Graduate designer honoured at Buckingham Palace

FASHION designer Sarah Burton, who was awarded an honorary doctorate by MMU in July, has been presented with an OBE at Buckingham Palace.

Burton, who is creative director of Alexander McQueen and who studied for her Art Foundation at Manchester Polytechnic, was given the award for services to fashion.

She created the Duchess of Cambridge’s wedding dress, and joked with journalists that she was hoping to be asked to design some maternity gowns for the royal mum-to-be.

Incredibly special

Sarah was one of eight people given honorary degrees this summer – she joined musician Guy Garvey, business innovator Richard Thorpe, television presenter Gethin Jones, filmmaker Mike Leigh, Barnardo’s Chief Executive Martin Narey, life peer Lord Smith of Leigh and businessman Rod Aldridge.

On receiving the title of Doctor of Arts at the graduation ceremony for the department for Clothing, Design and Technology, the designer said: “This award is incredibly special as the school holds a special place in my heart.”

Sarah has also created dresses for Michelle Obama, Cate Blanchett, Lady Gaga and Gwyneth Paltrow, and was named Designer of the Year at the 2011 British Fashion Awards.