LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton’s Givenchy brand appointed Sarah Burton, a British designer as it’s creative director. Sarah Burton, the longtime-Alexander McQueen designer behind the Princess of Wales’ 2011 wedding dress. The choice of the seasoned British designer, Sarah Burton who joins Givenchy after nearly three decades at rival Kering’s Alexander McQueen label, signals a new aesthetic direction for the label. ,
Sarah Burton’s fashion leadership comes at a time where the role has been covered by design teams since the end of last year. The French brand said on Monday that Burton will be tasked with leading the creative direction of all of its women’s and men’s collections. Her appointment is effective immediately, Givenchy said.
LVMH appoints Sarah Burton
Sarah Burton joins as her predecessor, Matthew M. Williams, left Givenchy in December after three years. Known for his streetwear approach, Williams had mixed hoodies into lineups of sharp tailoring on the Paris catwalk, and embellished bags and shoes with prominent zippers and extra straps.
Sarah Burton fashion leadership
Burton, a famously discrete designer with a loyal following and strong design credentials, is known for flattering, deconstructed styles at McQueen, and carrying on the legacy of the label’s founder, Lee McQueen following his death.
She had worked alongside him for 14 years before becoming creative director in 2010.
Kering late last year, as part of an expansion drive at McQueen led by CEO Gianfilippo Testa, replaced Burton with a relatively unknown designer, Sean McGirr.
LVMH designer changes for Givenchy
Her appointment at the French fashion house, comes as the fashion industry grapples with a global downturn in spending by luxury shoppers, particularly in China, where a property crisis has dampened appetite for high-end goods.
Wealthy shoppers have become pickier, and are favoring more classic styles over flashier, streetwear looks.
Givenchy’s vision
Givenchy is known for sparking the idea of the perfect “little black dress” as a wardrobe staple. This was after designing a gown worn by Audrey Hepburn in the 1961 film “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.”
She will present her first collection for Givenchy next March, LVMH said.
Under Burton’s direction, the label will “continue to innovate and captivate an extensive audience across the world stage”, Givenchy’s CEO Alessandro Valenti said in a statement.
A longtime Louis Vuitton executive who most recently headed the Givenchy’s Europe and Middle East operations. He was appointed to head Givenchy in July last year.
