Matthew Williams stepped onto the Givenchy stage without any fanfare. In fact, there wasn’t a stage, because for spring/summer 2021 the Parisian house opted to forgo the traditional runway extravaganza in favour of a slick digital lookbook.
Yet the American urbanwear designer, who’s worked with Lady Gaga, Virgil Abloh and Kanye West, still managed to make some noise. His debut collection comprised 54 looks that fused sporty streetwear with sharp tailoring and a sci-fi edge. There were red horn heels reminiscent of Alexander McQueen’s tenure at the house, laser-cut trousers, knotted halter tops, sleek pagoda jackets and supersized croc-print bags, many adorned with heavy hardware in an ode to the love locks hung on Paris bridges.
Williams said he doesn’t design to themes but rather places his full focus on the product. And for his highly anticipated haute fashion debut, the clothes did the talking.
