THE HISTORY AND LEGACY OF GIVENCHY

HUBER DE GIVANCY

 

Hubert de Givenchy was raised by his mother and grandmother who instilled in him a passion for fashion, fabrics and creativity.

 

At the age of 17, Givenchy decided to pursue a career in fashion, beginning an apprenticeship at the fashion house Jacques Fath while studying at the French National School of Fine Arts. Following a recommendation from an up-and-coming Christian Dior, Hubert moved to Robert Piguet in 1946 and worked briefly at Lucien Lelong in 1947. He then joined the house of legendary designer Elsa Schiaparelli, where he worked his way up to become artistic director. at the Schiaparelli boutique on Place Vendôme.

 

THE BEGINNINGS OF GIVENCHY MAISON

 

In 1952, Hubert de Givenchy opened his eponymous house and presented his first collection, a line consisting of "departments" (think elegant blouses, light skirts, combining architectural lines and simplicity). His use of clean silhouettes and feminine cuts compliments the female figure well, and the separates make it easy to mix and match to create different looks. This collection was refreshingly different from the stiff clothing that dominated the fashion industry at the time.

 

GIVENCHY AND AUDREY HEPBURN

 

In 1953, Hubert de Givenchy met Audrey Hepburn, who quickly became his muse and face of the brand. The couple went on to create fashions that redefined the standard of beauty at the time. Together they embraced a lighter and less restricted style that was the norm for the era. Its design featured simplicity and architectural lines. He introduced the fashion world to the shirt and its unique lantern shape. This lasted for 40 years.

 

Some of the most famous collaborations between the two include a beautiful dress made for the 1954 film Sabrina, which earned Givenchy an Oscar nomination for wardrobe, and an elegant white floral dress that Hepburn wore to the Academy Awards. in 1954 (considered one of the most famous dresses of the 20th century). Last but not least, the iconic LBD (Little Black Dress) in the 1961 movie Breakfast at Tiffany's.

 

GIVENCHY & BALENCIAGA

 

In the same year, Givenchy met Cristobal Balenciaga, his idol and mentor. Although there was never a formal apprenticeship between the two, Balenciaga helped Givenchy create his own style and even advised him on business decisions.

 

GIVENCHY EXPANDING

 

Givenchy would make fashion history by becoming the first designer to present a ready-to-wear collection that represented a democratization in the traditional fashion system that perfectly suited the needs of the burgeoning post-war middle class.

 

GIVENCHY GENTLEMAN

 

With business booming, Givenchy soon launched a ready-to-wear line for men called 'Givenchy Gentleman' in 1969. His early collections were nothing short of elegant and sophisticated, appealing to high society men.

 

GIVENCHY REACHES NEW HEIGHTS

 

Givenchy became so successful that it attracted the attention of socialites. So it was no surprise when LVMH (Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton) acquired the brand in 1988. Today, LVMH owns Christian Dior, Tiffany & Co, Fendi, Marc Jacobs, Celine, TAG Heuer, Bulgari and many other respected designer companies.

 

THE NOBLE END OF THE CAREER OF HUBER DE GIVANCY

 

After 40 years the growth of his brand to new heights. Hubert de Givenchy finally retired in 1995. The designer encouraged a new era of creatives to take over and spin the Maison for a new generation.

 

THE NEXT GENERATION OF GIVENCHY

 

Givenchy was succeeded by John Galliano, Alexander McQueen and Julien Macdonald in time. However, it was Riccardo Tisci who completely turned the company around and adopted a new look in 2005. Tisci elevated the brand to a whole new status.

 

RICARDO'S MANAGEMENT IS SILENT

 

After all of Tisci's iconic looks at Givenchy, one of our favorite designs is the Antigona bag silhouette. Its simple shape and structured silhouette quickly became the hit bag of 2010. The bag is a reinterpretation of Givenchy's Boston bag. Named after Antigone, a powerful goddess in Greek mythology, the name directly translates to "steadfast".

 

THE CLAIRE WAITE KELLER ADMINISTRATION

 

In 2017, Clare Waight Keller took over as Givenchy's new creative director. She assumed all creative responsibilities, including women's and men's ready-to-wear and accessories collections, as well as Haute Couture. The most memorable design, however, was Meghan Markle's wedding dress when she married Prince Harry on May 19, 2018.

 

GIVENCHY TODAY

 

After the reign of Claire Waight Keller comes Matthew Williams. Although Williams doesn't come from a fancy school, he has collaborated with some of today's A-list celebrities, including Lady Gaga and Kanye West. It also creates its own brand Alyx. Despite dealing with the effects of the pandemic, Williams has so far created one of the most artistic and fun Givenchy collections since Hubert de Givenchy himself.