Posts tagged Sarah Burton
Dear FashioniSTAs, You’re Invited…
Apr 29th
It’s Royal Wedding Day!! If you’re like us, you stumbled out of bed this morning (4am coverage? Really?) in sheer anticipation of Prince William and Kate’s nuptials. And while we couldn’t help but be a obscenely jealous, to say that preparing all week for this was worth it is an understatement. From the dress to the wedding party, we’re addicted to it all, and we’re breaking it down for you, one royal piece at a time.
The Holy Grail: The Dress
After seeing Kate, we can’t decide if we hate her out of sheer jealousy or want to make her our new best friend. She looked completely flawless in her gown, looking regal without looking overdone. It was no shock that Sarah Burton turned out to be the “secret” designer, but the fact that they were able to keep what it looked like under wraps was fairly impressive. While almost every bride in America beelines to the strapless numbers during her Kleinfeld appointment, Kate’s dress was quintessentially royal, with long lace sleeves and a modern, narrow v-neckline. The fullness of the bottom perfectly flattered her tiny frame (could we be more jealous?), and the train was appropriate for the venue without overpowering the entire look. But what we loved most was the hair and makeup, not only did they translate flawlessly on camera, but Kate truly looked like the best version of herself. This should be the goal of every bride, after all, you want people to actually recognize who you are on your big day. Staying true to her signature style, Kate’s jewelry was minimal, with small drop diamond earring that were perfectly complemented by her dark hair. And really, with a tiara, how much jewelry do you really need?
The Wedding Party
Pippa Middleton — Kate’s sister and maid of honor — shocked a lot of people wearing a stunning white gown, also designed by Sarah Burton. While white is usually a big wedding don’t, the cowl neckline and fitted shape helped her to complement Kate’s own dress, while the matching buttons down the back remind me of the times when I make my own sister match with me. And while wearing a replica of Kate’s dress is probably out of the question, Pippa’s cap sleeve and cowl neck design would be perfect in white for a bride, or in a bright color for any occasion.
The tiny bridesmaids, also in white, helped give this day even more of a fairy tale feel. Nothing makes an event even more endearing than an extra dose of adorable.
A Family Affair
As if this wedding couldn’t get any more stylish, even the matriarchs of the families inspired us to clean out our closets and replace everything with matching dress and coat pairings. Oh right, and invest in an extensive hat collection. Kate’s parents looked like they stepped right out of a storybook, giving a true example of how the parents of the bride should be dressed. In a light blue day dress with matching wool crepe coat by Catherine Walker — a favorite of designer of Princess Diana — Carole Middleton achieved the perfect mother-of-the-bride look. Kate’s father looked great as well with his red-printed tie and black top hat, giving us hope that with the right style power maybe we can make the men in our own lives look almost as good.
The Queen also showed quite the sunny disposition arriving in a yellow day dress with matching wool crepe coat and hat — all designed by Angela Kelly. Her classic cream accessories also didn’t outshine her color palette or Queen Mary’s “True Lover’s Knot,” the pin that adorned Queen Elizabeth’s left shoulder.
~Ashley, FashioniSTA, Second Time Around
We Hope the Rumors Are True!
Apr 26th
Lee McQueen’s death a little over a year ago was a tragic event in the world of fashion. Friends, colleagues and fans alike mourned the loss of him and his incredible talent.
Thankfully, the world did not lose Alexander McQueen as well. Instead, Sarah Burton – McQueen’s former women’s ready-to-wear designer – stepped into his shoes and hasn’t missed a beat. Her clothing and accessories have stayed true to the Lee McQueen legacy by drawing on similar themes and aesthetics, but they have been infused with an additional feminine sensibility that has endeared fans and critics alike and her Fall 2011 RTW collection is no different.
Unveiled amidst the buzz that Burton may have been selected to design Kate Middleton’s wedding dress for the royal wedding, the Fall 2011 collection did nothing to dispel these rumors. Instead, 5 of the final 8 designs in the show were very bridal-gown-esque creations.
If the rumors are true and Burton is dressing Kate for her big day, then hats off to the princess-to-be. Not only is McQueen a distinctly British design house, drawing strongly upon the heritage of the country, but it is a bold fashion choice for the generally conservative dresser. Alexander McQueen has been dressing the urban warrior and the fearless fashionista for almost two decades and I can’t think of a better message to send. In McQueen, Middleton will be exuding fierce confidence and feminine strength on not only the first day of her marriage, but also her first day as part of the royal family.
My choice for Kate? I like look #27 of 34 in the McQueen Fall 2011 RTW collection (above) – the floor-sweeping dress with a voluminous white frayed organza tiered skirt and bodice collaged in shattered blue and green porcelain that is shown above. Why, you ask?? Well, it’s bold, edgy and unexpected and it will match that big blue sparkler that she’s got.
Congratulations, William and Kate! STA wishes you the best!
~Marisa, FashioniSTA, Second Time Around
Alexander McQueen Resort 2011
Jul 19th
Sarah Burton showed her first autonomous collection as creative director for Alexander McQueen on Monday, June 21st and - in the words of Tim Blanks, contributing writer for Style.com – “proved she’s the only choice to expand on Lee McQueen’s legacy.”
Burton drew from the rich history of the McQueen archives, but introduced a feminine touch to the collection that informed it with a more delicate sensibility. Lee McQueen’s calling cards were still there – brocades, heavily detailed embroidery, a fascination with the morbid, the juxtaposition of hard and soft and the allure of high-wattage glamour – but she also incorporated a calling card of her own; the fusing of two fabrics into one which the fashion world first saw in the Fall 2010 collection that she completed following McQueen’s untimely death.
All in all, the collection was a success – a true “best-case scenario.” Not only did it show reverence to the history of the label and to its creator, but it also displayed the personality of its new designer. A nod to the past and a glimpse of the future and – I dare say – reason enough for a deep sigh of relief from the fashion world.
Congratulations Sarah Burton!
~ Marisa, Director of Styling, Second Time Around
Sarah Burton named Creative Director of Alexander McQueen
Jun 14th
Back in February, I reluctantly and sadly blogged about the untimely death of Lee [Alexander] McQueen, the founder and designer of the Alexander McQueen brand. At the time, the future of the design house was uncertain. Lee was in his prime when he took his own life and the thought of a successor had never crossed anyone’s mind. However, the Gucci Group promised that the label would live on and live on it did.
Sarah Burton – McQueen’s right-hand woman for over 14 years and head of womenswear design – completed the Fall2010 collection that he had begun and showed it in a private parlor setting to critical reviews.
So, it came as no surprise that Burton was named creative director on May 27, 2010.
Burton will present her first set of autonomous work as a pre-collection in June and her first full spring collection in Paris in October.
I can truly say that I do not envy her. Not only is she working in the absence of her close friend and mentor, but she is also working in his shadow – a shadow that is very heavy and far-reaching. My thoughts are with her. One can only hope that her connection with McQueen is more than corporeal and that the fashion world is kind to her.
~Marisa, Director of Styling, Second Time Around