Matthew Williams Solidifies His Givenchy Era in FW21 Collection
Statement hardware and accessories complement faux fur, leather and more.
From his very first collection for the fashion house to the Spring/Summer 2021 campaign featuring Bella Hadid and Kendall Jenner, Matthew Williams is continuing to solidify his tenure at Givenchy. For the Fall/Winter 2021 season, the creative has showcased yet another statement-making collection lensed through a dynamic video that’s sure to become one of the highlight shows of this Fashion Month.
“In many ways, this collection is about a constant tension between two worlds,” Williams begins in a press release. “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.” He continues: “Ultimately, fashion for us is a way of being, feeling and connecting rather than a game to be played. It’s almost like monumentalizing the everyday, filling it with emotion – like music you can wear.”
The digital presentation opens with turbulent clips of a dark set, where models strut towards the spotlight at the end of the runway. The opening look features a simple blazer fastened with Williams’ signature hardware in replacement of buttons. The outfit is paired with eye-catching heels redolent of Alexander McQueen‘s iconic “Armadillo” boot. Meanwhile, faux fur reigns supreme on select outerwear and a sheer top donning the GG monogram print.
Covered in black tones, the collection sees occasional accents with printed scarves, as well as diverse materials and finishes. Grace Hartzel dons a standout tank top with cut-out detailing as menswear looks continue with items such as fuzzy gloves, horned hats, quilted puffers and more. The Cut-Out Bag once again completes elevated styles alongside bold chain necklaces, padlock accessories and more.
Despite the powerful visual and impactful designs, Williams’ latest collection for Givenchy has been receiving mixed reactions online. While some have praised the designer for marking his name in the history of the fashion house, others have criticized looks for being irrelevant to today’s cultural climate. “Once again M*tthew W*lliams has me drafting my ‘Why I’m leaving fashion’ essay,” Fashionista‘s editor-in-chief Tyler McCall took to Twitter to express her frustration, referencing the cut-out bra tops that revealed models’ breasts on the runway. “I don’t mind nudity but this is just getting tits out for the sake of seeming edgy or interesting. It’s a completely empty gesture… What relevance does any of this have?” she questioned, finishing off her comment by stating: “In conclusion, I am all set on straight white male designers.”
Watch the full FW21 Givenchy presentation above, and make sure to keep up with the latest shows with our Fashion Week coverage.
