Sarah Burton is named as Alexander McQueen’s successor as creative head
THE fashion house Alexander McQueen has appointed in-house designer Sarah Burton to succeed its eponymous founder and star designer, who committed suicide in February.
Yesterday’s move ends months of speculation about the future artistic direction of the fashion company whose sales have boomed since the designer’s death.
When Alexander McQueen’s final collection, inspired by painting’s Old Masters, was shown in Paris in March there was no talk of a successor. The company then just pledged to continue developing the brand.
Control of Alexander McQueen was acquired in 2001 by the Gucci Group.
“Having worked alongside Lee McQueen for more than 14 years, she (Burton) has a deep understanding of his vision, which will allow the company to stay true to its core values,” said Jonathan Akeroyd, President and chief executive of Alexander McQueen .
Burton had been working for McQueen since 1996 and has run the company’s women’s ready-to-wear since 2000.