Kering announces a change at Alexander McQueen

When she was appointed, Sarah Burton had already been working with Alexander McQueen for fourteen years. The stylist managed to embody the brand's aesthetic codes with a personal interpretation that captivated numerous international figures, including Kate Middleton, who chose the British designer to create her wedding dress.

Kering, the parent company, has not provided official information explaining this sudden departure. Sarah Burton's last collection will be presented at the upcoming Paris Fashion Week, marking the end of her journey with the iconic brand. In an official statement, François-Henri Pinault, CEO of Kering, expressed his thoughts on Sarah Burton's departure: "I want to personally thank her for the work she has done over the past two decades, first alongside Lee Alexander McQueen, where her role was pivotal in his success, and then as Creative Director since 2010 (…) Through her experience, sensibility, and talent, Sarah has continued to evolve the artistic expression of this iconic house."

On her part, the English stylist wanted to honor her mentor: "Above all, I want to thank Lee Alexander McQueen. He taught me so much, and I am eternally grateful." Sarah Burton's work has allowed Alexander McQueen to gain importance within the Kering universe, becoming one of the luxury group's flagship brands with estimated revenues between 700 and 800 million euros, although detailed results are not published by the group.

Sarah Burton's departure is part of many changes that have taken place within Kering in recent months, following the recent mixed financial results (in July 2023, the group led by François-Henri Pinault reported a 10% decrease in its net profit for the first half of the year).

It is likely that the parent company wants to inject new energy into the brand, whose potential Kering aims to enhance. The name of the person who will succeed Sarah Burton at the helm of Alexander McQueen's creations has not yet been revealed.