Givenchy’s TK-360 ‘single-knit’ sneaker provides a contemporary approach to savoir-faire
Photographed on a sculptural artwork by British artist Ewan Macfarlane, the TK-360 sneaker by Matthew M Williams encapsulates the designer’s contemporary approach to Givenchy’s historic association with savoir-faire and craft
Intricate feats of savoir-faire have defined Givenchy since its beginnings in 1952, the house’s namesake founder Hubert de Givenchy learning the art of couture – whereby each garment is sewn entirely by hand by a dedicated team of ‘petites mains’ – from masters of the post-war era, Jacques Fath and Elsa Schiaparelli.
Seven decades on, the house’s current creative director Matthew M Williams brings this same fastidious approach to his collections. Tracing the maison’s legacy through a sleek, contemporary lens, he meshes tough elements of metal hardware with lean silhouettes and smatterings of embellishment. Those who follow the designer on Instagram can see these imaginative leaps: Williams posts galleries that flip between images of Hubert de Givenchy’s original designs and his own riffs on the house’s archive.
The story behind the Givenchy TK-360 sneaker
But Williams is also a designer for whom technical innovation is key, and his own take on Parisian savoir-faire is epitomised in a new sneaker, the TK-360, shown here on a sculptural artwork created for the house by British multimedia artist Ewan Macfarlane. The shoe’s unique shape and fit – sleek and sporty, with a bold rounded back – are achieved from a singular piece of stretch-knit fabric, crafted directly onto the custom-moulded sole (it even extends over the sneaker’s underside, giving the TK-360 a unique tread and entirely monochrome appearance).
Initial colours include classic black and optic white, as well as more vivid shades of acid yellow, graphite grey, camel, and pink. Williams calls it his ‘dream shoe’. ‘There is a sense of savoir-faire for sportswear created at a fashion company like Givenchy that is different from a sportswear company, but no less rigorous,’ says Williams. Of the unique design, whereby the knit tread will eventually show signs of wear, he adds, ‘Clothes and accessories can have a life where they evolve and change and take on history. The more these shoes wear, the more history they have.’
INFORMATION
A version of this article appears in the July 2022 issue of Wallpaper*. Subscribe today!
givenchy.com
@givenchy
@matthewmwilliams
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox
Jack Moss is the Fashion Features Editor at Wallpaper*, joining the team in 2022. Having previously been the digital features editor at AnOther and digital editor at 10 and 10 Men magazines, he has also contributed to titles including i-D, Dazed, 10 Magazine, Mr Porter’s The Journal and more, while also featuring in Dazed: 32 Years Confused: The Covers, published by Rizzoli. He is particularly interested in the moments when fashion intersects with other creative disciplines – notably art and design – as well as championing a new generation of international talent and reporting from international fashion weeks. Across his career, he has interviewed the fashion industry’s leading figures, including Rick Owens, Pieter Mulier, Jonathan Anderson, Grace Wales Bonner, Christian Lacroix, Kate Moss and Manolo Blahnik.
-
The best fashion moments at Milan Design Week 2024
Scarlett Conlon discovers the moments fashion met design at Salone del Mobile and Milan Design Week 2024, as Loewe, Hermès, Bottega Veneta, Prada and more staged intriguing presentations and launches across the city
By Scarlett Conlon Published
-
LEVC’s L380 is a truly magnificent minivan
The London Electric Vehicle Company’s L380, is a magnificent minivan designed for upscale long-distance travel, as the maker of the London Taxi branches out into all-purpose EVs
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
Enjoy ocean and jungle bliss at Bespoke Tulum’s residences in Mexico
Bespoke Tulum is an exclusive hospitality complex designed by Muro Rojo Arquitectura on Mexico’s Caribbean coastline
By Sofia de la Cruz Published
-
John Lobb’s ‘Cannon’ sneakers are an exercise in minimal design
John Lobb’s sleek ‘Cannon’ sneakers continue the British heritage shoemaker’s foray into sportier terrain – crafted with all the precision of its classic styles
By Jack Moss Published
-
These innovative Dior shoes bridge past, present and future
Inspired by an ornate Dior pump from 1962, Maria Grazia Chiuri’s just-released ‘62-22’ shoes give the classic design a futuristic update. Watch how they are made in this special short film
By Jack Moss Last updated
-
Superga’s ‘Artifact’ collection celebrates over 100 years of craft
Designed by Teppei Sugaya, the ‘Artifact’ collection by Superga explores the Italian shoe brand’s historic archive, with each launch arriving with a film celebrating artisans and hand-craft around the world
By Martha Elliott Last updated
-
Loewe’s ‘readymade’ heels give outfits a Surrealist flourish
The head of a rose, a bar of soap, a candle dripping with wax – Loewe’s surreal heels see creative director Jonathan Anderson draw inspiration from artist Man Ray’s ‘readymades’
By Laura Hawkins Last updated
-
Eco footwear pioneer Allbirds launches apparel line
The San Francisco-based sustainable shoe brand launches its first clothing collection, crafted using TrinoXO
By Laura Hawkins Last updated
-
These Koio sneakers boast mini Bradley Duncan sculptures
Disruptive unisex sneaker label Koio cuts a strong figure with artist collaborator Bradley Duncan
By Pei-Ru Keh Last updated
-
Pillow talk: Magniberg and Our Legacy launch upcycled bedding
Fold yourself into Swedish design brand Magniberg's upcycled approach to bedding
By Laura Hawkins Last updated
-
Tread lightly: eco trainers to minimise your carbon footprint
By Nick Compton Last updated