Your favourite rapper’s (second) favourite designer brand Givenchy, presented their Men’s Spring/Summer 2023 ready-to-wear collection in the heart of Paris yesterday. Set against the backdrop of the beautiful École Militaire, Creative Director Matthew M. Williams’ runway took the form of a giant white cube situated within the middle of what could only be called a moat full of water, from which the models emerged and circumnavigated. It was a perfectly executed show, with the white obelisk setup creating an atmosphere of mystery and delight. As the models stomped through large puddles of water without a care in the world, the clothes and in particular the footwear offered the audience a moment of real-world functionality within the fantasy of the fashion show. Considering this was Williams’ first stand-alone men’s show for Givenchy, it was perfectly executed in both design and subject, helping to showcase what he brings to the table for the Maisons.
The presentation started with monochromatic high-end moto meets uptown dirt biker looks, before quickly evolving into elevated street west and colourful bright neons. With easy-to-wear cargo shorts and pants, bold logoed balaclava, all-weather outerwear, and some suiting options the collection ran the gambit of modern high fashion essentials. Williams expressed his time with the french Maison as such, “In my practice at Givenchy, my men’s collections came from an instinctive starting point. This show is a reflection of myself and the men who surround me, from my close friends to the artists who inspire my work. It’s a dialogue with the time and culture that shape the way men dress today and tomorrow: the way new generations embrace and evolve the archetypes and dress codes of the past through their own progressive outlook. It’s a thrilling evolution and the reason I have chosen this moment to stage a stand-alone men’s show for Givenchy.”
Well there were well over fifty looks in the collection (see below) here are our favourites:
Aside from the very excellent ready-to-wear pieces, the runway show introduced the new and VERY bold new sneaker silhouette, the TK-MX. Featuring a curved sole and balled heel, the runner features a mesh and synthetic leather upper and appears in white, black, silver and yellow, silver and green, and black and yellow colourways. At first glance, the shoes are rather jarring, but after seeing them walk the runway in water and maybe snow(?) they really grew on us. Judge for yourself.
Take a detailed look at the full runway collection below:
Watch Givenchy’s full SS23 runway show below: