Clare Waight Keller takes the helm at Givenchy

LVMH is having a major #girlpower moment right now, because it has just appointed its second female designer (the first being Maria Grazia Chiuri of Dior) to take the creative lead at a couture house. Clare Waight Keller, formerly at Chloé, will now take the helm of Givenchy as its creative director, showing her first collection this October in Paris for Spring/Summer 2018. The British-born designer replaces the brand’s former creative director Riccardo Tisci.

Waight Keller has had a decorated portfolio since she earned her Masters in Fashion Knitwear at the Royal College of Art. Calvin Klein approached her from university based only on her graduate collection, and the duo worked together for four years before she moved on to Ralph Lauren as a senior menswear designer for its Purple Label.

She was then approached by Tom Ford for a stint at Gucci, before she was given creative directorship at heritage knitwear label Pringle of Scotland, where she was responsible for its complete brand overhaul. Her extremely wearable collection of ‘70s-inspired and feminine aesthetic redefined the Chloé lady since she started her tenure almost six years ago.

“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,” said Philippe Fortunato, CEO of Givenchy Couture.

During his time at Givenchy, Tisci certainly didn’t hold back his penchant for hip-hop and celebrity culture, so Waight Keller’s appointment is sure to mark a drastic change, with her focus on quiet sophistication.

www.givenchy.com