It would be a considerable understatement to say that the past 15 months have been a turbulent ride for the Alexander McQueen brand.

The suicide of its founder — the inimitable designer known to friends as "Lee" McQueen — in February of last year left the fashion world devastated by the loss of one of their most irreverent and precocious talents. Then, just a mere month later, the house revealed its Fall 2010 collection in Paris, a beautiful showing that introduced even industry insiders for the first time to Sarah Burton, McQueen's longtime right hand, who was named creative director of the company in May 2010.

Now, in a surprising twist of fate, it is the modest and little-known Burton who has presided over two of the brand's greatest publicity coups to date: the design of Kate Middleton's bridal gown, seen by billions in what will surely be remembered as one of the most iconic royal weddings of all time; and the opening of a landmark McQueen retrospective, "Savage Beauty," at the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute. That exhibit was feted last week at Vogue's annual Met Gala, one of the New York social calendar's most glamorous affairs.

And so far, even with the high stakes involved, Burton has more than held her own.Continue reading...

"Sarah Burton" is a top Google search term for one (long tail) reason: Alexander McQueen's hand-picked successor designed the dress that accompanied Kate Middleton from commoner to Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge. (And sealed the deal with a post-wedding dress.) Check out more of Burton's designs here. The Costume Institute at New York's Metropolitan Museum pays tribute to McQueen in a well-timed exhibition that opens on May 4th.

The other big sartorial search related to the royal wedding involves the British royals' penchant for fascinators and Philip Treacy's out-there headwear, which didn't disappoint today.

The world watches Prince William and Kate Middleton — now the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge — as the Royal Wedding dominates TV and the web (esp. Google) today, breaking live streaming records. Alexander McQueen's Sarah Burton won the derby as designer of the wedding dress, which Kate helped design and was inspired by Grace Kelly. The event (being rebroadcast on YouTube's Royal channel) also shines a spotlight on the UK — and the British monarchy and its challenges.

Berkshire Hathaway tries to distance itself from former exec David Sokol as the company’s annual meeting nears on Saturday.

Caterpillar boosts forecasts on strength in developing countries.

Discovery Communications posts solid gains.

Dunkin’ Donuts rides product innovation and differentiated marketing to strong first-quarter results.

Exxon and Shell profits soar on higher oil prices.Continue reading...

The biggest news at Paris Fashion Week continues, as Dior chief today attends ousted designer John Galliano's private label fall runway showing in Paris (above), and says he will keep continue to financially support Galliano's label for now. Other fashion news:

• Also making a splash at Paris Fashion Week: Chanel fetes Blake Lively as brand's latest handbag ambassador ... LVMH circles its next target: Hermès ... Former Burberry ambassador and Harry Potter star Emma Watson is collaborating on an eco-friendly fashion collection for Alberta Ferretti.Continue reading...