Following Alexander McQueen’s untimely death last February, tongues almost immediately began wagging as to the future of the label, including who, if anyone, would succeed him. Now, word comes today that McQueen’s “right-hand,” Sarah Burton, has been named creative director of the brand after nearly 15 years with the company. Burton, 35, began working for McQueen during her last year at Central Saint Martins, accepting the designer’s invitation to stay on and eventually becoming head of womenswear design in 2000. Burton also completed McQueen’s fall 2010 collection and is expected to oversee the development of all subsequent brand collections going forward. Says the new creative director, “The creation of modern, beautifully crafted clothes was at the heart of Lee’s vision. I intend to stay true to his legacy.”