Audemars Piguet to announce new collaboration with American designer Matthew Williams

After several successful artistic collaborations with Italian jewellery designer Carolina Bucci and a partnership with British fashion brand Ralph & Russo in 2020, Audemars Piguet is unveiling a new creative alliance with the American fashion world. Inspired by the streetwear scene, the 1017 ALYX 9SM brand, founded by designer Matthew Williams, is renowned for its sober, innovative aesthetic, attention to detail and highly technical materials.
The Chicago-born designer enjoys developing surprising creations. His Californian childhood inspired him from an early age, and the worlds of streetwear, surfing and rap were his favourite sources of inspiration. His passion for music led to a decisive meeting with Kanye West in the late 2000s, and these enriching creative connections gave rise to the Been Trill label. Matthiew Williams then founded his label, Alyx, in 2015 before renaming it 1017 ALYX 9SM. Several collaborations punctuate his career, including those with Nike, Moncler and Dior. Matthew was also appointed artistic director of the Givenchy brand in 2020, where he is still creative director.

This alliance with Audemars Piguet marks a new stage in his career. It has given rise to a highly minimalist version of the Royal Oak and Royal Oak Offshore. Only the logos of the two brands appear on the dial in yellow or white gold, from the bracelet to the case and even the dial. The 37 mm Royal Oak automatic in yellow gold is the most sober. The 41mm chronograph version has no date, just three hands for the counters. The Royak Oak Offshore chronograph version displays the date without any artifice other than the hands of the automatic chronograph movement. François-Henry Bennahmias, Managing Director of Audemars Piguet, says: "This is the first time we have dressed the Royal Oak and the Royal Oak Offshore simultaneously, a natural combination thanks to Matthew's clean, contemporary design! That's the beauty of this collaboration: the synergies are such that we have taken each other to a new level.
The limited series models of 202 for the Royal Oak and 76 for the Royal Oak Offshore will be sold exclusively in the brand's boutiques.