The founder of the streetwear brand 1017 ALYX 9SM, Matthew Williams, succeeds Clare Waight Keller, as a new artistic director of Givenchy. The LVMH-owned brand announced today that the 34-year-old designer will present his first collection in Paris in October.
Following Virgil Abloh’s role at Louis Vuitton in 2018, this marks the second time a streetwear designer has taken the helm of a major luxury brand.
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. – said Williams.
A self-taught designer from California, Williams’s career has launched in 2008 when Kanye West wore a jacket he made during a Grammy Awards performance. He is also a close collaborator of Virgil Abloh’s, as they were among the co-founders of the creative collective Been Trill in 2012.
“I believe Williams’ singular vision of modernity will be a great opportunity for Givenchy to write its new chapter with strength and success. – said Sidney Toledano, chairman and Chief Executive of LVMH’s Fashion Group
Williams will oversee the brand’s womenswear and menswear collections. He will also continue to operate his five-year-old brand Alyx.
