MANILA, Philippines — Givenchy’s storied past and urban future merged in the women’s and men’s FW22 ready-to-wear show designed by creative director Matthew M. Williams.
“I really wanted to create a synthesis of powerful, sophisticated femininity, with an interplay of multiple American and Parisian influences, sports and craftsmanship,” the designer said. “Next to her stands a contemporary man with an instinct for chic nonchalance.”
Williams, who used to work with Kanye West, opened with a very streetwear-inspired segment that should make the Ye crowd happy: cool black made eye-catching with shiny textures and mega layering, the Givenchy logo graphically stretched into a Tim Burton-like web.
For men, baggy pants are back, paired with hoodies, puffer vests, and the futuristic-looking TK360 full-knit sneakers Williams teased before the show.
This season’s Givenchy woman is a dichotomy: by day she’s a very cool street chick; at night she goes out in colorful couture: ruffled dresses with jeweled pompoms that swing with every flirty step, or taking over a room in a blindingly shiny sequined dress, pearl neckpiece and balloon-pearl rings on every finger.
For both genders Givenchy offers every possible bag today’s urban dweller could want: for women, evening bags like the Moon Cutout in the color of the year, Very Peri, softly quilted 4G clutches, bags that mix hardware and jewelry — fully studded with black pearls, metal logo handles, and a logo padlock. For men, crossbody bags, backpacks, waist bags, rucksacks, and large, air-light totes.
By teaming slouchy silhouettes with sharply tailored, broad-shouldered billowing coats, and frilly dresses with thigh-high leather stiletto boots, Williams continues to deftly remix Givenchy’s glamorous past with the Matrix-like needs and desires of the present and future.
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In the Philippines, Givenchy is exclusively distributed by Stores Specialists, Inc., and is located at Shangri-La Plaza Mall East Wing, Greenbelt 4, and Solaire Resort & Casino. Visit ssilife.com.ph or follor @ssilife on Instagram for more information.