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This morning, the news that Claire Waight Keller would be stepping down as artistic director of Givenchy after three years sent shockwaves through the fashion community. The first woman to helm the iconic French house, Waight Keller brought a refined, forward-thinking sensibility to her work that resonated with admirers from all walks of life. Nowhere was that more evident than on Hollywood’s red carpets, where the Givenchy look helped shape modern event dressing. If a designer’s success can be judged by the loyalty of their clientele, Waight Keller’s short tenure was a lucrative win. The influential actors, singers, and royals who relied on her did so consistently, seeking out her talents for multiple occasions and bringing much-needed drama to their public appearances in the process.
Waight Keller’s designs were elegant and often innovative, but they did more than look good on the runway. A sense of whimsy and cheer flowed through her collections, and at awards shows and parties, those qualities came to the forefront. When stars wore Waight Keller’s Givenchy, they did it with gusto, beaming not for the paparazzi, but because the exquisitely made clothes were themselves cause for celebration. Hunter Schafer twirling her heart out in rainbow fringe at the Vanity Fair’s Oscar night afterparty this past January, was instantly charming, as was Rihanna getting lost in layers of metallic ruffles at the premiere of Oceans 8 back in the summer of 2018. A floral look from the brand’s fall 2019 collection had Meryl Streep dancing down the red carpet at the Venice Film Festival last year, while Broadway’s resident clotheshorse, Jordan Roth, gave the 2019 Tony Awards its couture moment with a crystalized crimson cape.
Of course, you can’t talk about Waight Keller without a nod to her biggest fan, Meghan Markle. The Duchess of Sussex introduced Waight Keller to a whole new audience when she selected her to create the dress she wore for her 2018 marriage to Prince Harry. Minimalist and serene, the look kickstarted a host of bridal trends and an enduring designer muse relationship.
A look back through Waight Keller’s red carpet hits for Givenchy highlights what made her work special. Wherever she winds up next, her celebrity fans are sure to follow her.