On Friday morning, Givenchy announced that its artistic director, Clare Waight Keller is stepping down.
The news was released first via statements on social media. “The House of Givenchy and Clare Waight Keller announce the end of their collaboration,” the French brand wrote. “Givenchy wants to warmly thank Clare Waight Keller for her creative leadership, in contribution to our latest chapter.”
Waight Keller joined the team at Givenchy only three years ago, coming from Chloé. She was the first woman at Givenchy to ever hold the title. Most notably, she designed Meghan Markle’s wedding dress during her time at the house, drawing inspiration from Hubert de Givenchy himself. She also developed a friendship with Markle, and dressed her on a number of occasions, including during her pregnancy.
In a statement on her personal Instagram, Waight Keller expressed that she feels “honored” to have worked at Givenchy and “to have been given the opportunity to cherish its legacy and bring it new life.” She highlighted her work with haute couture in particular, calling it “one of the highlights of [her] professional journey.”
“I am now looking forward to embarking on the next episode,” Waight Keller concluded. “Love and creativity remain central to what I do, and who I am, as does a heartfelt belief in kindness, and the courage to be true to your art.”
Sidney Toledano, chairman and CEO of LVMH thanked Waight Keller for her work in a release. “Under her creative leadership, and in great collaboration with its ateliers and teams, the Maison reconnected with the founding values of Hubert de Givenchy and his innate sense of elegance,” he said. “I wish Clare all the best in her future endeavors.”
Waight Keller’s successor has not yet been announced. It is unclear whether or not her exit has a direct connection the industry’s current financial struggles due to the coronavirus pandemic, but it certainly doesn’t help. We will update this post as we learn more.
