MERE Days after the announcement of Matthew W. Williams’ departure from Givenchy, the French luxury house has presented its pre-fall 2024 collection. Maintaining an emphasis on fluidity, versatility and fine tailoring, the collection encapsulates Williams’ design approach.
Having been heavily inspired by Hubert de Givenchy’s later collections, the latest seasonal offering subverts and reimagines historical silhouettes. For example, in terms of womenswear, traditionally masculine forms have been adapted to fit the contemporary Givenchy woman.
Similarly, miniskirts are paired with structural blazers and coats as a way to elevate the piece – whilst also empowering the wearer. The Givenchy trench has received similar treatment – couture volumes now add an unexpected twist to the classic outwear garment.
Despite the colour palette of the collection being mostly neutral, hues of hot pink and orange bring extra energy and vivacity to looks. Paired with delicate jewel-like 4G buttons and the appearance of tulle, the clothes seem more flamboyant and playful in comparison to previous collections.
In the same vein, the menswear pieces explicitly reference Hubert de Givenchy’s work through the arrival of floral graphics. The founder had an affinity for gardens and unexpected colours.
Williams has carefully intertwined both elements into the pre-fall collection to pay homage to the renowned designer. In particular, hand-applied flowers adorn machine-embroidered tulle, meanwhile a gold leather perfecto also makes its debut.
For accessories, a key component for women is the Voyou bag – now redesigned with chain, clutch and tote variations. The Voyou is also exhibited in mirrored croc-embossed leather, tortoiseshell and delicate feathers. As an alternative, the Antigona series welcomes the Antigona Cube – a new origami-inspired silhouette.
The same elegance and sophistication are found in footwear. Spazzolato, metallic pumps and ballerina slingbacks – featuring Voyou buckles – add the finishing touches to each look. Men’s footwear is particularly intriguing.
Givenchy has teamed up with Bogs – the Portland-based maker of vulcanized, waterproof shoes – to create various styles. Chelsea slip-on boots and lace-up trail boots are constructed with a 4G sock liner in technical neoprene and are available in black and beige.
Finally, jewellery pieces complete the seasonal offering. With pearls embellishing chain mesh and chunky necklaces, Givenchy stays true to its house code. Moreover, an archival bird motif takes shape as a gold-tone torque necklace, pendant, earring or ring.
Despite the scintillating jewellery, eyewear is not ignored. As a result, 4G Liquid butterfly frames in green or coral enamel accented acetate make an appearance. For men, a line called GV One gives traditionally rectangular frames a new life, whereas aviators are reinvented with GV Speed.
Combining elegance, sensibility and refinement, the Givenchy pre-collection will be available online and in-store in early June.
by Sophie Richardson