STAGED at an abandoned rail yard in Paris, Givenchy’s gritty SS22 Pre-Collection was an attitude-packed spectacle of Creative Director Matthew M Williams at his best.
A grunge-infused mix of slashed denim, body harnesses and stonewashed slacks, the collection debuted Williams’ first artistic collaboration at the storied House with Seattle-born, Mexico-based artist Chito.
Givenchy x Chito for SS22 Pre-Collection
Givenchy x Chito for SS22 Pre-Collection
A long-time friend of the designer, Chito helped develop airbrushed graphics for an array of unisex pieces, from graffiti-sprayed seperates and nylon windbreakers to ultra-luxe accessories including the iconic Antigona vertical bag, 4G crossbody and bucket styles and a metallic Rimowa carry-on, each featuring fresh takes on House emblems alongside aerographic artworks.
Givenchy x Chito for SS22 Pre-Collection
Givenchy x Chito for SS22 Pre-Collection
Givenchy x Chito for SS22 Pre-Collection
Most notably, the artist’s Truehearted, a Pop-inspired motif of a girl with a heart, punctuates a zip-up silk shirt, sweaters and Bermuda shorts, while an airbrushed 4G Heart motif – a fusion of the Givenchy logo and the artist’s signature – appears in contrasting colours on slouchy tees, hoodies and track jackets.
“Coming from creating unique pieces with airbrushed embellishments on rare objects and garments, and now being able to bring them to the world is something special in itself,” said Chito. “Only Givenchy would be able to make that happen.”
Givenchy x Chito for SS22 Pre-Collection
Givenchy x Chito for SS22 Pre-Collection
by Joshua Hendren
Select pieces of the SS22 Pre-Collection, produced in collaboration with the guest artist Chito, will debut through a special preview on WeChat in China on July 9 and roll out in Givenchy stores worldwide and online on July 16