Givenchy, Parisian haute couture.
A Parisian House of haute couture founded in 1952, Givenchy achieved global success by breaking the fashion codes of the time. Givenchy designs have been beautifully showcased over the years by international stars. The brand's most famous muse, Audrey Hepburn, wore pieces by the Parisian fashion house, including long black sheath dresses.
Hubert de Givenchy, the enfant terrible of Haute Couture.
In 1952, the couturier Hubert de Givenchy left Schiaparelli to found his own house of ready-to-wear and inject a breath of fresh air and modernity into the fashion of the time. Givenchy collections distinguished themselves through their separate skirts and blouses in floaty fabrics with understated lines, running against the current of traditional corseted clothing. Inspired by his muse Audrey Hepburn, Hubert de Givenchy went on to impose new norms in the world of women's fashions. His collection of luxury ready-to-wear, christened Givenchy Université was launched in 1954, propelling the famous Givenchy shirt-dress to the status of iconic piece. In 1969, the French House extended its collections and launched its line for men, Gentleman Givenchy, proposing modern, stylish looks for the males of the species.
Although the reputation of Givenchy was built on its ready-to-wear, the Parisian brand has successfully diversified and imposed its style on the world of bags, accessories and shoes. The Spring-Summer footwear collections met with major acclaim, especially the emblematic sandals bearing the Givenchy logo. The world of leather goods was marked by Givenchy's legendary Antigona design, just as suitable for summer as for winter, the black version of which was positively timeless.
The House of Givenchy and its founders.
Givenchy reached a turning point in 1988, when it was sold to the famous luxury group LVMH. A few years later in 1995, Hubert de Givenchy left the company, entrusting its creative management to a succession of renowned designers: one after the other, John Galliano, Alexander McQueen and Julien MacDonald took over at the helm. The British designer Clare Waight Keller is Givenchy's creative director today. Boosted by her experience with Gucci and Chloé, she took over from Riccardo Tisci who imposed a gothic style and a dark romanticism on Givenchy's lines. Today, Givenchy is one of the brands of haute couture which have successfully changed and updated to adapt to current fashion. Coveted by major stars, its luxury creations are worn with pride on the red carpet and even on the stage. Julianne Moore, Rihanna and Nicole Kidman are regularly seen in the spotlight wearing pieces from Givenchy's wardrobe. In April 2018, Meghan Markle chose a long white Givenchy dress designed by Clare Waight Keller when she married Prince Harry at Windsor Castle. This haute couture design is now famous the world over, standing out for its ultra-minimalist look, its large bateau neckline and the long embroidered veil.
Symbols of French elegance, Givenchy designs bring a touch of modernity and an urban vibe to haute couture. Amongst the must-have designs of accessories and clothing by the label, the three following will remain etched on the history of the House of Givenchy: