"Photography - and taking portraits of artists I'm inspired by - is something I have always loved to do," said Givenchy Creative Director Matthew M. Williams.
"There's a deep connection between Givenchy and the actors, musicians and athletes who wear its clothes, and I immediately felt that kind of connection with Alkaline: when something's right, you can just feel it. He inspires me both as an artist and as a human being, so for this campaign I wanted to keep the focus on who he is and the very natural, authentic way he wears clothing — which is exactly my intention as a designer."
The Givenchy Spring-Summer 2023 men's global advertising campaign continues to explore the tension and contrast between Givenchy's tailoring heritage and the urban aesthetic Matthew M. Williams has established for the House.
Alkaline appears in hero pieces of the season that give the couture savoir-faire in the Givenchy atelier a modern expression. In one portrait, he appears in a camouflage-inspired jacket with delicate "ripped and repaired" hand finishings. In another, he wears a white leather jacket intricately embroidered with GIVENCHY lettering and emblems. In one image with his back to the camera, he is seen wearing the camouflage ensemble with the dynamic TK-MX sneakers, the latest addition to the cult TK-360 family, in silver and acid green.
A full-length shot shows the recording artist in a sharply tailored black overcoat with relaxed trousers and two statement accessories: the volcanized rubber Rain boots — a bold construction developed specifically for Givenchy —and the directional new Giv-Cut sunglasses.