1017 Alyx 9sm

With his label 1017 ALYX 9SM, Matthew M. Williams has developed a contemporary and utilitarian fashion, packed with references to street culture and style. Passionate about sport (especially soccer) and fashion from an early age, this Chicago-born, LA-raised designer wasn't sure which of the two paths to pursue. As it turned out, fashion chose him. He embarked on collaborations with creatives from all walks of life, from music to photography, to fashion and more, eventually catching the eye of the Hollywood elite. First Lady Gaga, whose artistic collective – the House of Gaga – he joined, and for whom he designed stage costumes, then Kanye West and his artistic agency Donda, where Williams became artistic director. There he met another fascinating and trail-blazing designer: Virgil Abloh. After a few years working on various fashion collabs, Matthew M. Williams founded his own brand 1017 ALYX 9SM, whose name is a reference to its founder’s DOB (October 17), the first name of his daughter (Alyx) and the address of his New York studio. With 1017 ALYX 9SM, Matthew M. Williams brings us a functional style, understated but punctuated with sporting references. His signature is his metal “rollercoaster” buckle, a faithful reproduction of one he discovered in an amusement park. The buckle now takes pride of place on the label's accessories. You can find it on a neon pink leather belt, or as the clasp on the small Ludo bag. The universal and minimalist style of 1017 ALYX 9SM has something for everyone. Take the Low Buckle satin sneaker, for example: this gender-neutral shoe is also adorned with a metallic buckle, a bolder touch that enhances its classic silhouette. Matthew M. Williams is also known for his innovative and technical approach to footwear. He designed a sculptural and futuristic sole, the Mono, which he has applied to sandals, sneakers and ankle boots. And it’s not just bags and shoes; 1017 ALYX 9SM also offers jewellery, smartphone cases and caps.