For the Givenchy Spring-Summer 2024 Mens Collection, artistic director Matthew M. Williams introduces a stunning collection that mixes elegance with sartorial rebellion in a celebration of uniqueness and nonconformity. Taking inspiration from a contemporary culture of manly dressing as well as the timeless standards of a gentleman’s wardrobe, the collection brings together the best of both worlds. Williams redefines the concept of well-tailored sophistication, abandoning the preordained qualities of the past for a new perspective, with a keen eye on the spirit of the times.
The Reinvented School Uniform
At the core of the collection lies a reflection on the school uniform as a symbol of democracy and constraint, exuding a captivating blend of rebellion and personalisation. Crested knits, shrunken sweatshirts, and scoop-necked polos interplay with outgrown proportions and self-adaptation, juxtaposed against formidable overcoats. Williams dares to push the boundaries further, pairing schoolboy suits with tech jackets boasting intricate floral embroideries, hand-encrusted crystals, and super-light calfskin constructions in yellow and black.
Elevated Essentials
The silhouette also evolves, embracing essential wardrobe items elevated through luxurious techniques and fabrications. Gems and hardware adorn longline T-shirts and jersey pieces, while wide-leg cargo trousers and oversized chinos cinch in with overlaying hooks. Double-face cotton takes centre stage, shaping meticulously crafted trench coats, macs, and blousons. Contrasting lines emerge in hand-constructed double-face nylon outerwear, hoodies, and tops, labelled Givenchy Double Face Nylon. In addition, state-of-the-art fabric treatments transform crinkled tracksuits, military smocks, and field jackets into the avant-garde Givenchy Garment Dyed line. Denim receives a fresh interpretation with regular-fit jeans and hacked-off shorts.
Customised Elegance
The pinnacle of elegance arrives with tuxedos in lurex or brushed wool, reflecting realistic proportions. Neither oversized nor sculpted, these sophisticated ensembles subtly elongate in length and shorten at the sleeve, harking back to the formative notion of sophistication. Hand-crafted suits also take the spotlight, with double-breasted silk-wool blazers with magnet closures, hand-carved shoulder pads for sculpted square shoulders, and no back seams. The collection pays homage to fine dressmaking with carefully fitted jumpsuits, which are echoed by waistcoats and trousers that create a harmonious silhouette.
Accessories: A Functional Approach to Elegance
Accessories are practical yet polished, accentuating the collection’s natural and functional elegance. Technical bags in suede, nylon, and webbing are worn around the waist, while backpacks in mixed tech materials and scuffed suedes play with macro and micro proportions. Meanwhile, scuffed suedes continue their presence in the triangular Voyou cross-body bag, magnified-toe derbies, and boots, creating a unified aesthetic. A hybrid wardrobe mentality is embodied by the lightweight sneaker, combining nylon and corduroy to transform the language of hiking shoes into an elegant form, expertly merging the constructions of sneakers and dress shoes.
Jewellery and Sunglasses: A Timeless Tribute
Paying homage to the Maison’s founder, Hubert de Givenchy, the collection showcases exquisite jewellery inspired by his love for orchids. Orchid motifs adorn gradient enamel earrings, ear cuffs, and necklaces, meticulously hand-forged to emphasise the collection’s artisanal craftsmanship. In parallel, sunglasses reinterpret classic shapes, presenting minimal oval frames in matte metals for a contemporary allure.
The Givenchy Spring-Summer 2024 Men’s Collection dares to defy convention, inviting men to embrace elegance as a personal expression and sartorial rebellion. With a captivating fusion of classic and contemporary elements, Matthew M. Williams has curated a collection that celebrates individuality while pushing the boundaries of traditional menswear. From reimagined school uniforms to meticulously tailored suits and innovative accessories, Givenchy invites men to embark on a journey of nonconformity, embracing their unique style with confidence and flair.
