1960's GIVENCHY HAUTE COUTURE Embroidered voile cocktail dress
View Similar Items
1960's GIVENCHY HAUTE COUTURE Embroidered voile cocktail dress
About the Item
Givenchy
Venerated French designer Hubert de Givenchy (1927–2018) made a splash with his first collection of mix-and-match separates in 1952, which launched his namesake fashion house, the clean lines and refined silhouettes of the pieces offering a contrast to the more structured shapes then dominating postwar women’s fashion. His roster of clients would eventually include Grace Kelly, Elizabeth Taylor and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, all of whom were drawn to the designer’s architecturally and materially simple dresses, handbags, shoes and other pieces that combined sensual femininity with elegance.
At the age of 17, Givenchy left his hometown of Beauvais, France, for Paris. There he studied drawing at the École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts and apprenticed for the houses of Jacques Fath, Robert Piguet, Lucien Lelong and Elsa Schiaparelli.
Givenchy earned his first high praise for the 1952 Bettina blouse, an embroidered, ruffle-sleeve linen shirt named for his publicist and model Bettina Graziani. The Givenchy label soon developed a following of fashion icons around the world, most notably Audrey Hepburn, who would serve as Givenchy’s muse for decades after they met in 1953. The couturier created pieces for many of her films, such as the iconic little black dress in Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961), as well as her personal life, including her wedding dress for her 1969 marriage to Andrea Dotti.
Givenchy formed a close friendship with his idol and mentor, Spanish designer Cristóbal Balenciaga, with whom he’d popularize such pieces as the sack dress, choosing looser forms over tailored ones. Throughout the decades, Givenchy expanded his empire to include fragrances, menswear, accessories and beauty lines.
In 1988, his house was acquired by luxury conglomerate LVMH. After Givenchy retired from fashion in 1995, he became an antiques expert, working with Christie’s and the Louvre, among other institutions. The brand then saw an impressive succession of head designers and artistic directors: John Galliano was the first to arrive, followed by Alexander McQueen, Julien Macdonald, Riccardo Tisci, Clare Waight Keller and Matthew M. Williams.
Today, the Givenchy brand, with its timeless fashions, continues to be a favorite of A-listers, including Cate Blanchett, Erykah Badu, Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande.
On 1stDibs, browse a collection of vintage Givenchy evening dresses, handbags, necklaces and other clothing and accessories today.
- Linda Cunningham Taupe Silk Gown w/ Multi Floral Lace & 3 Tier Ruffle Bust - 10Located in West Palm Beach, FLLinda Cunningham Taupe Silk Gown w/ Multi Floral Lace & 3 Tier Ruffle Bust - 10. This gorgeous gown is in excellent condition. It features a taupe silk material, three tier ruffle ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Evening Gowns
- Malcolm Starr Heavily Beaded Green Silk Organza Gown, Circa 1970sBy Malcolm StarrLocated in West Palm Beach, FLMalcolm Starr Heavily Beaded Green Silk Organza Gown - 8- Circa 70's This Elinor Simmons for Malcolm Starr creation is fabulous. This gorgeous green ...Category
1970s American Empire Waist Dresses
$1,540 Sale Price30% Off - 1960s Haute Couture International Heavily Beaded Gown Size MediumLocated in Los Angeles, CAThis Haute Couture International 1960s gown is an absolute stunner featuring immaculate beading throughout in a silver hue. There is a cent...Category
20th Century Hong Kong Evening Gowns
- Draped and printed long evening dress Roberto CavalliBy Roberto CavalliLocated in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FRDraped and printed long evening dress. Brooch in gold metal and rhinestone on the left side of the bustier. Adjustable shoulder strap. Padded bra. E...Category
2010s Italian Evening Dresses
- White cocktail dress with tulle panel Roland Mouret for Bergdorf GoodmanBy Roland MouretLocated in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FRWhite cocktail dress with tulle panel. Zip in the middle back. Small buckle to hold the back straps. Fabric composition: 50% rayon, 47% acetate, 3% elastane. 100% silk lining. SIZE ...Category
Early 2000s British Cocktail Dresses
- Wrap cocktail printed dress with branded safety pin embellishment Versus VersaceBy VersusLocated in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FRWrap cocktail printed dress with branded safety pin embellishment. Zip in the middle back and hook&eye. SIZE 38(M)Category
Early 2000s Bulgarian Cocktail Dresses
Recently Viewed
View AllRead More
Fiercely Fabulous, This Givenchy Tiger-Print Coat Graced the Pages of ‘Vogue’ in 1969
Impeccably tailored and beautifully preserved, the piece will be cherished by a true fashion-phile.
Too Soon for the Return of ’90s Fashion? As If
There's a renewed appreciation for the era's aesthetic, perhaps most notably among millennials seeking authentic, easy style.