Givenchy has announced Clare Waight Keller as its new creative director, succeeding Riccardo Tisci who recently left the brand after 12 years at its helm.
She will become the first woman to head up the LVMH-owned house — this news following the company's appointment of Maria Grazia Chiuri as the first woman to lead Dior last year. '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,' Waight Keller said in a statement.
Formerly of Chloé, where she established an easy, romantic vision for the brand during her six years as its creative lead, Waight Keller would most likely take Givenchy in a more feminine direction compared to its dark, gothic period under Tisci. 'I am very excited to see Clare bring her singular sense of elegance and modernity to Givenchy. By exploring our Maison's 65 year heritage and the outstanding Savoir-Faire of its Ateliers, I am convinced Clare will help Givenchy reach its full potential,' Philippe Fortunato, Chief Executive Officer of Givenchy said.
While Tisci was a hit among the starriest of the A-list including Beyoncé Knowles and the Kardashian family for his dramatic bombshell dresses and gowns, Waight Keller has earned a loyal consumer base for her distinctly upbeat and wearable approach.
Having just shown her final collection for Chloé during Paris Fashion Week earlier this month, Clare's new role will also see her taking on couture for the first time, as well as revisiting men's wear.
She had experience designing the latter during her time as creative director of Pringle of Scotland, prior to joining Chloé. An alumnus of the Royal College of Art, Waight Keller also worked for Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren and Gucci, where she designed under Tom Ford on a team that included Christopher Bailey and Francisco Costa.
Waight Keller will show her first collection for Givenchy during the spring/summer '18 season in Paris.
