After three years as Creative Director of Givenchy, Matthew Williams will exit the position in January 2024 following the Pre-Fall 2024 collection. Williams’ departure follows the end of his contract with the company, which was in place at the time of his appointment in 2020.
In a statement to WWD, Williams said it had been “the dream of a lifetime” to lead Givenchy’s creative direction.
“Over these three years, I have strived to perpetuate Mr. Hubert de Givenchy’s legacy while bringing my own creative vision and I would like to sincerely thank the studio, Renaud de Lesquen, and LVMH for this incredible opportunity,” said Williams.
Williams’ debut runway appearance in Givenchy’s Fall 2021 collection was a spectacular entrance to the fashion scene and ignited the brand’s new momentum on the international stage. His modernized line was well received in the U.S. and Japan as it propelled Givenchy to new heights of popularity.
In addition to his work at Givenchy, Williams established his own label, 1017 Alyx 9SM, in 2015. He was later a finalist for the LVMH Prize for Young Fashion Designers.
President and chief executive officer of Givenchy, Renaud de Lesquen, also thanked Williams in his statement for all the energy he brought to Givenchy.
Lesquen said, “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.”
The brand is in the early stage to search for Williams’ successor and the studio team will design future collections until an announcement is made.