Givenchy’s Matthew Williams Exits Creative Director Role
On Friday, December 1st, LVMH announced that Matthew Williams will step down as Givenchy’s creative director. Williams took the creative reins in 2020 after Clare Waight Keller’s tenure and will officially leave the role on January 1, 2024. The upcoming men’s and women’s pre-fall 2024 collections will showcase his last contributions to the iconic fashion house.
Williams expressed gratitude for the opportunity, stating, “Leading the creative direction of Givenchy was, as I said upon my arrival in 2020, the dream of a lifetime.” During his three-year tenure, he aimed to uphold the legacy of Mr. Hubert de Givenchy while infusing his distinctive creative vision. Williams plans to redirect his focus entirely to his own label, 1017 ALYX 9SM, which he founded in 2015.
Renaud de Lesquen, president and CEO of Givenchy, conveyed appreciation for Williams’ contributions, noting that his collections brought a new dynamic and resonated with audiences. However, the search for Williams’ successor is still underway, leaving the interim creative direction in the hands of the house’s studio teams.
Williams, an American designer known for his haute streetwear aesthetic, faced challenges at Givenchy, particularly with the disruption caused by the pandemic during the initial stages of his tenure. Stylist Carine Roitfeld played a crucial role in overcoming mixed reviews for early collections by merging punkish streetwear with the brand’s historical essence.
Despite efforts to find stability, Givenchy’s fashion message appeared somewhat unclear, especially compared to industry peers like Celine and Loewe. Analysts suggest the brand may be underperforming within the LVMH portfolio, with no mention of Givenchy in the group’s third-quarter results presentation.
As speculation surrounds potential successors, names like Sarah Burton, Alessandro Michele, and Riccardo Tisci emerge. Until a new creative director is announced, Givenchy’s studio teams will lead the design process. The departure of Matthew Williams marks another chapter of change and uncertainty for Givenchy, leaving fashion enthusiasts eagerly awaiting the brand’s next move.
Featured Photo by @Givenchy on Instagram.