In a poignant moment at the Alexander McQueen show, supermodel Naomi Campbell took her final walk for designer Sarah Burton, and emotions ran high for both the legendary model and the audience. Campbell graced the runway with her signature grace, closing the show for Burton, who is bidding adieu to the fashion house after nearly three decades, marking the end of an era.
As Campbell glided down the runway with panache, she was clad in a striking structural silver creation from the collection, a design reminiscent of Burton's renowned bold tailoring. However, what truly tugged at heartstrings was the sight of the OG supermodel discreetly wiping away tears as she received the adoration of the audience.
Campbell's deep connection to Sarah Burton was evident as she paid a heartfelt tribute to the designer on her Instagram. Burton, who has spent 30 years with Alexander McQueen, including 13 years as creative director following the tragic passing of McQueen in 2010, has left an indelible mark on the fashion world.
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In her Instagram post, Campbell expressed her deep admiration for Burton, applauding her not only as a creative genius but also as an exceptional wife, mother, and loyal friend with a pure heart. "What HONOR to close a chapter of excellence with Sarah Burton SS24 .. You are not only amazing creative, you are an exceptional wife, mother and most loyal friend ..with the purest heart ., this is not goodbye this is THE BEGINNING OF AN ERA OF SARAH BURTON , I .. know that Lee was shining down on you Proudly. You held it down for 27 years !!! I salute you and all the @alexandermcqueen team. Now I look forward to you DOING YOU,(sic)," her post read.
Sarah Burton took the reins at Alexander McQueen in 2010, following 14 years of collaboration with the pioneering designer. One of her most iconic creations was the wedding dress worn by Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, when she married Prince William in 2011.
The front row of the show was graced by a star-studded array of A-list celebrities, including Cate Blanchett, known for her affinity for the brand's creations, Elle Fanning, and fashion icon Anna Wintour. This gathering of luminaries came together to bid an emotional farewell to the esteemed designer.
The show's collection drew inspiration from various sources, including female anatomy, Queen Elizabeth I, the blood-red rose, and Magdalena Abakanowicz, a boundary-pushing and profoundly creative artist who never compromised her vision. In her final bow, Burton dedicated her collection to Lee McQueen, emphasizing his longstanding desire to empower women.
As Naomi Campbell took her closing walk, David Bowie's "Heroes" played in the background, providing a fitting soundtrack for the models' final strides down the runway.