Matthew M. Williams Faces Backlash for Givenchy SS22 "Noose Necklace"
Many noted its similarity to Burberry’s “noose hoodie” from its FW19 collection.
Givenchy and creative director Matthew M. Williams are under fire for their “blatantly offensive” noose-resembling necklace.
The fashion house debuted the accessory at its Spring/Summer 2022 Paris Fashion Week show. The presentation, which is considered one of the biggest headlines of the year for the fashion house, has received heavy criticism online. The backlash the brand is facing for exhibiting the necklace has garnered global attention and led to professors and industry experts speaking out.
Fashion industry watchdog and popular Instagram account Diet Prada has pointed out the similarities of Williams’ design to Burberry’s Fall/Winter 2019 “noose hoodie.” The account calls out the luxury fashion brand stating, “You’d think the industry would’ve learned not to put things that resemble nooses around a model’s neck…really makes you wonder how no one noticed, but alas…history repeats itself.”
Goldsmiths, University of London professor Angela McRobbie expressed her outrage with the creative decision and tells the Guardian,
“I’m not sure what to say here, given the tired and weary ‘desire to shock’ or the absolute thoughtlessness. For me, the questions that are relevant but never get answered are: who are the decision-makers behind the scenes? Who signs off blatantly offensive items like this? When there is a reaction, do they get fired? Is there a cynical agenda to shock and then rapidly withdraw the offending piece for the media attention it accrues?”
Liz Kennedy, who modelled the controversial FW19 Burberry look took to Instagram after the show to call out the house, “Suicide is not fashion…How could anyone overlook this and think it would be okay to do this especially in a line dedicated to young girls and youth…Not to mention the rising suicide rates worldwide. Let’s not forget about the horrifying history of lynching either.”
Fashion accounts and fans online have continued to express their disappointment in the fashion brand and calling out the designer. Diet Prada has shared Givenchy’s “noose necklace” and comparison to Burberry’s debacle on its Instagram.
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