Givenchy presented its men’s and women’s Spring/Summer 2022 collections as part of Paris Fashion Week on 3rd October 2021.
Designed by Matthew M. Williams, Givenchy’s Creative Director, the collections build on the tradition of the House’s heritage but looks firmly into the future. “To do this, I worked with people I admire across different disciplines who have truly unique perspectives including the artist Josh Smith, whose iconic work is incorporated throughout the collection, and the musician Young Thug, who created the entire score for the show. The collaboration and this collection offer people a remarkably immersive and special experience.” Said Williams.
The collection features a juxtaposition of luxury and utility lavishness and austerity, together with imperfect beauty and humanity.
Silhouettes for men and women are traditional with a modern twist, created through geometric lines, peplum details, high collars, pleats and ruffles. Volume is key to this collection with accentuated waists, shoulders and necklines creating a futuristic mood.
Williams experiments with new materials that create extraordinary shapes and volumes. There is a contradiction of fabrics and genders: traditional masculine tailoring fabrics are featured in women’s and menswear, mohair wools, Napa leathers, cotton herringbones and Prince of Wales checks are bonded with neoprene and sculpted in form, applied to both corsets and peplums – drawn from Monsieur de Givenchy’s archive – together with shorts and minis, as well as more conventional suiting.
Raw edges are cleanly sliced and embraced, adding a sense of modernity throughout; delicate Broderie Anglaise is contrasted and exposed, bound in as trim, while tulle and transparencies add lightness, freshness and airy appositions; the urbane savoir-faire of the house and the homespun simplicity of handcraft are brought together in intricate tooling and ‘basket woven’ leatherwork, with macramé and raffia techniques for both clothing and bags.
The collection also features the new Kenny bag; the latest addition to Givenchy’s key accessories offering. The bag is gathered and ornamented with Williams’ characteristic hardware handles and Love Locks.
Also making a debut appearance this season is the ‘Neo-Antigona’ – a new take on a much-loved classic – and the men’s latest multifunctional backpack with signature ‘4G’ fastenings.
Footwear is experimental with a new approach to the classic clog which comes in both thigh-skimming and short styles with an integrated and moulded TPU heel for ultimate ease. While classic women’s sandals are adorned with metallic ‘4G’ detailing. Also seen for the first time is a hardwearing, fully knitted shoe – from upper to sole – another complex experiment in comfort, craft and silhouette for the house under Williams.
See more of the collection below:
