Fearless and innovative, Matthew Williams enthusiastically embraced his role as Creative Director at Givenchy in late 2020. Taking over from designer Clare Waight Keller, Williams quickly found his stride at the brand, modernizing while staying true to the brand’s fundamental principles and identity.
It was evident from the start that Williams’ background in streetwear would significantly influence his design aesthetic at Givenchy. Over his 3+ years at the House, the designer continued to refine his vision for Givenchy. His designs, sleek, chic, and cool with an edge, felt contemporary yet upheld the classic Givenchy style.
Now, we witness the conclusion of Matthew Williams’ tenure at Givenchy as it was announced last week that the House would be concluding its creative partnership with the designer. He certainly made his mark on the house, refining a vision of luxury combined with technical expertise.
Ultimately, Williams remained consistent, with each collection reflecting what the designer himself would like to wear.
“It’s kind of the same story as always; in menswear making clothes for myself, clothes that I feel have a need to exist. Exploring the themes of silhouette and materials that I’ve been following since I arrived at Givenchy,” Matthew Williams told Vogue Runway.
For Pre-Fall 2024, this chapter at the House concludes with new iterations of the Voyou bag, one of Williams’ greatest hits at the House. In addition to the various shapes and sizes of the Voyou, statement clutches were introduced alongside a stylish new top handle bag, seemingly inspired by the codes of the Antigona.
This was a fitting way for Williams to depart, as his update of the House icon marked the beginning of his time at Givenchy. Considering that Pre-Collection sets the stage for the brand’s larger fall collection, it will be intriguing to see how this sets the tone for what’s to come next.
View the bags from the fall pre-collection below, images via Vogue Runway.
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