Givenchy’s Artistic Direction Shifts from Matthew Williams to a Renowned British Designer

If Matthew Williams’ years at the helm of Givenchy’s creative direction were undeniably productive, he has now chosen to return to the roots of his inspiration and focus on the streetwear-driven label he founded. He left his sharp, provocative signature at the heart of this prestigious French Maison’s collections. The stage was therefore set to welcome new talent and continue writing the story of Parisian luxury, this time with a British designer behind the pencil.

Givenchy: Parisian Haute Couture Elegance Under the Spotlight of Hollywood

Part of the LVMH Group for several years, the historic Givenchy House—founded in 1952 by Hubert de Givenchy—has welcomed many gifted creative directors over the decades. While each brought their own universe, all remained true to what Givenchy does best: giving women’s fashion elegance, restraint, and refinement. These values were once embodied by the iconic Audrey Hepburn, for whom the couturier became the go-to designer—propelling Parisian haute couture to the heights of Hollywood. Givenchy’s creative direction, most recently led by Matthew Williams (a former LVMH Prize finalist), has now been entrusted to Sarah Burton.

Sarah Burton: From Alexander McQueen to Kate Middleton’s Wedding Dress

After training in London at the renowned Central Saint Martins College, Sarah Burton began her career as a designer before becoming Creative Director at Alexander McQueen, following the passing of its eponymous founder. She rose to wider public recognition in 2011 when she created the famous wedding dress for Kate Middleton. Until 2024, she remained at the head of Alexander McQueen’s creative direction before crossing the Channel to replace Matthew Williams—also a former LVMH Prize finalist—at the creative direction of Givenchy.

Givenchy: A New Creative Director, A New Direction

By appointing Sarah Burton as creative director, the historic House aims to return to an elegance that is more refined and discreet, faithful to its origins, after exploring attempts to modernise its collections. Where Matthew Williams introduced the aggressive codes of streetwear, his signature territory, Sarah Burton signals a return to quietness—that of a controlled, technical couture. Beyond Kate Middleton’s wedding dress, Burton is also known for her technical mastery and the rigour of her cuts—an exacting approach that honours the Givenchy name.

The Challenges of Being a Creative Director at Givenchy

A historic emblem of French haute couture, Givenchy is often seen as the enfant terrible of Parisian luxury fashion. To preserve that status, the House has frequently entrusted its creative direction to young talents from different fashion cultures—much like other major maisons such as Vuitton or Céline, which have appointed ambitious, iconoclastic figures like Virgil Abloh or Hedi Slimane. et Hedi Slimane.

The challenge is therefore significant for Sarah Burton: to bring her personal touch to a historic House while preserving the values that built its reputation—adding a note of originality to keep its story moving forward. Her credibility at the head of Givenchy should allow her emotional sensibility and command of volume to serve a strong elegance without becoming overly demonstrative. The upcoming Givenchy shows will be the moment to see whether this choice proves to be the right one.

Sarah Burton at Givenchy: Success on the Fashion Week Runways

Sarah Burton’s first shows as Givenchy’s creative director took place recently during Paris Fashion Week. For the Autumn–Winter 2025–2026 season, she presented a collection built around the Maison’s iconic silhouettes, reworked to deliver extremely precise volumes—one of her great strengths. The collection also included restructured pieces drawn from Givenchy’s historic archives, including coats with architectural hourglass lines that were widely praised by critics.

Her Spring–Summer collection, unveiled at the following Fashion Week, offered another opportunity to demonstrate her finesse and mastery of cut, revealing minimalist tops with an almost bare effect, embellished with precious jewellery—without tipping into ostentation. This new identity confirms Sarah Burton’s influence while preserving the essence of Givenchy, still felt in the quality of materials and the way silhouettes are constructed. Once again, critical reception was positive, and many celebrities embraced the aesthetic, as seen on subsequent red carpets.

From Designer to Creative Director: Training for Careers in Fashion

While Matthew Williams is an exception in fashion (he is self-taught), the creative direction of a major haute couture house requires advanced skills—ones Sarah Burton gained at Central Saint Martins in London. Sup de Luxe, based in France, trains future professionals in the luxury professions, meeting the sector’s standards—whether to become a fashion designer, a pattern maker, or to take on leadership roles in marketing or creative functions. As part of the Bachelor in Luxury, a three-year degree programme, students explore luxury culture, marketing, client relations, and digital creative tools—enhanced by internships and immersions within specialised companies and workshops, and ensuring they begin their professional journey in the world of fashion and luxury with all the right foundations.