The designer of Alyx, Matthew Williams succeeds Clare Waight Keller at the French fashion house.
It’s official. American designer and mastermind behind the cult label Alyx, Matthew Williams, has been appointed the new creative director of Parisian fashion house Givenchy. He succeeds British designer Clare Waight Keller, who exited the role in April after three years. While he continues to operate Alyx, Williams will oversee Givenchy’s womenswear and menswear collections.
“I am extremely honoured to join the House of Givenchy,” Williams said in a statement. “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 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.”
A self-taught designer, Williams has worked with famous musicians in mainstream pop culture such as Lady Gaga and Kanye West, even before founding his label Alyx in 2015. His aesthetic is a far cry from Waight Keller, who was known for her romantic and elegant tailoring during her time at Givenchy. One of her most famed pieces include Meghan Markle’s wedding gown, a custom ivory boatneck with coordinating lace veil. On the other hand, Williams usually adopts an edgier, street-inspired, futuristic look that echoes that of Burberry’s Riccardo Tisci, Waight Keller’s predecessor.
It’s likely that Matthew Williams has been under the LVMH radar ever since he became a finalist in the 2016 LVMH Prize. “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,” said Sidney Toledano, the chief executive of the LVMH Fashion Group, in announcing Williams’ appointment. “I believe his singular vision of modernity will be a great opportunity for Givenchy to write its new chapter with strength and success.”
Matthew Williams will be debuting his first collection for Givenchy this October in Paris.
Featured photo: Getty