Words by Cassell A. Ferere

"There are too many clothes on this Earth. If I am going to take the responsibility of making clothing, I need to make something that deserves to exist."

The founder and head creative behind 1017 Alyx 9SM, Matthew M. Williams said this to GQ magazine at one point. And in an announcement on June 15th of his newly appointed position as Creative Director of French fashion house Givenchy, who is under the LVMH umbrella, he can follow through with that.

The position was previously held by Clare Waight Keller for over 2 years who recently stepped down succeeding the famed Riccardo Tisci.

Bold words for a designer entering high-fashion imagination from streetwear reverie. Usually, a bigger company expects a bigger production than the average streetwear or underground brand. But this is a vision we can be most proud of with a sustainably focused outlook for the fashion industry. Williams will be taking on Givenchy’s men's and women's ready to wear.

1017 Alyx 9sm

Matthew M. Williams started Alyx studio in 2015 with womenswear at the forefront of his design. Born in Chicago, living in Los Angeles, creating in New York, dating Lady Gaga, working on Been Trill with Virgil Abloh and Heron Preston, and first tasting the limelight as a designer creating a suit jacket for Kanye West in 2008 to wear to the Grammys, it may seem that Williams life has been in a whirlwind.

But now that he has been hired by the legendary Givenchy label, the tornado of creative living has found Williams in the eye storm.

The Alyx studio brand has been built on high-quality material and craftsmanship rarely seen in streetwear and we can assume he will be maintaining this aesthetic with the Givenchy brand in clever ways. He is known for his seat belt fastening ceinture and collaborating with brands like Nike, and Vibram on futuristic tailored and dexterous designs. 

Moving On To The House of Givenchy

More so, Williams has confessed he has worked his whole life for this moment and attests to making positive changes for the world of fashion. 

Sidney Toledano, Chairman, and CEO of LVMH Fashion Group says, 

“I am very happy to see Matthew M. Williams join the LVMH Group. Since he took part in the LVMH Prize, we have had the pleasure of watching him develop into the great talent he is today. I believe his singular vision of modernity will be a great opportunity for Givenchy to write its new chapter with strength and success.” 

Williams also shares words via the Givenchy website, 

“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.”

And he continues, 

“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 is preparing to show his first Givenchy collection this Fall in Paris. Whether digital fashion week or traditional, everyone in fashion will be looking forward to his crafty interpretive creations.

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