Sarah Burton as Givenchy’s New Creative Director
A Bold Statement for Women in Fashion
After spending 13 years as the Creative Director at Alexander McQueen, Sarah Burton's appointment as Givenchy’s Creative Director marks a significant moment in the fashion industry. With a rich 26-year career dedicated to Alexander McQueen, Burton's transition to Givenchy is especially noteworthy amid ongoing criticism regarding the representation of female designers in prominent positions within major fashion houses.
This shift follows a precedent set by Clare Waight Keller, the only other female Creative Director at Givenchy, who held her position from 2017 to 2020 and has recently taken the role at Uniqlo. Burton's influence is profound, and her previous work at Alexander McQueen showcased her talent for intricate design and technical excellence.
At NYES, we believe it is important to honor such milestones in fashion, particularly those that highlight the achievements of women in the industry. Reflecting on Burton's career allows us to appreciate the innovative techniques and meticulous details she has consistently brought to her collections, traits that we also strive to embody in our own work. As Burton steps into her new role, it is an opportunity to celebrate the evolution of fashion leadership and the continued push for diversity and representation within the field.
Lady Gaga wearing Alexander McQueen Fall 2013.
Sarah Burton’s Fall 2013 gown exemplifies the intricate craftsmanship that NYES values in our designs. The dramatic layers of beading, lace, and pleating not only showcase meticulous attention to detail but also enhance the overall elegance of the piece. The corset, adorned with pearls and gold accents, serves.
Kate Middleton’s Wedding Dress 2011
Burton’s big break came in 2011 when she designed Kate Middleton’s wedding gown. The dress-both elegant and majestic-perfectly showcased a modern collaboration between the bride and Sarah Burton, featuring a V-neck décolleté, a fitted silhouette, and long, delicate lace sleeves. The intricate embroidery on those embroidered lace sleeves is a process completely within our capabilities here at NYES.
Beyonce’s Renaissance Tour
Sarah Burton is also renowned for her frequent collaborations with Queen Bey, particularly during the Renaissance tour! Among the standout looks, was a custom-made mini dress and thigh-high boots. The dress featured hand-beaded panels, a technique we offer at NYES and have used for Adele’s Las Vegas residency concerts. NYES also had the pleasure of working with Beyoncé and her team on the Renaissance tour. We contributed to her zip-up Telfar tracksuit for the Seattle show, adding Swarovski hotfix embellishments to her bodysuit.
Given all this, what can we expect from Givenchy and Sarah Burton in the future? Sarah Burton’s collections are renowned for their unique fusion of everyday, practical garments such as blazers and chunky boots- with influences from punk culture. This juxtaposition is combined with a focus on feminine silhouettes that accentuate the waist and emphasize the natural curves of the female form.
The infusion between these seemingly contrasting elements, modern practicality and rebellious edge, creates a distinctive aesthetic that makes Burton’s work one of a kind. Her ability to seamlessly merge these influences into cohesive and innovative collections continues to capture the imagination and interest of fashion enthusiasts worldwide.
References:
https://www.vogue.com/article/sarah-burton-alexander-mcqueen-celebrity-roundup
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/09/style/sarah-burton-givenchy-creative-director.html
https://www.businessoffashion.com/articles/luxury/givenchy-names-sarah-burton-next-designer/
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