Biography
Fashion industry veteran Trino Verkade is the chief executive of the Sarabande Foundation, the charitable organisation set up by late designer Alexander McQueen to support emerging creative talent.
Born in Liverpool, Verkade joined McQueen as his first employee. She worked with him until his death in 2010, playing a multi-faceted role in supporting the business as McQueen transformed into a global fashion icon and helping him first establish the Sarabande Foundation in 2006.
After McQueen’s death in 2010, Verkade took on executive roles at Thom Browne and Mary Katrantzou . But she returned as CEO of the Foundation in 2017.
Under Verkade's guidance, the Foundation has evolved, reflecting McQueen's multidisciplinary approach by supporting a diverse range of artists, from fashion designers to sculptors. It has offered scholarships, mentorship and studio space to over 130 creatives.