Sarah Burton pays tribute to Alexander McQueen as she leaves the label

It’s all change in the never-ending game of fashion musical chairs again today, as Sarah Burton announces her departure from Alexander McQueen. Having worked alongside close friend and founder Lee McQueen for over 14 years, Burton was named creative director of the house in shortly after his passing in 2009. 

In the time since, Burton has turned out imaginative, acclaimed collections which infuse traditionally feminine silhouettes with the edge the label was founded on – thought perhaps not quite as much edge as Lee himself was known for – and staged landmark shows between both Paris and London. She famously dressed Kate Middleton for her royal wedding to Prince William just a few months after taking the helm, and has built up a fan base including FKA twigs, Yseult, Naomi Campbell, and more in the years since.

“I am so proud of everything I’ve done and my incredible team at Alexander McQueen. They are my family, and this has been my home for the past 26 years,” the designer wrote in a statement released this afternoon. “I want to thank Francois-Henri Pinault for believing in me and offering me this amazing opportunity. Above all, I want to thank Lee Alexander McQueen. He taught me so much and I am eternally grateful to him. I am looking forward to the future and the next chapter and will always carry this treasured time with me.” 

The move marks the end of an era for the house, with 14 years an impressively substantial time to lead a label in the notoriously fickle industry that is fashion. But it is pretty exciting to wonder who will be the person to step into her shoes. Head to social media now, where the rumours are already swirling, and stay tuned in the coming days for an official appointment from Kering.