Givenchy Prepares for Change as Matthew Williams Leaves Creative Helm
Givenchy is set to bid farewell to its creative director Matthew M. Williams after a three-year tenure. The conclusion of this partnership, effective January 1, 2024, marks the end of Williams’ initial contract with the French house, which is owned by LVMH.
Williams’ final contribution to Givenchy will be the men’s and women’s pre-fall 2024 collections, which are soon to be showcased to a select audience. This departure signals a continued trend of brief leadership roles within Europe’s heritage fashion brands and paves the way for another transformation of the renowned couture house.
Williams, known for his meticulous craftsmanship and connections within the cultural and artistic spheres, brought a refreshed sense of relevance and urgency to Givenchy. His tenure, however, did not achieve the sweeping commercial success or critical acclaim that has been evident at other LVMH brands like Loewe and Celine.
Reflecting on his tenure at Givenchy, Williams expressed gratitude for the opportunity to carry on the legacy of founder Hubert de Givenchy.
“Leading the creative direction of Givenchy was, as I said upon my arrival in 2020, the dream of a lifetime. Over these three years, I have strived to perpetuate Mr. Hubert de Givenchy’s legacy while bringing my own creative vision and I would like to sincerely thank the studio, Renaud de Lesquen, and LVMH for this incredible opportunity.
– Matthew M. Williams
Renaud de Lesquen, president and CEO of Givenchy, commended Williams for injecting creativity and contemporary flair into the brand, acknowledging the fresh dynamics and audience appeal his collections have brought.
I would like to thank Matthew for all the energy he brought to Givenchy. His collections, resolutely creative and contemporary, have sparked a new dynamic and found their audience. I join everyone who has had the pleasure of working with Matthew in wishing him every success in his next ventures.
– Renaud de Lesquen, President & CEO of
Givenchy
Williams’s approach at Givenchy was deeply rooted in the brand’s history, occasionally drawing from the Tisci era, but primarily focused on evolving fashion staples with an emphasis on high-quality fabrication and innovative finishing techniques. Notable contributions include distinctive hardware on tailoring and accessories, and pioneering denim and footwear manufacturing methods.
Givenchy credits Williams with modernizing its product range and boosting its global presence, particularly in the United States and Japan. Before his stint at Givenchy, Williams was celebrated for his unique blend of industrial and utilitarian design under his 1017 Alyx 9SM label, founded in 2015.
In recent developments, Williams has embarked on a significant venture for 1017 Alyx 9SM, following a partnership with entrepreneur Adrian Cheng. This collaboration aims to amplify the brand’s presence through the opening of standalone boutiques and an expansion into flourishing categories like jewelry, footwear, and accessories.
With Williams’ exit, Givenchy faces a critical phase as it searches for a successor to continue its legacy. This transition period will be managed by the house’s studio teams, who will oversee the design of future collections until a new creative direction is established. As the search begins, the fashion world eagerly awaits.