The Story Behind 1017 ALYX 9SM
Matthew Williams launched 1017 ALYX 9SM in 2015, naming it after his birthday (October 17), his daughter Alyx and the brand's first studio at 9 Saint Mark's Place in New York. Before starting his own label, Williams worked with Kanye West and Lady Gaga and co-founded Been Trill alongside Virgil Abloh and Heron Preston. That background in music, art direction and streetwear shows in everything Alyx makes.
Just a year after launch, Williams was named an LVMH Prize finalist. The brand made its Paris Fashion Week runway debut in 2018 and has since become a reference point for how streetwear and high fashion can share the same rack. Williams later became creative director at Givenchy, a role that only deepened the brand's reputation for precision and craft.
Iconic Collaborations
Alyx built its name on partnerships that translate its design language into new territory:
- Nike: the Nike Air Force 1 High got the Alyx treatment through the rollercoaster buckle, replacing the classic Velcro strap with anodized aluminum hardware.
- Moncler: technical outerwear reworked with Alyx's utility DNA.
- Dior Men: accessories designed for Kim Jones' SS19 collection, cementing Williams as one of fashion's most in demand collaborators.
If you're drawn to that same mix of technical materials and refined detailing, our Stone Island collection is worth exploring too.
What Makes Alyx Instantly Recognisable
Alyx pieces are built around a few signature elements that make them easy to spot, and even easier to want:
- The rollercoaster buckle: inspired by a trip to Six Flags Magic Mountain, this hardware closure appears on belts, sneakers and outerwear alike.
- The chest rig: a utility accessory turned wardrobe staple, worn as a statement piece over jackets and hoodies.
- Mono boots and Mono slip ons: a futuristic, single-piece silhouette that blends sport shoe construction with high fashion proportions.
- Technical fabrics: Alyx leans on advanced and often recycled materials, reflecting a design process built on research as much as aesthetics.
Curated and Authenticated at 2nd Culture
Alyx is a brand worth getting right, and that's exactly what our team does. Every piece we source is authenticated by people who know the difference between a genuine rollercoaster buckle and a knockoff. We handpick our collection with the same care Williams puts into his designs, so you know what you're bringing home is the real thing.
How to Style 1017 ALYX 9SM
Let an Alyx chest rig sit over a plain black hoodie, add straight leg trousers and finish with the Mono slip ons for a look that feels equal parts runway and street. Or keep it minimal: a rollercoaster buckle belt over dark denim and a fitted tee lets the hardware do the talking. Alyx rewards restraint, one strong signature piece is often enough to make the whole outfit.
Sizing and Fit
Alyx runs true to size across most of its ready to wear, though its tailoring can feel slightly slimmer through the shoulders due to the brand's technical, structured cut. For footwear like the Alyx x Nike Air Force 1, we recommend sticking to your regular Nike size. If you're ever unsure, our team in Amsterdam is happy to talk you through fit before you buy.