Spring 2021 was Matthew Williams’ first physical show at Givenchy with physical guests. The Fall 2020 collection was presented as a pre-recorded video filmed in a massive stadium. This season, the show set inside the impressive Paris La Défense Arena, felt like a reprisal of that grand concert spirit, staged like it should have been. The soundtrack was composed by Young Thug exclusively for the show, including some currently unreleased tracks from his upcoming album.
Related article: Review Of Givenchy Fall Winter 2021 Collection
The collection is a whiplashing mix between the decadent and the utilitarian. There are couture elements of tiered tulle worn with oversized deconstructed vests or cropped sweaters. A corset jacket shape with structured peplum – a reference to Hubert de Givenchy’s archival silhouettes – is made in a variety of fabrics both traditional and technical, from Prince of Wales checks to neoprene. The incorporation of lace trims on the hems of jackets and also the tops of sexy thigh high boots was anything but sweet, when combined with urban elements of baseball hats and Williams’ signature oversized silver hardware.
Related article: We Are Living For This Futuristic Sculpture Of A Shoe From Givenchy
American artist Josh Smith’s works are incorporated into the collection in the form of printed hoodies and sweaters. The latter is styled on models like dickeys, the sleeves hanging out from under black blazers like scarves. Smith’s themes and found objects also manifest in the accessoires, including a halloween pumpkin bag and painted jerry cans that come in life-size as well as miniaturised incarnations.
Related article: Review of Givenchy Spring Summer 2021 Collection