Givenchy’s Spring 2022 Pre-Collection Is A Masterclass In High-Low Style
Creative Director Matthew M Williams teams up with graphic artist Chito to celebrate individual style and freedom in Givenchy’s spring 2022 pre-collection
When news broke in June 2020 that Matthew M Williams had been appointed as Creative Director of Givenchy, many wondered how the American designer would bring the storied Parisian fashion house into a new era. Raised in Pismo Beach, California, Williams is a huge proponent of street culture and renowned for his high-low aesthetic that fuses the worlds of streetwear, music and art with high-fashion collaborations. It is fitting, then, that for Givenchy’s spring 2022 pre-collection, Williams celebrates two cultures: his American homeland and France, setting a new tone and youthful attitude for the label. “In my collections, I always speak to lived reality. For spring 2022, I wanted to bring together my American roots and my new life in Paris,” says the designer. “There’s an energy of striking out for a new adventure; of drawing on something familiar yet creating something completely new.”
As a long-standing fan of urban street art, Williams found the perfect partner for the collection in graphic artist Chito – a New York and Mexico City-based creative known for his graffiti-style, airbrush paintings. Chito’s abstract and figurative motifs appear across clothes and accessories throughout the collection, adding a playful, directional edge that celebrates freedom and individual style. “Chito made an ideal collaborator because we share that storyline; we speak the same language,” says Williams. “Like me, he expresses his distinct visual signatures through unique pieces that give people total freedom to make creations their own personal statement.” Indeed, from the logo-printed sneakers to the airbrushed bags, Williams has found innovative ways to incorporate Chito’s references into the collections, resulting in truly covetable cult items.
Featuring a line-up of sharp tailoring, asymmetric knife-pleat skirts and ultra-chic jackets and knits with a sporty spin, the capsule is a true hybrid of low-key luxury. These are pieces that can be mixed and matched with ease thanks to the clean, monochrome palette and effortlessly elegant silhouettes that are both modern and timeless. They’re also ideal for dressing up and down – a non-negotiable in today’s world, where the boundaries between our home, work and social lives are increasingly fluid.
When it comes to accessories, the label’s latest offerings do not disappointment: industrial hardware is a signature of both Givenchy and Williams, and the use of intricate chain embellishments, as well as the house’s graphic logo, elevate its handbags to cult-item status. From the distinctive, V-shaped ‘Cut Out’ bag to the boxy ‘4G’ style, each one is an ultra-desirable investment piece.
Meanwhile, the chain necklace – a huge accessory hit in recent seasons and an essential component of any jewelry collection – can be used to toughen up dresses or elevate more casual, sporty looks. Set with scores of crystals, Williams’ supersized take on the trend makes a bold statement and provides the perfect finishing touch to spring’s high-low looks.