Givenchy names Matthew Williams as new chief designer
Givenchy has named Matthew Williams, founder of luxury streetwear label 1017 Alyx 9SM, as its new creative director.
The 34-year-old American designer replaces Britain's Clare Waight Keller as the head of the storied French luxury house.
Williams takes up the post on 16 June and will present his first collection in October. The move is seen as a modernising one for Givenchy and should increase its appeal to younger, millennial consumers.
The designer said he promised to being "modernity and inclusivity" to the LVMH-owned house adding: “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."
Waight Keller joined Givenchy three years ago from Chloe and her departure was announced in April. Her reign at the house will be best known for her creation of Meghan Markle's wedding dress for her marriage to Prince Harry in 2018.
The appointment of Williams would suggest the house wants to return to an edgier, street-inspired aesthetic as championed by Waight Keller's predecessor Riccardo Tisci, who now heads up Burberry.
