Givenchy channels film noir vibes for AW18

Fresh from showing her first Givenchy Haute Couture collection back in January, we were back in Clare Waight Keller’s company this morning. With Givenchy coffee cups in hand, we took our seats and waited to see what she has in store for us for AW18. Here’s what went down.

THE SET WAS DARK AND ATMOSPHERIC

Just like at last month’s couture show, and despite the fact that today’s show took place at 10am, Clare Waight Keller still had the nighttime on her mind for AW18. Models paced around a winding series of passages hung with thick velvet curtains in deep shades of blue, red, and purple. The carpeted runway itself was lit by spotlights, making for a shadowy space scented with a heavy, smoky musk that enveloped you as you entered.

THE THEME WAS NIGHT NOIR

Where grit and glamour meet sleaze and danger. The first looks that came out featured models wrapped up in long faux furs that were belted at the waist: the kind of thing you might imagine a female spy wrapping herself up in for a clandestine meeting on a Berlin street corner circa 1937.

AND THE REST OF THE COLLECTION WAS JUST AS GLAM

Underneath the faux furs were slinky fringed slips and sequined gowns that shimmered under the runway lights, tailored leather jackets, trousers, and pencil skirts, and silk blouses in shades of purple and emerald, and tiger-striped knitted sweaters. The menswear was also faux fur and leather-focused, with high-waisted trousers accompanied by fine-knit sweaters and looks finished with chunky black boots.

THE MENSWEAR AND WOMENSWEAR WERE DESIGNED IN HARMONY

Like a pair of star crossed outlaws, to be more specific. Since taking over last year, Waight Keller has maintained that she looks at the Givenchy man and woman as a couple, which explains their matchy-matchy leather and faux fur ensembles.