“Sarah Burton, McQueen’s second in command, has been named the brand’s new creative director. Burton joined McQueen in 1996, just a year before her graduation from Central St. Martins. In 2000, she was named head of womenswear design, and most recently she was credited with finishing McQueen’s AW10 collection after his suicide.
Burton told Vogue UK, “The creation of modern, beautifully crafted clothes was at the heart of Lee’s vision. I intend to stay true to his legacy.”
When Gucci Group announced plans to continue the Alexander McQueen label after Lee’s death, many were not pleased. Rumors swirled about McQueen’s replacement, often citing Gareth Pugh as an obvious choice. Others wanted the brand to lay dormant for some years, continuing accessories and McQ lines until enough time had passed to bring on another superstar designer.
But we’re happiest with this choice. Ms. Burton has spent nearly 16 years working at McQueen, and based on the AW10 collection, we’re confident that she has what it takes to continue McQueen’s legacy and contribute new concepts.
All we can do now is wait. Gucci Group did not say when Burton’s first collection would debut. We’re hoping for March 2011, but as of now, we’ll just have to wait and see!” fashionista
