While his work for household names like Kanye West, Lady Gaga and Virgil Abloh fueled interview fodder in the past, the accolades Matthew Williams has received for his solo feats has earned him a spot as one of industry’s most promising contemporary figureheads. Based in Italy but raised in California, Williams became a 2016 young designer LVMH Prize finalist for his label ALYX, which has garnered endorsements from the likes of top-billed tastemakers such as A$AP Rocky and Bella Hadid. Though ALYX is renowned for its svelte, fetishistic womenswear and signature roller coaster belts – one of the year’s most street-styled fashion week accessories – Williams broke new ground for the label this year by launching a debut menswear collection as well as an ongoing collaboration with footwear giant Vans.