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.
GIVENCHY SGV883 cream acetate gold top logo sunglasses
By Givenchy
Located in Hong Kong, NT
GIVENCHY SGV883 cream acetate gold top logo sunglasses Reference: WYHI/A00002 Brand: Givenchy Model: SGV883 Material: Acetate, Metal Color: Gold, Cream Pattern: Solid Closure: Slip O...
GIVENCHY metal SGV 355 Sunglasses gradient Lens
By Givenchy
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Givenchy SVG 355 sunglasses with metal frame and lizard embossed temples and grey gradient lenses. Have been worn and are in excellent condition. Width 15cm (5.9in) ...
Givenchy Paris Vintage Clear Brown Sunglasses G 8911 55/11
By Givenchy
Located in Rome, Rome
A true gem from the golden age of glamour, these original 1980s Givenchy sunglasses - Model G 8911 - 950 - are the embodiment of vintage elegance with a bold Parisian twist. Featurin...
Vintage Givenchy Paris Oversized Marbled Frame 1970'S Sunglasses
By Givenchy
Located in Baleares, Baleares
Vintage Givenchy Oversized Marbled Frame. Spotless Medium Green Lenses Produced And Design In 1970'S This Item May Show Minor Sign Of Wear Due To Storage Made in France Front ...
Givenchy Paris Vintage White Sunglasses G 8918 57/15 172
By Givenchy
Located in Rome, Rome
A true gem from the golden age of glamour, these original 1980s Givenchy sunglasses - Model G 8918 - are the embodiment of vintage elegance with a bold Parisian twist. Featuring a ch...
Givenchy Vintage Clear and Red Sunglasses G 017 57/13 135mm
By Givenchy
Located in Rome, Rome
Step back into the poised glamour of 1980s France with the Givenchy G 017 vintage sunglasses-an exquisite model that captures the essence of timeless sophistication. These Red and cl...
Vintage Givenchy Paris Gold & Tortoise Frame 2000'S Sunglasses
By Givenchy
Located in Baleares, Baleares
Vintage Givenchy gold and tortoise frame. Solid Brown Lenses This Item Show Minor Sign Of Wear Due To Storage Made in France Front ...
Vintage Givenchy Paris Oversized Ivory Frame 1970'S Sunglasses
By Givenchy
Located in Baleares, Baleares
Vintage Givenchy Oversized ivory Frame. Multicolor Lenses Produced And Design In 1970'S This Item Show Minor Sign Of Wear Due To Storage Made in France Front ...
New Vintage Givenchy Oversized Marbled Blue 1970's Sunglasses France
By Givenchy
Located in Baleares, Baleares
Vintage Givenchy oversized marbled blue frame. Spotless light blue lenses. Made in France. Produced and design in 1970's. This item show minor si...
Givenchy Paris Vintage White Sunglasses G 8918 57/15 172
By Givenchy
Located in Rome, Rome
A true gem from the golden age of glamour, these original 1980s Givenchy sunglasses - Model G 8918 - are the embodiment of vintage elegance with a bold Parisian twist. Featuring a ch...
Galliano Dior Logo Sunglasses, Pave Flame Fire Frames, Y2K
By John Galliano for Christian Dior, Christian Dior
Located in New York, NY
Christian Dior Logo Sunglasses, Pave Flame/Fire Frames, Y2K by John Galliano in rare rose tint. Side arms designed with conjoined CD with pave crystals in flame motifs. Markings: CH...
Vintage Chanel Square Sunglasses
By Chanel
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Product details: The glasses feature grey gradient lenses with pink frames and CC logo on the sides.
1980s Cartier Gold Tone Romance Santos Aviators
By Cartier
Located in Toronto, Ontario
These Cartier aviators are the ultimate pair of vintage sunglasses. Dating from the 1980s, these are the Romance Santos aviators. Gold frame and arms with Cartier screw details on the bridge and temples in a mix of silver and gold. A backwards 'C' logo also sits at the temples. Brown lenses. Markings on interior of arms and bridge. The screw details on this are very similar to the iconic Cartier Love collection. Excellent vintage condition, virtually no wear to lenses. Made in France. Originally mens glasses...
US Army 80s square vintage sunglasses
By U.S. Army
Located in Valencia, CA
These are vintage Romco BCG Military Issue eyeglasses frames with polarized lenses produced by US Army in U.S.A. since 1960s. Iconic glasses that America doesn't make anymore. MAKE:...
Gianni Versace vintage sunglasses for women
By Gianni Versace
Located in Valencia, CA
MAKE: Gianni Versace MODEL: V92 - 87K MADE IN: Italy ERA: 1980s CONDITION: New Old Stock [never worn] DIMENSIONS: Lens width: 54 mm / 2 1/8 in Lens height: 38 mm / 1 1/2 in Brid...
Argos square vintage sunglasses, France 70s
By Argosol S.r.l. De Rigo
Located in Valencia, CA
MAKE: Argosol S.r.l. De Rigo MODEL: DAN MADE IN: France ERA: 1970s CONDITION: New Old Stock [never worn], mint condition DIMENSIONS: Lens width: 56 mm / 2 3/16 in Lens height: 47...
$483Sale Price|30% Off
GUCCI Hollywood Forever GG0898S silver crystal black cat eye sunglasses
By Gucci
Located in Hong Kong, NT
GUCCI Hollywood Forever GG0898S silver crystal black cat eye sunglasses Reference: TGAS/D01043 Brand: Gucci Designer: Alessandro Michele Model: GG0898S Collection: Hollywood Forever ...
