GIVENCHY FW22 RTW (FWC TBFashion)

We’re looking back at this Givenchy show for this edition of FWC TBFashion, simplicity took center stage as Matthew M. Williams unveiled his second runway proposal for the iconic fashion house. The collection exuded a newfound straightforwardness, presenting a more streamlined aesthetic than previous seasons. Williams’s vision was clear: to create clothes that people actually wear, emphasizing ease and modern archetypes.

The dominant color palette of dark green and black set the tone for a streetwear-focused wardrobe that embraced fashion stereotypes with a fresh perspective. The collection featured layered and tiered T-shirts and sweatshirts adorned with logo graphics reminiscent of metal band merchandise. Baggy denim trousers and leather tracksuits exuded a relaxed vibe, while voluminous floor-length pimp coats gracefully floated along the stadium-like structure, illuminated by surrounding LED lamps that resembled those found on football fields.

Williams drew inspiration from his background as a former creative director in the music industry, infusing the show with the grand gestures seen in music videos and concert venues. This was evident in the pulsating and invigorating soundtrack that accompanied the models down the runway. The sprawling La Défense venue, despite its distance from the city center, added to the immersive experience Williams aimed to create. The dialogue between sportswear and eveningwear further highlighted his unique vision.

Delving into the house’s archives, Williams explored the adornments and constructions that defined Givenchy’s legacy. From Audrey Hepburn’s timeless pearls to intricately strapped evening dresses, he translated these decorative elements into contemporary tropes. The result was seen in pearl embroideries adorning jeans, beaded tops transformed into cocktail dresses through layering, and long T-shirts ingeniously sliced from the bottom to resemble garter belts.

For Matthew Williams, the collection was a reflection of the present moment. His work is driven by instinct, capturing the essence of today’s culture. This was evident in the black fabric gloves he wore backstage and during his bow, as well as the incorporation of balaclavas on the runway.

At Givenchy, Matthew M. Williams expertly mirrored our contemporary approach to clothing on an elevated runway. The show celebrated simplicity while infusing it with the designer’s instinctual and dynamic vision. With a keen eye for modern archetypes and a nod to the current cultural landscape, Williams delivered a collection that resonated with the spirit of today.