Givenchy Announces Its New Creative Director

Givenchy named its new creative director to be Gage and Kanye’s’ collaborator Matthew William’s. The thirty-four years old British designer is the founder of cult street-culture 1017 Alyx 9SM and the central figure in the luxury streetwear scene.

He Is the successor of Givenchy’s Clare Waight Keller who stepped down in April 2020 and will start in his new line presenting his debut collection in Paris in October. Waight Keller dedicated three years of his career to Givenchy concentrated on its haute couture atelier. One of his notable works is Meghan Markle’s wedding dress for her marriage to Prince Harry.

When compared to Waight, William is inspired by futuristic design and subversive style. But like Louis Vuitton’s artistic director Virgil Abloh, Givenchy’s new head mixes high and low fashion. Abloh is the first African American to be chosen as artistic director, for Louis Vuitton Menswear in 2018.

Williams’ career began in 2008 when Kanye West wore one of his jackets during his Grammy performance. Consequently, he made a name for himself working for Lady Gaga as a creative director for her behind-the-scenes team, Haus of Gaga. He has also worked with Dior and Nike.

Williams never had any formal training in design but has been able to achieve so many fits. He was a finalist for the 2016 LVMH Prize for Young Fashion Designers.

Williams will be in charge of all creative facets of Givenchy, including menswear and womenswear. He joins the house during a particularly turbulent time for the fashion industry, as sales have dropped due to the coronavirus pandemic. Global anti-racism protests have put pressure on the industry too.

William states that he is extremely honored to join the House of Givenchy and looks forward to working together with its teams. He believes that in this coronavirus pandemic, hope is what everyone needs. He also intends to contribute towards a positive change.