Thom Walker Appointed Givenchy Makeup Creative Director
- Chaileedo Press
- Jan 19, 2022
- 2 min read
Thom Walker succeeds Nicolas Degennes, who spearheaded the brand's makeup and colors for more than 20 years.
Thom Walker has been named creative director of Givenchy makeup.
In his new position, he will oversee the development of the LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton-owned luxury brand's new makeup lines and the creative direction of their communication campaigns. Walker is to serve as Givenchy's makeup spokesperson, as well.
He succeeds Nicolas Degennes, who created Givenchy's makeup and colors for more than two decades and left the house in June 2021.
"It's a new journey for the brand," said Romain Spitzer, chief executive officer of Givenchy Parfums, who reiterated his thanks for Degenne's "great work."
The executive added Walker's appointment comes at a pivotal time for Givenchy, due to a confluence of factors, such as the arrival of American designer Matthew Williams in June 2020 as Givenchy's seventh couturier. There was also the "coupe de foudre" (or "love at first sight") for Walker, thanks to "his talents, creativity and unique approach to makeup," Spitzer said.
The Englishman, who first trained in makeup artistry in Paris, is known for playing with contrasts, lighting effects and bold colors, and has a strong, longstanding passion for the product.
"My earliest memory of Givenchy beauty is the Phenomen-eyes mascara," Walker said. "It was this product I'd never seen before," referring to its round brush. "So I was instantly drawn to it, and still use it today. It's such an amazing product," he added.
Spitzer considers Walker a perfect match for Givenchy makeup, as his creations span both natural and sophisticated looks, for example.
"He described his signature look as simple, but always with an element of surprise," Spitzer said. "It's not about provocation or exaggeration. It's bold simplicity.
"We were very attracted by his natural affinity with the brand," summed up the executive, who explained Walker also ticked the boxes of loving product, loving to apply the product and having extensive makeup experience. "He's the perfect match for us in a moment where we wanted to give a new direction, especially for the younger generation that's very digital" and community-minded.
"We really want to have makeup for the new cool kids of today and of tomorrow," said Spitzer, calling such color cosmetics "innovative products in beautiful objects. This is very important."
Comments