Matthew Williams To Exit Givenchy As Luxury’s Creative Director Shake-Up Continues

Matthew Williams is stepping down as creative director of Givenchy after three years in the role, the house announced on Friday. Williams’s departure will be effective from 1 January 2024, and the men’s and women’s pre-fall 2024 collections, to be unveiled this month, will be his last for the brand. A successor has not yet been named, and the house’s studio teams will lead design in the interim, according to the statement.

Williams is the latest in a series of recent creative director shake-ups, including new appointments at Blumarine, Chloé, Alexander McQueen and Ann Demeulemeester. Other brands awaiting new creative directors include Moschino, whose creative director Davide Renne tragically died in November, just 10 days after taking over, and Tod’s, whose creative director Walter Chiapponi stepped down in July to join Blumarine.

During his tenure at the LVMH-owned house, Williams was known for drawing inspiration from the archives, constructing elegant evening wear and introducing a distinct tailoring style. The house’s statement credits Williams with “modernising its entire product range” under his creative vision, calling out the U-lock jacket and Voyou bag as notable releases. Prior to his appointment, he completed a stint at Dior Men’s under Kim Jones and was shortlisted for the LVMH Prize in 2016. His predecessor, Clare Waight Keller, also lasted three years in the role.

“I would like to thank Matthew 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,” said Renaud de Lesquen, president and CEO of Givenchy, in a statement.

In the meantime, the release states the American designer will “fully dedicate himself” to his own brand, 1017 Alyx 9SM, which he has remained involved in. Williams founded Alyx in 2015 and, since then, the brand has clocked collaborations with the likes of Nike and Moncler. On 17 November, the brand announced a business partnership with Hong Kong entrepreneur Adrian Cheng.