THE Princess of Wales’ wedding dress designer is leaving Alexander McQueen after more than two decades.
Sarah Burton has led the British fashion house – a firm and trusted favourite of Kate’s – since 2010 and previously worked with the brand’s founder, Lee Alexander McQueen, for 14 years.
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Sarah, who was born in Macclesfield and studied at Central Saint Martins, the esteemed London-based fashion college, took over as creative director after McQueen tragically took his own life at the age of 40.
On her departure, Sarah said: “I am so proud of everything I’ve done and of my incredible team at Alexander McQueen. I am looking forward to the future and my next chapter and will always carry this treasured time with me.”
Her exit has prompted speculation that she could set up her own label.
Sarah shot to worldwide fame after creating the intricate ivory wedding gown which Kate wore in 2011.
She described creating the dress – which featured long delicate lace sleeves and an 8ft train – as the “experience of a lifetime”.
Sales for McQueen rocketed by 29 per cent after the Royal Wedding and the dress quickly became one of the most iconic and copied of all time.
Kate has since worn McQueen to many high-profile engagements over the years including to all three of her children’s christenings, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s wedding and Royal Ascot.
She even wore the brand for her milestone 40th birthday portraits.
Kering, the luxury group who owns Alexander McQueen as well as other labels including Gucci and Saint Laurent, said McQueen’s spring and summer catwalk show in Paris on September 30th will be the last with Sarah at the helm.
The brand praised her for leaving an “indelible mark” with her vision and creativity.
“She kept and continued Lee’s heritage, attention to detail and unique vision, while adding her own personal, highly creative touch,” said Francois-Henri Pinault, Chairman and CEO of Kering, in a statement.
Sarah, who has also dressed Cate Blanchett, Lady Gaga and Gwyneth Paltrow, was awarded with an Order of the British Empire in 2012 for her services to the fashion industry.
The same year she was also named in Time 100, an annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world.
The fashion house did not give details about who will replace her.
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