A strong Parisian autumn downpour opens the Spring-Summer 2023 show last October at the Jardin des Plantes, contrasting with the calm and controlled character of the entire collection. On the runway, a chic and contemporary look manifests itself on clothing and accessories that cross French and American style codes. The Voyou bag is the center of attention: the total denim model worn by Bella Hadid is a real dialogue between the elegance of the city of Paris and the cool sensibility of California. The bright colors of the bag stand out under the gray, cloudy sky, creating a decidedly contemporary vision of global fashion for the digital age. Matthew M. Williams feels the need to make an accessory which has character everywhere, without forgetting the classic and timeless philosophy of Hubert de Givenchy, his eternal inspiration. The Voyou is created specifically for a refined woman but with a nonchalant attitude, independent and self confident: in fact, “bad boy” is the French meaning of the bag’s name, which immediately enters Givenchy’s lexicon.
“I wanted to revisit fashion archetypes with a new language and a playful attitude. With Voyou, you know at a glance that she’s Parisian, but she’s comfortable wherever she goes. At the same time she asserts herself for her everyday
style that is destined to stay.”
Made of tumbled calfskin, its refined and casual design recalls in every way of Rive Gauche sophistication, blending shine with the lightness and comfort of a hobo bag. Its cool and elegant lines mixed with a strong and assertive character make the accessories suitable for a wide audience of people, and thanks to its shape, that adapts to the wearer’s body, it becomes a personal element at the same time. A play of the Maison’s distinctive hardware embellishments, including a new engraved buckle, sliders, and a slightly beveled version of the designer’s signature D-ring, lend a cool, jewel-like allure. Together, these details subtly echo the Maison’s “V” emblem while accentuating the leather’s glossy, tactile finish, giving any look a touch of Parisian nonchalance, by day or by night. Creative director Matthew M. Williams showcases the clash between American and French aesthetics, between Parisian elegance and sportswear nonchalance, in the Spring-Summer 2023 campaign, Gigi Hadid, Selena Forrest, and Luna Passos wear key looks from the collection and the Voyou bag. In perfect harmony with the SS23 runway show, the photographs shot by Heji Shin are a continuation of the exploration of the contrasts between the Maison’s iconic sartorial heritage and urban ease, which Williams has once again confirmed as part of his vision brand’s aesthetic. Supermodel and older sister Hadid appears in a refined ruffled dress with matching gloves while holding the Voyou with a determined manner. In the other shots, however, her look is more reminiscent of a bad girl: a leather bra crossed at the front with buckle details is paired with the black version of the bag. Givenchy makes the contrast between the two characters of French and California cities perceptible, showing the balance and harmony between them through the Voyou bag, a perfect synthesis of the union of style codes geographically so far.
For further information givenchy.com.
