What happens when a couture designer and an eclectic artist put their creative minds together? Magic happens, of course—and by that, we are talking about an extraordinary extravaganza in the form of fashion and art.
Thanks to the inspired collaboration by Givenchy’s Creative Director Matthew M. Williams, together with American artist Josh Smith who is known for his expressionistic canvases, Givenchy’s Spring/Summer 2022 collection and campaign (featuring Kendall Jenner) not only showcases Williams’s high-end fashion finesse, but also bears the prints and patterns of Smith’s distinctive artwork.
“Matt showed up in my studio and we started cooking together… we made some delicious things,” says Smith, of the collaboration. “We burnt some stuff and that tasted good too. Matt took a to-go bag back to Paris and shared all of this with his sharp creative team. This collection is a miracle.”
Of their collaboration, Williams says he wanted to build on the tradition of Givenchy’s history while looking towards the future, with the aim of creating a memorable collection that offers people “a remarkably immersive and special experience,” he says.
“It was incredible to partner so closely with Josh—someone whose electric work and unencumbered perspective I have long admired—on all aspects of this collection,” Williams adds. “His artistic vision represents Givenchy’s modern ethos and I am grateful that Josh has let me—and now, so many others—fully step into and explore his world.”
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Savvy contrasts that hit the spot
Weaving timeless traditions with radical elements, what makes the Givenchy Spring/Summer 2022 collection stand out is its distinct mix of luxury and utility.
Unafraid to experiment while upholding the house’s haute couture values, Smith’s lively punctuations unabashedly permeate Givenchy’s traditional palette. Expect bright elements featuring characteristic reapers, pumpkins and various personal “totems” to make a mark in both the clothing line as well as its accessories.
From sharp suits that cut a sleek figure to shapely peplums that highlight your curvature to a russet fit-and-flare knit mini-dress, such unapologetic intertwining of playfulness and discipline is intentionally layered to show off unexpected ensembles.
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Thinking out of the box
Take your street cred up a notch when you revel in these luxurious threads that exude an edgy style while showing that you mean business at the same time.
In this cutting-edge collection full of surprises, discover unlikely juxtaposition of masculine fabrics interwoven in women’s wear. Imagine mohair wools, Napa leathers, cotton herringbones and Prince of Wales checks strewn together with stretchy neoprene to concoct a unique piece that tastefully enhances your figure.
Applied to silhouette-enhancing corsets and peplums—a short gathered or pleated ruffle strip attached at the waist of blouses to create a hanging frill—these crossover elements not only add flair but also hug your curves in all the right places.
To add modernity, Williams boldly embraces raw edges while employing the delicate broderie anglaise—characterised by whitework embroidery that feature patterns with round or oval holes—which are bound in as trim.
Meanwhile, tulle and transparent fabrics lend a light and airy feel while the house’s dextrous handicraft are evident in the intricate tooling and “basket woven” leatherwork, with macramé and raffia techniques used as well.
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The new statement handbag of the season
If there is one thing every fashionista must add to her wardrobe, it is this party-ready piece of arm candy from the Givenchy Spring/Summer 2022 collection that is inspired by couture savoir-faire. First having made its appearance at the Met Gala, everyone is raving about this beautiful bag that features hand-draped folds and elegant embellishments.
Interspersed with Givenchy’s distinctive G-Cube elements, this intricately constructed accessory with a rounded body is made with extremely soft calf leather. Adding to the theme, it comes with double G-Cube chain straps and a discreet magnetic closure while the brand’s unmistakable hardware handles and iconic padlock complete the look of luxury.
Other variations include one that is crafted in organza as well as another design that features fully embroidered mother-of-pearl. Whichever version you pick, this versatile bag can take you from day to night seamlessly.
The new Givenchy bag is priced from $2,490 for the mini satin version to $7,990 for the organza or mother-of-pearl versions, available at Givenchy boutiques.
Givenchy boutiques are located at:
Marina Bay Sands, 2 Bayfront Avenue, #B1-129, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, tel: 6222 7459
Paragon, 290 Orchard Road, #01-41/42, tel: 6235 4438
Website: www.givenchy.com
Brought to you by Givenchy
