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From Grazia’s seat on the FROW at Paris Fashion Week earlier this month, we observed a stoic display of strength in the form of artfully fashioned assertive silhouettes, battle dress, and references – oblique and overt – to female empowerment in the face of economic, political and social global uncertainty.
And last week, with the confirmation of Clare Waight Keller as Artistic Director of Givenchy, luxury fashion giant LVMH continues its commitment to the belief that We Should All Be Feminists. The former Creative Director of Chloé was chosen by Givenchy CEO Philippe Fortunato to replace Riccardo Tisci, for her “singular sense of elegance and modernity”.
Clare reveals, “Hubert de Givenchy’s confident style has always been an inspiration and I am very grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this legendary house’s history. I look forward to writing a new chapter in this beautiful story.”
Waight Keller with Emma Roberts and Solange Knowles backstage after the designer’s last show for Chloe (AW16)
Credit: Getty Images
Clare joins Maria Grazia Chiuri at Dior and Phoebe Philo at Céline to complete the triumvirate of LVMH’s female designers heading up luxury fashion houses for the group in Paris, and will be making her mark on the women’s and men’s ready-to-wear and accessories collections, in addition to Haute Couture.
Dior’s first female design boss, Maria Grazia Chiuri, with former Valentino design co-director (and close friend) Pierpaolo Piccioli
Credit: Instagram @maisonvalentino
To say that Clare’s appointment signals what will surely mark a radical departure in Givenchy’s artistic direction would be an understatement. Tisci’s close relationship with the Kardashian Wests even sparked rumours in some quarters that Kanye could be replacing him at Givenchy.
Tisci with with long-time fans and supporters, the Kardashian-Wests
Credit: Getty Images
With Waight Keller at the helm, speculation grows that playing to the Instagirls may become less important to the house, and a new dawn may usher in a more romantic and feminine new aesthetic. The new-look Givenchy collection for Spring/Summer 2018 will hit the Paris Fashion Week catwalk in October – don’t expect broderie Anglaise…
See Clare Waight Keller’s final runway collection for Chloe AW16 here.
Chloe AW17
Credit: Getty Images
Alison Tay is the Editor-in-Chief of GRAZIA Middle East and an International Woolmark Prize judge. Follow the British fashion journalist and celebrity stylist on Instagram and Twitter.
