Infused with Matthew M. William’s modern Californian sensibilities, Givenchy unveils a hobo bag that blends the language of a lady’s handbag with an easy, biker attitude.
The Parisian finesse, elegance, and femininity all combine in the world of Givenchy. It is a signature that late founder Hubert de Givenchy used to ensure his designs and ateliers rose to the top and become one of the key players in international haute couture.
Since 1952, such codes of sophistication have been reinterpreted in all the Maison’s collections of men’s and women’s fashion.
More than six decades later, the Maison opened a new chapter in its books with the appointment of Matthew M. Williams as artistic director. A far cry from the traditionally French Hubert de Givenchy, the Illinois-born Matthew was rather left with a difficult task. That is to bring in a resolutely modern vision of global fashion for the digital era, without forgetting the classic Givenchy legacy.
By cross-pollinating the glamorous attitude of the Parisian and the laid-back edge of the American street style, Matthew finds a cohesion between the two cultural identities and produces one unique sense of being that neither of the houses can showcase on their own—the Givenchy Voyou.
“I wanted to revisit fashion archetypes with a kind of new language and a playful attitude. With the Voyou, you know at a glance that it’s Parisian, but it’s at home wherever it goes, and it makes an everyday style statement that has true staying power,” said Givenchy creative director.
The hobo bag was first spotted on the Givenchy Spring/Summer 2023 runway at the Jardin des Plantes. Part of a dynamic manifesto on urban dressing by Matthew M. Williams, the Voyou is practically designed for the refined, confident, and independent woman with charming nonchalance. In fact, it is named after a French slang word for “bad boy” that immediately entered the Maison’s lexicon.
Bidding farewell to the sclerotic handbags, the Givenchy Voyou bears adjustable V-shaped straps and turned edges all with the lightness and convenience of a hobo bag. By virtue of its own weight, the Voyou folds over naturally, allowing the wearer to dictate its allure.
There is also a play of the Givenchy hardware embellishments, including a new etched buckle, sliders, and a slightly beveled version of the Maison’s signature D-ring, giving the bag a jewel-like appearance.
Altogether, these elements subtly reprise the Maison’s ‘V’ emblem while also accentuating the glossy, tactile finish of the leather, giving any look a dash of Parisian nonchalance, by day or by night.
Givenchy presents its newest bag in the line in hues of black, ivory, silk pink, and mint green tumbled leather. Its medium size offers special editions in gunmetal laminate-textured leather, leather-free crafted denim, and silver leather, while its mini size takes on a satin texture adorned with silvery strass.
In the Philippines, Givenchy is exclusively distributed by Stores Specialists, Inc., and is located at Shangri-La Plaza Mall East Wing, Greenbelt 4, and Solaire Resort & Casino. Visit SSI Life’s website or follow them on Instagram for more information.
