Inside Vogue Conversations: Sarah Burton Unfiltered

Sarah Burton, Creative Director of Givenchy and former right hand (and later successor) to Alexander McQueen, offered a rare glimpse into the kind of fashion we at Eco Stylish deeply admire: emotional, enduring and rooted in craftsmanship.

A Couture Mindset: Why Sarah Burton Designs for the Long Haul

In an industry known for reinvention and rapid turnover, Sarah Burton stands firm in her belief that “clothes should be forever.” Speaking to Sarah Mower at Vogue Conversations at the Lightroom in London, Sarah reflected on a career shaped by craftsmanship, emotional intuition and a refusal to compromise on authenticity.

“I always go back to the beginning to go forward,” she shared, referencing her deep dive into Givenchy’s archives as the foundation for her debut collection at the house. Her process is not unlike archaeology, carefully excavating the DNA of a label to rebuild with intention. And this mindset aligns beautifully with Eco Stylish values.

From McQueen’s Protégé to Royal Designer: The Path of Precision

She began her career in the mid-90s as an intern in Alexander McQueen’s tiny Hoxton Square studio, where she learned everything from cutting patterns to sewing zips, skills passed down directly from the legendary designer himself.

He designed Sarah’s own wedding dress, an intricate lace gown that later inspired the “Widows of Culloden” collection (Autumn/Winter 2006). After McQueen’s tragic death in 2010, Burton was appointed Creative Director of the house. It was a daunting responsibility, but one she carried with grace, preserving his spirit while bringing her own emotional depth to the brand.

In one of her most iconic (and secretive) moments, she designed the wedding dress for Catherine, Princess of Wales, an instant cultural landmark crafted with lace, symbolism and subtle strength.

Intimate Runways, Lasting Impressions

In a bold move, Sarah staged her Givenchy debut not in a grand palace or public plaza but within the walls of the original Parisian atelier. “The house is just bricks. It’s the people inside that matter,” she explained.

The decision was deeply symbolic. By stripping the show back to its roots, she turned the spotlight on silhouette, cut and fabric, favouring long lasting style instead of trends. The tailoring, much of it handcrafted by in-house artisans, evoked an era where garments were passed down through generations, not discarded after one season.

“It’s about building forever pieces. We used to make tailored jackets at McQueen that people still wear 15 years later.”

The show focused on structure, silhouette and process. Hidden patterns from Hubert de Givenchy’s first 1952 collection, discovered in the atelier walls, became the bones of a contemporary collection built to last, with clean lines and tailored shapes.

Vogue Conversations: Designing for Women, Not Ideals

When asked the ubiquitous “Who is your woman?” Sarah dismissed the notion of a singular muse. Instead, she spoke of dressing all women - mothers, rebels, leaders, artists... - at every emotional moment of their lives.

“Some days you want to feel strong in a jacket. Other days, romantic in a dress. Real women aren’t static, they’re layered, emotional and complex. I want to make them feel like their best selves, whatever that means to them. Fashion isn’t about being somebody else, it's about being authentically you.”

Talking at Vogue Conversations, Sarah revealed she works closely with her casting director to find women who reflect this diversity: women who feel right in the clothes, not just look the part. It’s about energy, character and connection.

A Sustainable Legacy in the Making

As fashion continues to reckon with its environmental impact, voices like Sarah Burton’s are vital. Through thoughtful design, careful sourcing and garments built to last, she offers a quiet rebellion against disposability. She leads by example with a sharp pair of shears, an atelier of artisans and a mind that never stops questioning. Let's all learn from her advice to young designers in the audience:

“Don’t try to be somebody else. Tell your story. Be authentic. Learn everything you can, and lead with your gut.”