New moves

Matthew M. Williams is appointed creative director at Givenchy
Fashion | 15 June 2020

Givenchy has announced that US designer Matthew M. Williams will take over as creative director following the departure of Claire Waight Keller in April.

Williams will take on all creative responsibilities for Women’s and Men’s collections at the LVMH-owned Parisian fashion house, and will present his debut collection for Givenchy in Paris in October 2020.

The announcement marks a major step for Williams who launched his own luxury womenswear label 1017 ALYX 9SM in 2015. In the years since, the Californian designer has honed a thoughtful aesthetic that bridges classicism and modernity, influenced by subculture and Williams’ background in music (previously a creative director working with the likes of Lady Gaga and Kanye West).

On joining the storied label, the designer said, “I am extremely honoured to join the house of Givenchy. The maison’s unique position and timeless aura make it an undeniable icon and I am looking forward to working together with its ateliers and teams, to move it into a new era based on modernity and inclusivity.

I am grateful to the LVMH group for trusting me with the opportunity to fulfil my lifelong dream. In these unprecedented times for the world, I want to send a message of hope together with my community and colleagues and intend to contribute towards positive change.”

Sidney Toledano, chairman and chief executive of LVMH Fashion Group, said: “I am very happy to see Matthew M. Williams join the LVMH Group. Since he took part in the LVMH Prize, we have had the pleasure of watching him develop into the great talent he is today.

“I believe his singular vision of modernity will be a great opportunity for Givenchy to write its new chapter with strength and success.”

Revisit our HERO 20 interview with Williams here.

Top image: photography by Paolo Roversi


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