Sarah Burton Lied to Anna Wintour's Face and Lived to Tell the Tale

Sarah Burton is well in to her tenure as creative director at Alexander McQueen, a role she took over after the namesake designer's tragic suicide in 2010. While many people were wary of the brand's future at that time, Burton--who had long been the designer's right hand gal--has since flourished, keeping the sensibilities that McQueen was known for while adding a dash of feminine perspective that is being praised both critically and commercially. But the true breakthrough moment for Burton was certainly when Kate Middleton wore one of Burton's design for her wedding to Prince William last year. In the months before there was much speculation as to who would design the dress, but the house of McQueen kept mum, despite many inquiries. In fact, Burton went so far as to lie to Vogue editor in chief Anna Wintour. Hamish Bowles--the International editor at large at the publication--dishes on the interaction to Grazia: "Anna looked Sarah in the eye--an experience that would jelly the marrow of bigger people--and asked, 'Are you designing Kate Middleton's dress?' and Sarah said, 'I am not designing the dress.' Blimey, what a brave lady! So Anna was telling everyone, 'Sarah told me she's not doing the dress, so she's not doing the dress.' Now Anna admits Sarah did an amazing job." There you have it folks, someone looked into the eyes of Anna Wintour, lied, and is not only still around, but still working in fashion.