Sarah Burton to lead McQueen label

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LONDON, May 27 (UPI) -- Sarah Burton has been tapped to take over as creative director for the label of the late British designer Alexander McQueen, Gucci fashion group announced.

Alexander McQueen Chief Executive Officer Jonathan Akeroyd Thursday praised Burton's talent and her "deep understanding of (McQueen's) vision," The Guardian reported.

"We are ready to enter a new phase in the brand's history," Akeroyd said.

Burton, who grew up in Manchester, joined the McQueen design studio in the late 1990s. In 2000, she was appointed to lead women's wear design.

"The creation of modern, beautifully crafted clothes was at the heart of Lee's vision," Burton said. "I intend to stay true to his legacy."

McQueen, 40, was discovered dead in a closet in his London apartment in February as final preparations were being made for his spring collection to debut in Paris. An inquest concluded he hanged himself after ingesting a mixture of cocaine, tranquilizers and sleeping pills.