Givenchy hires designer of Princess of Wales’s wedding dress as new creative director
Givenchy has hired the fashion designer behind the Princess of Wales’s wedding dress as its new creative director.
LVMH, the French luxury goods giant that owns Givenchy, said Sarah Burton will join the brand with immediate effect to oversee both its women’s and men’s collections.
Ms Burton joins from Alexander McQueen, the fashion house owned by rival Kering, where she served for almost three decades, most recently as creative director.
The designer has created dresses for a host of celebrities, including Cate Blanchett and Nicole Kidman.
In 2011 she was selected to design the dress worn by the Princess for her wedding to the Prince of Wales and has dressed her for a number of other events, including her 40th birthday.
In 2012 Ms Burton was awarded an Order of the British Empire for her services to the fashion industry, while last year she won the special recognition award at the Fashion Awards.
Ms Burton said: “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.”
Givenchy, which was founded in 1952, is known for designing the little black dress worn by Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golightly in the 1961 film Breakfast at Tiffany’s.
Ms Burton’s predecessor, Matthew M Williams, integrated streetwear into the label’s designs, mixing hoodies with suits on the catwalk at Paris Fashion Week. He left in December after three years with the designer.
The appointment of Ms Burton, who left Alexander McQueen last September, will likely be viewed as a change of direction for Givenchy. She will present her first collection next March.
Her appointment comes at a turbulent time for the French fashion house, which is grappling with a broader downturn in luxury spending by wealthy shoppers.
The economic slowdown in China has taken its toll on high-end brands, while customers are increasingly opting for “quiet” luxury over flashy styles.
Alessandro Valenti, the chief executive of Givenchy, said: “The arrival of Sarah Burton as head of our creative design is a very exciting moment for Givenchy.
“Her remarkable career path and creative vision have already won her a vast fan base, and we are certain that under her direction, Givenchy will continue to innovate and captivate an extensive audience across the world stage.
“I eagerly anticipate the new creative energy Sarah will bring as she works alongside our outstanding teams in our exceptional workshops, and we embark on this new chapter in the history of Givenchy.”
