Sarah Burton is stepping down from her post as a creative director at Alexander McQueen. After joining the brand in 1997, Burton succeeded the late designer following his death in 2010. The label’s upcoming spring 2024 show in Paris “will mark the conclusion of a highly successful partnership,” read a statement released by Kering and Burton on Monday.
During her tenure at the British fashion house, Burton dreamed up iconic designs for several celebrities including Kate Middleton, Nicole Kidman and Lady Gaga. Ahead, relive some of Burton’s best McQueen moments.
Kate Middleton, 2011
Kate Middleton on her wedding day in 2011.
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Millions tuned in to watch Kate Middleton marry Prince William at Westminster Abbey. Burton designed two looks for the Princess of Wales on her wedding day, including the gown she wore to walk down the aisle. Middleton’s satin gazar wedding gown, which included a nine-foot train, was crafted by 30 seamstresses and took a year to complete.
For the evening reception, Middleton wore a strapless satin gown designed by Burton, accessorizing with a crystallized belt and an angora bolero.
Kate Middleton ahead of the reception celebrating her marriage to Prince William.
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Jessica Chastain, 2012
Jessica Chastain at the Oscars in 2012.
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At the Oscars, Chastain wore a black and gold gown with botanical embroidery based on a design from Alexander McQueen’s resort 2012 collection. That evening, Chastain was nominated for her role in “The Help.”
“This was our dream dress,” Chastain’s stylist, Elizabeth Stewart, told the Hollywood Reporter. “We did a fitting with Sarah Burton and she drew the embroidery right on the toile.”
Nicole Kidman, 2016
Nicole Kidman at the Met Gala in 2016.
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Nicole Kidman made a celestial entrance at the 2016 Met Gala, wearing a gown covered in intricate beading. Featuring moon and star motifs, her out-of-this-world ensemble also included bodice cutouts and a floor-length cape. That year, the gala’s theme celebrated fashion and technology.
Cate Blanchett, 2016
Cate Blanchett at the 2016 BAFTAs.
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Cate Blanchett’s custom Alexander McQueen gown featured a feathered skirt and a bodice covered in beaded floral embroidery. After wearing it at the BAFTAs, Blanchett recycled this look at the Venice Film Festival in 2020, having it remade into a chic pantsuit.
Lady Gaga, 2019
Lady Gaga at the 2019 Oscars.
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Lady Gaga attended the Oscars in this structural Burton design featuring exaggerated hips and leather opera gloves. The singer, who won her first Oscar for “Shallow” that night, accessorized with a yellow diamond necklace by Tiffany & Co.