Paris: Sarah Burton, the new creative director at Givenchy, prepares for her debut collection by embracing the brand’s rich heritage while innovating modern silhouettes. Her approach blends historical narratives with contemporary wearability, aiming to create emotionally resonant pieces that reflect women’s current expressions in fashion.
In the world of high fashion, the interplay between history and contemporary design frequently shapes the trajectory of iconic labels. Sarah Burton, the newly appointed creative director at Givenchy, finds herself at the nexus of this dynamic as she prepares for her debut collection at the Paris fall 2025 fashion shows in March. Since taking the helm in September, Burton has immersed herself in the brand’s rich heritage, embedded in the very fabrics and silhouettes crafted by its founder, Hubert de Givenchy.
Burton’s office in Avenue George V, Paris, houses artifacts from Givenchy’s historic past, including look books from the 1952 inaugural collection. These volumes feature black-and-white images that capture the architectural precision and elegance characteristic of Givenchy’s approach to fashion. As she sifts through these visual cues, Burton remarks on the importance of understanding the house’s essence. “I always think that to go forward, you have to go back to the beginning—to understand what the essence of the house is,” she stated in an interview with Vogue Singapore.
The designer draws parallels between the silhouettes created by de Givenchy and her vision for a forward-looking collection that eschews ostentation. “It’s about the humanity of how teams work together—these incredible people, these magicians who still make things with their hands,” she emphasised. This perspective highlights her intent to craft pieces that resonate emotionally, rooted in her profound understanding of tailoring that merges artistry with functionality.
Burton’s affinity for tailoring is poised to inform her approach, reflecting Givenchy’s couture legacy but delivered with a modern sensibility. She expressed her ambition to create new silhouettes, blending crisp, sharp lines typical of menswear with a more sensual approach drawn from women’s perspectives. “I want to build a wardrobe that encompasses all of that,” she remarked, indicating a consideration of varying forms that appeal to multiple facets of femininity.
The designer’s appreciation for the historical narratives that shaped Givenchy’s character is evident in her reflection on its “beautiful history.” Burton, who has previously worked closely with the Givenchy label under Alexander McQueen, is particularly drawn to Hubert de Givenchy’s empathetic relationship with the women he dressed. This connection resonates with her understanding of modernity, as she questions how contemporary women live and express themselves today: “How do you dress women today?” she mused, drawing a parallel to de Givenchy himself nearly 70 years ago.
Burton’s tenure at Givenchy coincides with a notable resurgence of interest in vintage fashion, as retro styles increasingly carve a space within current collections. This trend not only celebrates iconic styles of the past but also underscores how timeless brands continue to evolve in today’s fast-paced fashion industry. The fashion house is now tasked with reconciling its illustrious history with contemporary consumer demands, a challenge that Burton seems ready to embrace.
Her recent hiatus from the fashion scene allowed her to reflect on her design principles. During this period, she distilled her vision for the future, focusing on simplicity and beauty in garment construction. “It’s not about super embellishment; it’s about going back to basics—in some ways, it’s about going back to pattern-cutting; to shape and cut,” she explained, showcasing her commitment to rethinking the foundations of fashion design.
As Sarah Burton prepares to unveil her vision for Givenchy, the fashion industry eagerly awaits how her interpretations of past influences will manifest in modern silhouettes and contemporary wearability. Her designs promise to be not just collections of clothing but narratives interwoven with history, creating a bridge between the legacy of Hubert de Givenchy and the future of a brand that remains deeply embedded in the fabric of fashion history.
Source: Noah Wire Services
