Clare Waight Keller leaves Givenchy: a look back on her iconic collabs
On April 10th, Givenchy announced that Clare Waight Keller would be leaving the house after three years as the first female Artistic Director. Waight Keller was named one of TIME magazine’s most influential people of 2019. Her ascent to global fame is also attributed to her involvement in the royal wedding: she designed Meghan Markle’s wedding dress in 2018. To celebrate her contributions to Givenchy, here are some of her most iconic designs that shaped her career as Artistic Director.
Meghan Markle’s Wedding Dress
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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding broke headlines for a myriad of reasons but her stunning wedding dress was especially noteworthy for its deviation from its royal predecessors. Meghan’s dress is elegant and luxurious, yet based on simple forms and geometry. It features a boatneck and a long train which is reminiscent of vintage Hollywood glamour. Other royal wedding dresses such as the one worn by Kate Middleton had complex floral embroideries and traditional lace designs. A 2018 New York Times article captures the essence of her dress in its headline: “Meghan Markle’s Wedding Dress Was Made for a Person, Not a Princess.” Waight Keller’s work on the royal dress was one of the most significant moments during her tenure at Givenchy.
2. Beyonce’s stage looks
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Waight Keller designed the tour costumes for Beyonce’s “On the Run Tour II”. Here, in this dress, we see intricate lace detailing with layers and an asymmetrical skirt. Although the designs involve more embellishments, there is still an unmistakable elegance to Waight Keller’s work. This serves to show Waight Keller’s versatility as a designer. She is able to design for her clients while also incorporating a signature creative aesthetic to the piece.
3. Lady Gaga’s dress at “A Star is Born” Premiere
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“A Star is Born” was one of the most anticipated films of 2018 featuring Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga. Gaga is known for her sometimes outrageous red carpet and stage looks that break convention. However, here, Gaga channels a glamorous look that is less eccentric, yet equally powerful in its effect. This design by Waight Keller features a silver lace dress with a scalloped cape. It is elegant enough for royalty but it also powerful: the delicate chainmail effect from the platinum lace is a nod to Gaga’s power and influence on the music industry and now her impactful entrance into film.
4. Rihanna’s NAACP dress
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This design features a volumetric look that is accomplished through layers and pleated fabric. Waight Keller explores the range of purple tones with rich violent hues that blend with magenta and navy to achieve a gradient effect. The design is innovative in shape, colour and material, again evidence of Waight Keller’s creative genius.
These four designs are among many that showcase Clare Waight Keller’s versatility and innovation during her time at Givenchy. Although her time at Givenchy may have come to an end, we can be sure that her influence on the fashion industry will prevail in the next stage of her career.
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