The belief that one can look amazing without trying is the hottest thing in fashion this Summer, and it involves merging elegance with a laid-back attitude — as it was unfolded at the Givenchy Spring Summer 2024 show in Paris.
While there might not be a Givenchy silhouette that is instantly recognisable to fashion enthusiasts everywhere, the contemporary works of creative director Matthew M. Williams has a refined simplicity that sets the brand apart from most. After-all, what is a fashionable man without his go-to basics? For Spring Summer 2024, classic gentlemen staples form the foundation of the narrative and receive a contemporary twist that was done to reflect the ever-evolving landscape of men’s fashion. Deliberately simple in its execution, Williams understanding of the current wave of men who are more expressive than ever — thanks in-part with what he has learnt on his own at his own labels — were infused with a refined, straightforward sense of self-expression that truly speaks to everyone.
As with any of Williams’ works, the narrative begins with the youth. For Spring Summer 2024, the embodiment of teenage boys in school uniforms serve as a metaphor that effectively communicates his take on reworking everyday-wear in the new collection. It unfolds as an expression of blending timeless sartorial fundamentals with a subtle infusion of personal expression. That meant, with every classic menswear staples such as trench coats, macs, and blousons introduced, they are meant to be reinterpreted by the people who adorn them. In other words, they are simple, cool clothes that looks good simply because it is not trying too hard.
In continuation of the carefree, nonchalant attitude, the collection is made up of all the things you would need (or might already have) in your existing wardrobes. That includes the playful ensemble of nylon outerwear, hoodies, and tops adorned with the return of the distinctive Givenchy Double Face Nylon branding. These pieces injected contrasting lines into the silhouettes to add a touch of technical details — again, a touch from Williams — which results in an arresting aesthetic that resembles the streets of Europe. Most surprisingly, bomber jacket were the highlights of the collection — citing a decade-long resurgence to the famed men’s item — this time adapted for Gen-Z standards with a cropped and fitted shape that enhances the wearer’s upper body.
Whether Williams has worked out the collection to celebrate the new age of gentlemen that sees the dissolution of a collective identity in celebration of individuality, or compiled clothes in a way that may be easier to process than his previous attempts, we might not know. But one thing is certain. As we step into a time where individuality reigns supreme, Givenchy’s answer to the ever-evolving landscape of menswear is to not try too hard. As they say, looking amazing is now second nature and staying in style should not be a tedious act.
Once you’re done with this story on the Givenchy Spring Summer 2024 show, click here to catch up with our June/July 2023 issue.
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