Givenchy makes Clare Waight Keller its new creative director, and first woman in the role since its founding
British designer known for her knitwear, who has spent past six years as creative director at Chloé, takes over from Italian Riccardo Tisci at the French fashion house in May
Givenchy has named Clare Waight Keller as its new artistic director, making her the first woman to take the creative helm of the French fashion house founded by Hubert de Givenchy in 1952.
Waight Keller takes over in May from star designer Riccardo Tisci, who left in January after 12 years in the role, and follows in the footsteps of fellow British designers for Givenchy such as John Galliano, Alexander McQueen and Julien Macdonald.
Givenchy, owned by luxury group LVMH, first announced the news in a post on its Instagram account and said Waight Keller would oversee all product lines, including women’s and men’s ready-to-wear, accessories and haute couture.
“I am very happy to have Clare Waight Keller join the LVMH group,” Bernard Arnault, the chairman and CEO of LVMH, said in the statement. “I believe her widespread expertise and vision will allow Givenchy to enter the next phase of its unique path.”
How Givenchy announced the appointment
A post shared by GIVENCHY (@givenchyofficial) on Mar 16, 2017 at 7:00am PDT
Italian designer Tisci revitalised Givenchy with a dark, edgy vibe and there was widespread speculation when his departure was announced in February that he would join Versace.
Over the past 12 months, a string of star designers have left top fashion houses Christian Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, Valentino, Lanvin and most recently Chloé.
