November 3, 2025
We were honoured to welcome acclaimed fashion designer and alumna Sarah Burton OBE to Withington before half term.
Sarah is Creative Director at Givenchy, after leading Alexander McQueen in that role for 13 years, and is widely known as the designer of HRH The Princess of Wales’s wedding dress in 2011.
During her visit, Sarah spent time with both Junior and Senior School pupils, sharing fascinating insights into her school days and the fashion industry. Our Art and DT students had a unique opportunity to experience her creative process as Sarah had kindly brought some sketchbooks and original drawings. They also looked through images of her designs, including the Givenchy Spring/Summer 2026 collection, which debuted at Paris Fashion Week just one week before her visit.
Sarah’s closing words to our pupils were ‘Don’t worry!’ and ‘Stay true to yourself.’
We are incredibly grateful to Sarah for her time and generosity, and the inspiration she has provided to our pupils.
Sarah Burton OBE visits WGS
Sarah was interviewed by Senior pupils
Sarah also spent time in the Junior School and was asked questions by pupils
A Level and GCSE Art students spent time looking at Sarah’s sketches and designs
Pupils looked through the final designs of Sarah’s first collection at Givenchy
