Thom Walker Named Givenchy Makeup Creative Director: EXCLUSIVE – WWD

PARIS – Thom Walker has been appointed creative director of Givenchy make up.

In his new position, he will oversee the development of LVMH Moët Hennessy Luxury brand owned by Louis Vuitton make up and the creative direction of their media campaigns. Walker will serve as GivenchySo does the makeup spokesperson.

He succeeds Nicolas Degennes, who has been creating Givenchy colors and makeup for over two decades and leaves home in June 2021.

Romain Spitzer, chief executive officer of Givenchy Parfums, said: “It’s been a new journey for the brand, who reiterated his thanks for Degenne’s ‘great work’.

The CEO added that Walker’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for Givenchy, due to a combination of factors, such as the arrival of American designer Matthew Williams in June 2020. as Givenchy’s seventh producer. There’s also a “coupe de foudre” (or “lightning love”) for Walker, thanks to his “talent, creativity, and unique approach to makeup,” says Spitzer.

Walker’s editorial work has appeared in iD, AnOther, W Magazine and Dazed and Confused, along with multiple editions of Vogue. He has collaborated with photographers such as Nick Knight, Paolo Roversi and Sølve Sundsbø, and worked with actresses and singers including Emma Watson, Claire Foy, Mia Goth, FKA Twigs and Rosalía.

The Englishman, who was first trained in the art of makeup in Paris, is known to be a player with contrast, light effects and bold colors, and has a strong, enduring passion for product. .

“My first memory of the Givenchy beauty is the Phenomen eye mascara,” says Walker. “It is this product that I have never seen before,” referring to its round brush. “So I was immediately hooked on it, and still use it to this day. It’s a great product,” he added.

Walker also referred to the brand’s Prisme Libre powder, a bestseller, as “smart” and “innovative”. “The illuminating effect it has on the skin is pretty amazing,” he says. “Again, the idea is so simple yet so powerful and so powerful.

“That’s the pretty cool thing about the brand: the simplicity of [its] Walker said.

Among his recent debuts, he’s been struck by Le Rouge Sheer Velvet lipstick, which has a “modern approach to matte finish” with a “cloud-like” effect.

“I am thrilled to be a part of this innovation.

Spitzer considers Walker a perfect match for Givenchy makeup, as his creations include both natural and sophisticated looks.

“He describes his signature as looking simple, but always with an element of surprise,” says Spitzer. “It is not provocation or exaggeration. It’s bold simplicity.

The CEO summed it up: “We were intrigued by his natural affinity for the brand. “He was the perfect fit for us at a time when we wanted to give a new direction, especially for the very digital young generation” and care about community.

“We really wanted to make up the new stylish kids of today and tomorrow, calling color cosmetics like these ‘creative products in beautiful objects,’” says Spitzer. This is very important.”

Of course, Givenchy fashion has long been on Walker’s radar, especially since the more recent eras of today’s Alexander McQueen, Riccardo Tisci and Williams.

“I can see Matthew’s love for product, design and innovation, so I’m thrilled to be working with him,” says Walker, who said he met the designer. this very early in the conversation with Givenchy. “I grabbed some of my favorite beauty products, accessories, and tools. We both have a similar taste in design. We talked about sustainability, how design can make you feel. We talked for quite a while about how we can work together to create some really cool products. ”

That also aligns with Spitzer’s strategy. “We wanted to strengthen our relationship with fashion,” he said. “The goal is to get stronger consistency, greater convergence, and more inspiration from the performances.”

To better understand Givenchy’s makeup history, the first thing Walker asked to see was archival photos from the brand’s beauty department.

“It was very emotional,” he said. “Givenchy has been very powerful in creating some truly timeless and timeless images. I will look more into the repository, especially with products. ”

Another part of Walker’s mission was to dial the digital quotient of Givenchy makeup.

“What I hope to bring to the digital side remains a real personal touch,” explains Walker, adding that he wants to tell people, “whether that’s through visuals or different brand spokespeople. That’s what I also want to do with the brand. “

Walker is also looking forward to learning from the entire Givenchy team, saying: “I really hope that we can learn from each other and deliver what the beauty world is asking for.”

He gathers inspiration for his makeup creations from many sources, including architecture and fashion.

“The buildings, the hotels and the houses really appeal to me,” he said. “I love the sense of security – or lack of security – that a building can give you.

Walker continued: “The archives of fashion are enormous. “You can constantly look at the pictures and see something, find something new every day.”

He will be based in London – while frequently traveling to Paris – and wants to put everything he’s learned over the past decade on the Givenchy makeup brand.

“I am excited to learn something new every day and bring my knowledge of young fashion to an established luxury brand,” says Walker.

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