Matthew Williams exits Givenchy to focus on 1017 Alyx 9SM

Matthew M. Williams, the Creative Director of Givenchy, is set to exit the luxury French house on 1 January 2024 to “fully dedicate” his attention to his signature brand 1017 Alyx 9SM.

The American designer is set to part ways with Givenchy after a short three-year stint at the brand, at the end of his initial contract. His final collection will be the men’s and women’s pre-fall 2024 collections, scheduled to be unveiled in the upcoming days, according to WWD.

The designer's departure comes just weeks after he partnered up with Hong Kong entrepreneur Adrian Cheng to ramp up the development of his eponymous brand, 1017 Alyx 9SM. These growth plans include opening boutiques and extending product categories to include jewellery, shoes and accessories.

In a brief statement from Givenchy, Williams said: “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.”

De Lesquen, President and CEO of Givenchy, thanked Williams writing: “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.”

Founded in 1952, Givenchy has seen a string of creative directors since to Founder retired in 1995. These included the likes of John Galliano, Alexander McQueen, Julien Macdonald, Tisci and Clare Waight Keller. Williams was announced as Givenchy’s seventh designer in 2020 when the world succumbed to the horrors of the coronavirus pandemic.

At Givenchy, the designer frequently drew inspiration from the founder, evolving popular house codes such as turning the Givenchy key into lock-like closures and decorative elements on leather goods and accessories. These successes have given Givenchy momentum on the international stage, particularly in the US and Japan.

Until the announcement of a new Creative Director, Givenchy will be designed by the company’s in-house studio team.