Givenchy’s first collection with Matthew Williams at the helm is finally here. It was only three months ago that the French fashion house announced the American designer would be replacing Clare Waight Keller as Creative Director, and what a tumultuous time it’s been since.

Still carrying the same virtues from his own brand, 1017 ALYX 9SM, it’s clear an emphasis on hardware is key for Williams. In fact, the brand’s first campaign material features a series of entwined gold padlocks, baring ultra-luxe Givenchy insignia and sharp crocodile skin – what a flex it would be to leave one of those ultra-heavy beauties on the lovelock bridge in Paris.

For both mens and womenswear, Williams replaced Clare Waight Keller’s PVC gems with sharp tailored jackets, some tight and cropped in a straight-jacketed fashion, others atop elegantly draped trousers. Square sleeves are set upright beside the shoulder, paired with crocodile skin clutches, small and large, that jut out at the end like a trendy, chain-handled boomerang.

Lustrous black crossbody’s, sleek military cargo’s and Williams’ modest iteration of a high-fashion Speedo all follow suit, all minimal in nature but finessed with slight touches of extravagance, whether it be ultra glossy leather or the highest quality fastenings known-to-man. He’s even taken a leaf out of the Margiela book of footwear and created a series of 3 toed sandals, heeled by mock animal horns boasting silver spiked appendages. Will they catch on? If we know anything about the fashion set, the answer would have to be most definitely.