$200Sale Price|20% Off
Tom Ford FT 5056 Rectangle Eyeglasses Solstice Sunglasses With Box
By Tom Ford
Located in New York, NY
Tom Ford FT 5056 Rectangle Eye glasses Features Frame Only Frame Material Metal Lens Type UV Lens Width 52 mm lens Metal Type Gunmetal General Frame Shape Optical Frame...
Sting vintage sunglasses for men
By De rigo, Sting
Located in Valencia, CA
MAKE: Sting MODEL: 4281 - 673 MADE IN: Italy ERA: 1980s CONDITION: New Old Stock [never worn] DIMENSIONS: Lens width: 55 mm / 2 3/16 in Lens height: 36 mm / 1 7/16 in Bridge: 19...
Christian Dior Wrap Around with Gold Hardware Sunglasses & Case
By Christian Dior
Located in New York, NY
Christian Dior wrap around sunglasses are accented with gilded gold hardware. The the center front-top is engraved with their signature nam...
US Army 80s square vintage sunglasses
By U.S. Army
Located in Valencia, CA
These are vintage Romco BCG Military Issue eyeglasses frames with polarized lenses produced by US Army in U.S.A. since 1960s. Iconic glasses that America doesn't make anymore. MAKE:...
Gianni Versace vintage sunglasses 70s
By Gianni Versace
Located in Valencia, CA
MAKE: Gianni Versace MODEL: 312 - Olive MADE IN: Italy ERA: 1970s CONDITION: New Old Stock [never worn] DIMENSIONS: SMALL Lens width: 50 mm / 1 15/16 in Lens height: 44 mm / 1 3...
Givenchy Butterfly Vintage Sunglasses Mod. G 8908 55/16 135mm
By Givenchy
Located in Rome, Rome
Step into the refined elegance of 1980s French fashion with these Givenchy Vintage Butterfly Sunglasses Mod. G 8908, a striking example of the house's timeless style. Crafted in Fran...
Givenchy Paris Vintage Brown Women Sunglasses mod A 02 53/20
By Givenchy
Located in Rome, Rome
A true gem from the golden age of glamour, these original 1980s Givenchy sunglasses - Model A 02 121 - are the embodiment of vintage elegance with a bold Parisian twist. Featuring a ...
Givenchy Yellow & Black Tortoiseshell GVday Sunglasses
By Givenchy
Located in London, GB
CONDITION is New with tags on this brand new Givenchydesigner item. This item comes with original packaging. Details Model: GVday GV40062I Shiny Havana- black, ye...
Givenchy Paris Vintage Brown Women Sunglasses mod A 02 53/20
By Givenchy
Located in Rome, Rome
A true gem from the golden age of glamour, these original 1980s Givenchy sunglasses - Model A 02 121 - are the embodiment of vintage elegance with a bold Parisian twist. Featuring a ...
Givenchy Paris Vintage Burgundy Unisex Sunglasses A - 04 53/17 124
By Givenchy
Located in Rome, Rome
A true gem from the golden age of glamour, these original 1980s Givenchy sunglasses - Model A-04 124 - are the embodiment of vintage elegance with a bold Parisian twist. Featuring a ...
Givenchy Paris Vintage Clear and Havana unglasses Mod A 02 51/20
By Givenchy
Located in Rome, Rome
A true gem from the golden age of glamour, these original 1980s Givenchy sunglasses - Model A 02 120 - are the embodiment of vintage elegance with a bold Parisian twist. Featuring a ...
Givenchy Paris Vintage Blue Women Sunglasses G 018 58/15 028
By Givenchy
Located in Rome, Rome
A true gem from the golden age of glamour, these original 1980s Givenchy sunglasses - Model G018 - are the embodiment of vintage elegance with a bold Parisian twist. Featuring a chic...
Givenchy Paris Vintage Blue Women Sunglasses G 018 58/15 028
By Givenchy
Located in Rome, Rome
A true gem from the golden age of glamour, these original 1980s Givenchy sunglasses - Model G018 - are the embodiment of vintage elegance with a bold Parisian twist. Featuring a chic...
Givenchy Paris Vintage Black Women Sunglasses mod SG01 COL A
By Givenchy
Located in Rome, Rome
A true gem from the golden age of glamour, these original 1980s Givenchy sunglasses - Model SG01 - COL A - are the embodiment of vintage elegance with a bold Parisian twist. Featurin...
Givenchy Paris Vintage Blue Women Sunglasses G 018 58/15 028
By Givenchy
Located in Rome, Rome
A true gem from the golden age of glamour, these original 1980s Givenchy sunglasses - Model G018 - are the embodiment of vintage elegance with a bold Parisian twist. Featuring a chic...
Givenchy Paris Vintage Brown Women Sunglasses G 8909 55/15 952
By Givenchy
Located in Rome, Rome
A true gem from the golden age of glamour, these original 1980s Givenchy sunglasses - Model G8909 - are the embodiment of vintage elegance with a bold Parisian twist. Featuring a chi...
Givenchy SS24 Beige Cat Eye GV Day Sunglasses
By Givenchy
Located in London, GB
CONDITION is New with tags on this brand new Givenchy designer item. This item comes with original packaging. Details SS24 GV40001U Model: GV Day Beige Acetate...