Those who had anticipated a creative void at Alexander McQueen after the untimely passing of its namesake designer were proven wrong — thanks to then-Head of Design Sarah Burton, who was ready and able to step up and the rise to the challenge. She did it with aplomb—though in her preferred quiet and low-key way.

Nearly a decade later, she has continued the legacy and powerfully added her own vision into the brand, with her most profile customer being Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge.

Burton joined the label in 1996 as an intern and was hired immediately after graduating from Central Saint Martins, and the rest is London fashion history.

In celebration of Burton’s Valentino Garavani and Giancarlo Giammetti International Award on Monday night, we revisit some of our favorite collections as the Creative Director of Alexander McQueen house.

Fall-Winter 2012

Burton made a magical return to Salle Wagram, where her predecessor showed in nearly ten years prior, with an extravagant collection filled with ostrich feathers and laser-cut leatherwork pieces, complete with futuristic visors that were the standout accessory of the season.

Spring-Summer 2013

Lee McQueen frequently found inspiration in the natural world – no matter how ordinary it may seem. Burton took a similar approach, giving bees a glamorous makeover with honeycomb designs in dramatic silhouettes and reworked beekeeper veils, which made for a fantastically sweet collection.

Fall-Winter 2013

Ten looks was all Burton needed to wow the audience with her succinct collection that drew inspiration from Catholicism – and she delivered the collection while in the last stages of her pregnancy with twins!

Fall-Winter 2014

Gothic beauty looks were offset by ethereal looks which walked down the eerie landscape which completed the fantasy world she created for the audience.

Spring-Summer 2017

Burton paid homage to McQueen’s Scottish heritage by infusing classic silhouettes with downtown London grit.

Fall-Winter 2018

Burton showcased how she is able to balance couture-level techniques with more approachable ready-to-wear without losing any of the romanticism.