fashion. culture. music.
JULY 5, 2026
Sarah Burton as Givenchy’s Creative Director
Clothes should be treated as art. Now hear me out. Leonardo Da Vinci started painting the Mona Lisa in the year 1503, and ultimately added his last stroke of color in 1517. It now hangs in the Louvre Museum, for the world to observe its beauty, and analyze its depth. It has transcended generations, and I do not see that changing any time in the foreseeable future. Clothing is meant to do the same. To be passed from mother to daughter, and from father to son. It is meant to withstand the test of time. Ultimately, clothing dresses the body, like paint dresses a canvas. If a century from now, a brand is able to draw a quarter of the eyes that observe the Mona Lisa, then that brand has done something right.
Behind every major fashion house, there is a creative director that is entrusted with the task of shaping the brand. From Jonathan Anderson at the House of Dior, to Anthony Vaccarello at the House of Saint Laurent, each has had their own impact on the industry. Standing out amongst the bunch is Sarah Burton, creative director at the House of Givenchy. Since being appointed, she has completely changed the face of Givenchy, and this 180 will be one for the books.
Let’s backtrack. From 1996 to 2001, Alexander McQueen was the creative director for the brand. He introduced, perhaps, the most avant garde era the house had ever seen. From his debut in Spring 1997, that featured models in horned helmets and Hellenistic corsets, to his Fall 1999 Cyborg Couture Collection. McQueen was known for radically changing Givenchy’s classic Parisian identity. While his reign with the house was not, in principle, bad, it definitely did not align with the vision Hubert De Givenchy founded his company on.
After McQueen’s reign, Givenchy cycled through four more creative directors, who, much like other couture houses, attempted to lean into the streetwear aesthetic in order to cater to the younger demographic. This was until 2024, when Sarah Burton took over the position and shifted the entire trajectory. Burton reeled Givenchy back into its luxurious, high-end, couture level craftsmanship. She brought back the elegance that was slowly becoming blurry in years prior.
Sarah Burton has also placed an emphasis on this romantic, yet bold, femininity, showcased through structured suits and sculpted dresses. She has focused her efforts on ensuring each garment is designed with careful and detailed tailoring that aligns with the brand’s luxurious roots. This same mentality is apparent not only in her womenswear collection, but also in menswear. Burton is concentrating on bringing back “forever pieces”, signaling a return to timeless and classic fashion.
Clothing is meant to last forever. Tailored to perfection. Meticulously crafted to withstand the current trends and endure for years to come. Sarah Burton is doing just that. Everyone should take a page from Burton’s book.
