Who is Matthew Williams, the new head of French fashion house Givenchy?

The American replaces British designer Clare Waight Keller, who stepped down in April after three years at the fabled, but until her arrival, rather faded house. Photo: AFP

American streetwear designer Matthew Williams was named last week as the new head of aristocratic French fashion house Givenchy. The 34-year-old creator is the second US streetwear star to be given the reins of a major French luxury label, after his friend Virgil Abloh, who designs Louis Vuitton menswear.

Like Abloh, Chicago-born Williams first worked with the rapper Kanye West before going out on his own with his 1017 ALYX 9SM brand. Based in Italy, where Williams now lives, it has become so hot it got a name check alongside Nike in Canadian singer Drake's new song Toosie Slide.