GIVENCHY NAMES CLARE WAIGHT KELLER ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

French fashion house Givenchy has announced the appointment of Clare Waight Keller as artistic director, effective May 2. She replaces Riccardo Tisci, who left the LVMH-owned brand after his last show in January. He is reportedly moving to Versace, though that appointment has not been made official.

Waight Keller most recently served as the creative director at Chloé, Waight Keller is to be the first woman to lead at Givenchy. Previous designers to hold the role include John Galliano, Alexander McQueen, and Julien Macdonald. She will now take on all creative responsibilities, including women’s and men’s ready-to-wear and accessories collections, as well as haute couture.

“The teams join me in warmly welcoming Clare Waight Keller into the Givenchy family,” said Philippe Fortunato, chief executive officer of Givenchy. “I am very excited to see Clare bring her singular sense of elegance and modernity to Givenchy. By exploring our Maison’s 65 year heritage and the outstanding savoir-faire of its ateliers, I am convinced Clare will help Givenchy reach its full potential.”

“I am very happy to have Clare Waight Keller join the LVMH Group,” commented Bernard Arnault, chairman and CEO of LVMH. “I believe her widespread expertise and vision will allow Givenchy to enter the next phase of its unique path. I am very much looking forward to her contribution to the Maison’s continued success.”

“Hubert de Givenchy’s confident style has always been an inspiration and I am very grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this legendary House’s history,” added Keller. “I look forward to working with the teams and writing a new chapter in this beautiful story.”

Waight Keller will present her first collection for the House of Givenchy in October in Paris.