Royal designer "a joy to teach"

SARAH Burton, the stellar designer of Kate Middleton’s wedding dress, was a “joy to teach” according to her then lecturer at Manchester Metropolitan University.

Sarah, described as the unseen star of the Royal Wedding, studied art foundation at Manchester School of Art after leaving Withington Girls’ School.

Anthony Ratcliffe, programme leader on the art foundation course, says it’s no surprise Sarah has risen to the top of her profession, as she was both ambitious and technically outstanding.

“Sarah Heard (as she was then) was a hard working, well motivated student who enjoyed all aspects of the course and thrived in the competitive textiles and fashion pathway area.

Eager

“I remember her as one of those students who are easy to work with because they are so eager to learn as much as possible and respond to any opportunity to increase their skill level in both technical and academic terms.”

Graduating from Manchester Metropolitan in 1994, Sarah continued her studies at Central St Martins College, London, and was Alexander McQueen’s protegee and successor at the helm of his fashion house.

Selected to design Kate and sister Pippa’s dresses, the 36-year-old is now the toast of the fashion world but her creative skills were initially made in Manchester.

“She worked really hard to develop her artistic ability, particularly to develop excellent drawing skills,” recalls Anthony.

Career

“She was a delight to teach and we are really proud that we made a contribution to her career and to British fashion.”

For more information about art and design and fashion courses at Manchester go here