Givenchy Just Appointed This Self-Taught Designer As Its New Creative Director

Matthew M. Williams replaces Clare Waight Keller, who announced her departure from the fashion house in April.

matthew m williams givenchy creative director

by Hannah Banks-Walker |
Published on

Givenchy has just announced that Matthew M. Williams has been appointed as the brand's new creative director, effective as of tomorrow (June 16). At just 34, Williams is a self-taught designer who established his womenswear brand, Alyx, in 2015. He quickly caught the attention of many of the fashion industry's power players, thanks to his inimitable mix of contemporary culture references, design skills and a commitment to positive change.

Shortlisted for the LVMH prize for young designers in 2016, Williams restyled his brand to become 1017 Alyx 9SM, which is now a kind of fashion shorthand for good taste. In a statement, he said: 'I am extremely honored to join the House of Givenchy. 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, to move it into a new era, based on modernity and inclusivity... In these unprecedented times for the world, I want to send a message of hope, together with my community and colleagues, and intend to contribute towards positive change.'

Williams will be responsible for all of the women's and men's collections at the label and no doubt all eyes will be on him as he has big shoes to fill. Waight Keller was the label's first female creative director and, during her three year tenure, she not only developed her own signature boy-meets-girl aesthetic and put her own stamp on Givenchy Haute Couture, she also made headlines across the world when it was revealed that she was the designer responsible for Meghan Markle's royal wedding gown.

'Because it felt so small and intimate up until that point. no one else was involved, it really was just the two of us for so long, I simply didn’t grasp the scale of it,' Waight Keller toldGrazialast year. 'Then on the day, driving through streets and streets lined with people waving, that overwhelming realisation that actually, this is going to be enormous...’

While we wait to see what Waight Keller's next move is, it will be interesting to witness Williams' own vision for the house of Givenchy, and how it may differ from his predecessor's. While Williams is relocating to Paris for his new appointment, he will continue to design his Italian-based Alyx label independently.

SEE: Every Time Meghan Markle Has Worn Givenchy

Gallery

Meghan Markle Wearing Givenchy - Grazia

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CREDIT: Getty

19 May 2018

The dress that started the royal love affair: for her wedding to Prince Harry in May 2018, Meghan Markle wore a stunning custom white gown designed by Clare Waight Keller.

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CREDIT: Getty

14 June 2018

For her first solo appearance with her new grandmother-in-law, the Queen, Meghan wore a chic Givenchy cape-shouldered dress and bag.

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CREDIT: Getty

19 June 2018

Joining Prince Harry for her very first Royal Ascot, the Duchess debuted a simple white belted dress and black clutch.

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CREDIT: Getty

11 July 2018

While visiting Ireland alongside Prince Harry in July 2018, Meghan arrived wearing a matching Givenchy top and skirt in emerald green.

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CREDIT: Getty

11 July 2018

Later in the day, Meghan wore a chic tailored Givenchy suit and belt.

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5 September 2018

To celebrate Prince Charles' 70th birthday, the royal family released a family portrait in which Meghan is wearing a chic black-and-white Givenchy dress.

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CREDIT: Getty

25 September 2018

For her first ever solo royal engagement, Meghan donned a Givenchy dress that she accessorised with Givenchy heels and her favourite Givenchy clutch. For any Meghan super-fans out there, this is the same day sheinfamously closed her own car door.

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CREDIT: Getty

12 October 2018

To the wedding of Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank, Meghan wore a beautiful navy Givenchy coat and dress. The loose-fitting ensemble led eagle-eyed royal fans to guess the Duchess was pregnant, which she soon confirmed.

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CREDIT: Getty

31 October 2018

While on a royal tour of New Zealand with Prince Harry, Meghan wore this stunning royal blue Givenchy top and skirt.

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CREDIT: Getty

11 November 2018

Meghan wore an elegant black Givenchy coat on Remembrance Day in November 2018.

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CREDIT: Getty

10 December 2018

Making a surprise appearance at the 2018 British Fashion Awards to honour Clare Waight Keller, Meghan wore a beautiful black down by the designer herself.

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CREDIT: Getty

31 January 2019

While visiting her new patronage, the Association of Commonwealth Universities, Meghan re-wore the black Givenchy coat that she had worn a few months earlier to the Remembrance Day ceremony.

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CREDIT: Getty

7 February 2019

On a date night with Prince Harry to the Endeavour Fund Awards, Meghan Markle opted for a custom Givenchy top and skirt alongside her trusted Givenchy clutch.

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CREDIT: Getty

8 June 2019

On a rare public appearance during her maternity leave, the Duchess wore a navy blue Givenchy coat to Trooping the Colour with Prince Harry.

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