will leave an indelible mark."

François-Henri Pinault, Chairman & CEO of Kering, said: "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. 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."

Sarah Burton added: "I am so proud of everything I've done and of my incredible team at Alexander McQueen. They are my family, and this has been my home for the past 26 years. I want to thank François-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."

A new creative direction for the house will be announced in due course.

Main image: Sarah Burton arrives at the Elle Style Awards 2023 (Ian West/PA)