Matthew Williams embodies the crossover between high fashion and street culture, carving out a space that feels undeniably of the moment. Raised in California amid skate culture’s rebellious energy, he gained early recognition for his work with some of music’s biggest disruptors—notably as creative director for Lady Gaga and collaborator with Kanye West. It was during this period that Williams, alongside Heron Preston and Virgil Abloh, also helped define the look and feel of Been Trill, the collective that gave streetwear a new language.
In 2015, Williams launched 1017 ALYX 9SM, known more simply as Alyx. With support from Slam Jam’s Luca Benini, he cultivated a label that fused his passion for functional design and his deep appreciation for subcultures. What began as a womenswear-focused line quickly expanded, debuting menswear in 2017 to instant acclaim. Alyx’s signature elements—its industrial aesthetic, precision tailoring, and that now-iconic rollercoaster buckle—earned it a cult following and a spot among stockists like Dover Street Market and SSENSE.
Williams’ work has always thrived on collaboration, bringing a brutalist sensibility to luxury fashion. He was a finalist for the 2016 LVMH Prize, and soon after, Alyx partnered with Nike, Vans, Mackintosh, and even lent its touch to Kim Jones‘ Dior Men collection in 2019. These collaborations highlighted Williams’ knack for balancing the gritty with the refined, making his designs resonate both on the runway and in the streets.
June 2020 marked a pivotal point in his career as Williams took the helm at Givenchy, stepping into the role of creative director for both men’s and women’s collections. Here, he continues to blend the codes of couture with a distinctly utilitarian edge, offering a fresh perspective for the storied Parisian house. Williams still runs Alyx independently, splitting his time between Paris and Italy, where his family resides—grounding high fashion in the real, personal rhythms of his life.