RUNWAY: Givenchy SS18

If you've been living under a rock, then the noticeable change in design and aesthetic at Givenchy might come as a shock to you. However, it was big news when Givenchy's 12-year long designer Riccardo Tisci resigned (and still technically on sabbatical) and a few months later, British designer Clare Waight Keller was appointed to Tisci's old position. So, who is Ms. Waight Keller? She started her career at Calvin Klein (designing womenswear) then moved rival NY label Ralph Lauren (designing menswear) then moving across the pond to join Gucci (women's), then Pringle of Scotland (men's & women's) then finally landing at Chloe. She clearly has plenty of experience designing for men. But as evidenced by her debut here, womenswear is her forte; though that's not say the menswear was bad. The silhouettes were trim with strong shoulders, akin to Dior Homme under Hedi Slimane, whose influence in the way men dress is still profound. These are clothes that will sell because they look good and men still love to dress in skinny jeans while pairing them with opulent jackets. However, that je ne sai quoi that Tisci's menswear had eludes Givenchy's new designer. At least for now.