Matthew Williams presented his Fall/Winter 2021 men’s and women’s collections for Givenchy in his first runway show since joining the brand as Creative Director.
The virtual show which was part of the recent Paris Fashion Week was titled Between Monuments and Music and brought together the world of luxury and comfort.
“In many ways, this collection is about a constant tension between two worlds. It’s about finding personal meaning in difficult circumstances; it’s about sincerity in what we do rather than strategy. We wanted to bring a sense of lived reality alongside precision, elegance and extravagance in the clothing and looks. Ultimately, fashion for us is a way of being, feeling and connecting rather than a game to be played. It’s almost like monumentalising the everyday, filling it with emotion – like music you can wear.” Said Matthew M. Williams, Creative Director at Givenchy.
Bridging the classical, radical and practical, Williams’ Givenchy brings together two worlds exploring the tension between extravagance and discipline.
Volumes are explored through layering and oversized silhouettes creating a feeling of comfort. Long, lean lines are contrasted against short, taut crops or expansive, voluminous, draperies and embroideries. Outerwear is oversized, strong shoulders and sleeves display an architectural approach to tailoring. At the same time, sculpted, fine knitwear emphasises freedom of movement and the liberation of the body, with particular concentration on the waist.
The theme of extremes continues when it comes to accessories where hoods, caps, gauntlets and gloves provide a sense of drama as well as armour. The signature motif of metal hardware as unisex decoration continues, featured most prominently in the monogrammed chains and locks of the 4G bag.
This is the first of Matthew M. Williams’ Givenchy offerings to utilise the show format, adding to the sense of drama and monumentalism in the clothing, yet never neglecting its distinct intimacy and its eventual relationship with the wearer.
