Matthew Williams Appointed Artistic Director of Givenchy

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Following Clare Waight Keller’s departure from Givenchy in April, the French fashion house has named Matthew M. Williams, founder of the streetwear-influenced luxury label 1017 Alyx 9SM, as her successor. Announced today, the 34-year-old designer will begin his new role as Givenchy’s artistic director on June 16, with his debut collection being presented in Paris in October of this year. Having taken this role during such a tumultuous time politically, socially, and economically, it will be especially interesting to see what Williams will do with his new platform.

The designer expressed words of gratitude for his appointment, along with reflection on the direction he hopes to take the brand. “I am extremely honored to join the house of Givenchy,” Williams said. “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.”

Williams’ appointment serves as his first big league creative director role. The American designer is set to oversee both women’s and menswear collections while at the helm. He has previously worked with Virgil Abloh and Dior Men’s Kim Jones.

Givenchy is expected to undergo quite the creative transformation under the designer, with an anticipated emphasis on streetwear, Williams’ forte. His direction will likely act as a vehicle for the LVMH-owned brand to keep up with the times and add a more relevant viewpoint to lure millennial and Gen Z consumers, just as Abloh’s appointment acted for Louis Vuitton in 2018.

Sidney Toledano, chairman and CEO of LVMH Fashion Group stated, “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.”

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