“For the Spring-Summer 22 collection, I wanted to build on the tradition of Givenchy’s history while also really looking towards the future. To do this, I worked with people I admire across different disciplines who have truly unique perspectives including the artist Josh Smith, whose iconic work is incorporated throughout the collection, and the musician Young Thug, who created the entire score for the show. The collaboration and this collection offer people a remarkably immersive and special experience.”
Givenchy SS Collection mixes luxury and utility, lavishness and austerity, together with imperfect beauty and humanity. The silhouettes for both women and men explore the tension between extravagance and discipline, tradition and today. Both classicism and subversion play a part as Matthew Williams combines material experimentation with the techniques of the salon. Clothing is stratified, purposely layered and juxtaposed in looks inspired by Monsieur de Givenchy’s archive: traditional masculine tailoring fabrics are featured in women’s and menswear, cotton herringbones and Prince of Wales checks are bonded with neoprene and sculpted in form, applied to both corsets and peplums and juxtaposed to delicate Broderie Anglaise which bounds in as trim adding a light and fresh twist. The Creative Director creates an immersive experiences initiating creative dialogues with visionary artist Josh Smith whose colours permeate the traditional Givenchy palette and textures, and musician Young Thug one of the most influential rappers working today, both an icon for a new generation and an iconoclast beloved of Matthew M. Williams. La Défense Arena on October 3rd was the place where streetwear vibes met grandiose couture.
