Matthew M. Williams produced a contemporary wardrobe that meets Maison’s artisanal ateliers in his first standalone ready-to-wear men’s show for Givenchy.
The Spring Summer 2023 collection is made up of archetypal menswear garments and accessories that have been amplified through artisanal and technological possibilities of Parisian craftsmanship. Williams draws from the men who orbit his personal life – musicians, artists and designers, and reflects it with minimalised hardware. Williams deconstructs native American societal uniforms through Givenchy’s refined elegance.
Black and grey blazes and coats feature the house’s new tailoring silhouette – expanded but relaxed in volume, paired with school-type matching trousers ripped at the knee to reveal lining adorned with Maison’s logo. Cargo shorts are patchworked from the undyed offcuts from Maison’s leather factory and laminated to give them a rigid structure.
Classic shell jackets were stand-out pieces in mint green and black created from super light leather. In contrast, leather varsity jackets evoked a military sensibility and are adorned with all-over logo embroidery. The military motif continued with camouflage motifs in blousons, tactical vests and cargo pants made from digitally printed waterproof fabric.
Accessories featured the latest G-Cut eyewear that encases the lenses in the angular G-shaped rims and temples. The sunglasses are fitted with a 3-D print and feature shiny black, matte grey and shiny clear gradient colourways and natural wood. Pearl necklaces and stud earrings come in a dark wood, shiny white and black enamel, crystal pave, and mother-of-pearl.
“Menswear was, quite naturally, the way I discovered fashion. In my practice at Givenchy, my men’s collections came from an instinctive starting point. This show reflects myself and the men who surround me, from my close friends to the artists who inspire my work,” — Matthew M. Williams said. “It’s a dialogue with the time and culture that shape the way men dress today and tomorrow: the way new generations embrace and evolve the archetypes and dress codes of the past through their progressive outlook. It’s a thrilling evolution and the reason I have chosen this moment to stage a stand-alone men’s show for Givenchy.”
Givenchy’s all-knitted TK-360 has been given the MID treatment in monochrome colours. Shoes featured the TK silhouette, with the TK-MX runner featuring a mesh and synthetic leather upper in various colours. Rubber soles flashed across the catwalk and revealed a new rain boot forged from vulcanised rubber and layered with armour details.
Images: Supplied
