SARAH BURTON Makes Her Mark
Intern to Creative Director of The House of McQueen
Sarah Burton had some huge shoes to fill after the passing of Alexander McQueen, and she has not only filled them, she has carried on a rich legacy while making the House of McQueen all her own.
Burton’s history with McQueen goes all the way back to 1996, when she began interning at McQueen’s studio while still a student at London’s Central Saint Martin’s College of Art and Design. After graduating the following year, she joined the house full time, and quickly rose through the ranks. By 2000, she was head of women’s wear, creating dresses for the likes of Gwyneth Paltrow and Cate Blanchett. Following Alexander McQueen’s untimely death in 2010, it seemed only fitting that Burton was named as the house’s new Creative Director.
Many people wondered if the McQueen brand was even capable of continuing after his death, as McQueen was truly a creative mind that could not be duplicated. It was clear that Burton had her work cut out for her. How does one even begin to carry the torch of arguably one of the greatest designers in the history of fashion? How true to McQueen’s vision should one remain while making his/her own point of view known? Burton undoubtedly wrestled with these questions as she was given the task of picking up where McQueen left off.
It soon became clear that Burton was up to, and worthy of, the job. Her team of craftspeople have been on the job for almost as long as Burton herself, and together, this close-knit group has managed to tread that nearly impossible line between McQueen’s legacy and Burton’s own artistic vision. Burton quickly and deftly made a name for herself as a master tailor, whether cutting a fantastically ruffled dress or a cinched power suit. It was this level of fabric mastery that led to one of her most name-making moments in her storied career.
On April 29, 2011, anyone still unfamiliar with Burton’s work got a front row seat to her genius when it was revealed that she had designed none other than Kate Middleton’s wedding dress. Needless to say, the royal wedding was seen around the world, and so too was Burton’s creation. The V-neck bodice, extravagant train, and uber-delicate lace sleeves came together in a wedding dress that was about as close to perfect as wedding dresses can get. Interestingly enough, Middleton wore a second wedding gown that day for a more intimate celebration at Buckingham Palace after the huge televised main event. Burton designed that one, too.
It’s clear to see that Burton has proven herself more than worthy of leading the House of Alexander McQueen. A “soft armor for women” as she calls them, her designs show her allegiance to the man who took her under his wing all those years ago, yet they still show Burton’s distinctive voice as well. And just like with McQueen himself, we can’t wait to see what she does next.
