1017 Alyx 9sm Women

Matthew Williams has had several lives. Born in Chicago in 1985, the future designer grew up in California. It was there, at 6 Flags park, that he came up with the idea for one of his most iconic designs, a belt buckle inspired by the safety harness of one of the rides. Passionate about football as much as he loves fashion, he one day had the opportunity to combine his two passions by working as an intern at his coach's brand. These beginnings were not followed by any other form of fashion education and for good reason: Matthew Williams was not accepted into any school. Talented, he persevered and headed to Hollywood, which welcomed him with open arms. Thus, from 2008 to 2010, he was part of the Haus of Gaga collective that created stage costumes for Lady Gaga. After meeting Kanye West (he notably designed the light-up jacket worn by the rapper at the 2008 Grammy Awards), he joined his creative agency, Donda, where he then held the position of Artistic Director. His colleagues were Virgil Abloh and Heron Preston. Together, the three designers founded the label Been Trill, specializing in streetwear, which has since been sold to Pacsun.
In 2015, Matthew Williams felt ready to go solo and founded Alyx, named after his daughter. His Fall-Winter 2015 collection hit the mark and allowed him to be among the finalists for the LVMH Prize in 2016. Initially branded as a women's label with unisex accents, Alyx has since diversified into men's ready-to-wear. Renamed 1017 Alyx 9SM for its first foray during Paris Fashion Week (1017 for the designer's birth date - October 17 - and 9SM for the address of his founding studio in New York), the brand is now established in the fashion landscape and its creator is adored. The proof? A collaboration with Christian Dior Homme for the Spring-Summer 2019 collection of the brand as well as several capsules with Nike. What more could one ask for?