GIVENCHY TAPS MATTHEW WILLIAMS AS ITS NEW CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Givenchy has named Matthew M. Williams as its new creative director, effective June 16th. He will take on all creative responsibilities for men’s and women’s collections.

Williams takes the helm after the departure of Clare Waight Keller in April. She was with the brand for three years.

I am very happy to see Matthew M. Williams join the LVMH Group,” said Sidney Toledano, chairman and CEO of LVMH Fashion 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.

“I want to warmly welcome Matthew M. Williams to the beautiful Maison Givenchy,” added Renaud de Lesquen, president and CEO of Givenchy. “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.”

Williams, an American designer, has made a name for himself within the fashion world through his own five-year-old streetwear brand, Alyx. His career was first launched though in 2008 when Kanye West wore a jacket he made during a Grammy Awards performance with Daft Punk. From there, Williams became a regular contributor to West’s creative endeavors from Pastelle to Donda.

In the early 2010s, Williams formed the Been Trill collective with Heron Preston and Virgil Abloh; the trio created clothing and events together, from logo t-shirts to fashion week parties. Williams spun his Been Trill success into his label Alyx, a co-venture with the Italian streetwear purveyor Slam Jam. Alyx launched as a womenswear collection in 2015 and added menswear 18 months later.

“I am extremely honored to join the House of Givenchy,” said Williams. “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.”

He added, “I am grateful to the LVMH group for trusting me with the opportunity to fulfill 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.”

Williams will present his first collection for the House of Givenchy in Paris in October.