Mathew Williams has succeeded Clare Waight Keller as the Creative Director for the French brand Givenchy. The designer behind the cult, sustainable, streetwear-inflected brand Alyx will display his first collection in Paris in the month of October this year.
“I am grateful to the LVMH group for trusting me with the opportunity to fulfill my lifelong dream,” said Williams on his new role as Givenchy’s seventh couturier. “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.”
The brand expects Williams to bring the best on the table with his unique brand of subcultural cool, the value that brands garner for. A statement from Sidney Toledano, LVMH chairman, and chief executive, commented: “I believe [Williams’s] singular vision of modernity will be a great opportunity for Givenchy to write its new chapter with strength and success.”
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Williams, who founded Alyx in the year 2015 is being looked upon to bring a fresh breeze of ideas into the brand that is grappling hard from the pandemic. Furthermore, Givenchy looks forward to experiencing aesthetical changes as he steps in and takes charge.Williams will bring along his long list of supporters, whom he gained while art directing for famous personalities like Lady Gaga and Kanye West, and collaborating with Virgil Abloh on #BEEN #TRILL, a collective that infrequently released streetwear and mixtapes. He is also the first streetwear designer to steer a luxury brand, Louis Vuitton in 2018.
“I am convinced that, with his unapologetic approach to design and creativity and in great collaboration with the Maison’s exceptional ateliers and teams, Matthew will help Givenchy reach its full potential,” Toledano added.
His vision and the right mix of associates that he has for his own brand has helped him earn the popularity and success he enjoys today. His list of patrons includes famous celebrities like Drake and Bella Hadid. When asked about the secret to his success Williams replied, “You tell me. Maybe it’s because I just love what I do so much.” His breezy outlook (he is a keen meditator) and confidence that things will slot into place (he uprooted his New York-based family to Ferrara to be closer to Alyx’s Italian factories despite not speaking the language) is remarkably reassuring – particularly during a time of uncertainty for the industry. “I try to be present and not worry about potential outcomes.”
Listen to what the new Creative Director has to say about the big move!
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