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 Tisci 100% wool black red peony floral high rise shorts
By Ricardo Tisci, Givenchy
Located in Hong Kong, NT
GIVENCHY Tisci 100% wool black red peony floral high rise shorts Reference: VACN/A00062 Brand: Givenchy Designer: Riccardo Tisci Material: Wool Color: Black, Red Pattern: Floral Clos...
GIVENCHY Tisci 2013 black pink rose floral print high cut shorts
By Givenchy, Ricardo Tisci
Located in Hong Kong, NT
GIVENCHY Tisci 2013 black pink rose floral print high cut shorts Reference: VACN/A00063 Brand: Givenchy Designer: Riccardo Tisci Collection: FW 2013 Material: Feels like wool Color: ...
1990s Jean Paul Gaultier Satin Shorts
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in London, GB
A pair of mid-1990s Jean Paul Gaultier black satin shorts with stripe details on either side. The shorts are cuffed with ribbing and are adjustable with a...
BLACK FLEECE Size M Grey White Checkered Cotton Button Fly Shorts
By Black Fleece
Located in San Francisco, CA
BLACK FLEECE shorts in a grey and white cotton woven fabric featuring a checkered pattern, flat front, and button fly closure.Good Pre-Owned Condition. Multiple minor marks. Marked...
2000s Thierry Mugler Couture Black Plunging Cut Out Short Romper
By Thierry Mugler
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a black Thierry Mugler short romper designed by Manfred Mugler. From the early 2000s, this short jumpsuit features short sleeves and a deep v-neckline. Silver-tone metal a...
Pantaloncino Gucci
Located in Carnate, IT
Pantaloncino Gucci Pantaloncino in seta tagliq 44 caratterizzato da una stampa con motivo a catena e finiture a righe. Chiusura con zip laterale Nuovo con etichetta Lunghezza vit...
Gianni Versace Sz 44 / 8 Spring Summer 2005 White Rhinestone Bermuda Capri Pants
By Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in San Diego, CA
GIANNI VERSACE S/S 2005 white rhinestone encrusted cotton (98%) elastane (2%) low waisted bermuda shorts / capri pants. Rhinestone button at center waist. Hidden zipper at the crotch...
Important Tom Ford for Gucci Black Vintage High Waisted 1990s 90s Shorts
By Gucci, Tom Ford
Located in San Diego, CA
Important and rare vintage GUCCI, by TOM FORD, black high waisted pleated shorts! Super comfortable while remaining incredibly stylish! 62% Cotton, 32% Rayon. Matte gold button at si...
Hot Pants - Shorts & Wrap Maxi Skirt Mignon 1970s Black & White
By Mignon
Located in Wallkill, NY
Vintage Mignon One Piece Hot Pant with matching wrap maxi skirt. Large Black Floral Motif on a white background. Crochet Top Illusion lined at the shoulders, white backed from the Bu...
1960s High Waisted Yellow + Red Tartan Plaid Vintage 60s Wool Shorts
By Pandora
Located in San Diego, CA
Awesome 1960s women’s high waisted tartan plaid shorts! Features a vibrant plaid of yellow, red, and dark green. Metal zipper up the side. Great fit, that looks good with or without ...
John Galliano New Shorts Skirt
By John Galliano
Located in Water Mill, NY
Beautiful white shorts/skirt from John Galliano. They have a waistband, a cuffed hem, draped side pockets and a front zipper closing. Fits sizes Small, Medium. Marked Italian size...
S/S 2000 Gucci by Tom Ford Runway Snake Skin Print Mini Shorts
By Gucci, Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in West Hollywood, CA
These Gucci shorts from the Spring/Summer 2000 collection by Tom Ford are cut in a mini silhouette with an allover python print in grey and cream. The waist is elasticized and finish...
$564
Size: 12 (Vintage)
EMILIO PUCCI c.1968 "Colletti" Geometric Signature Print Gray Multicolor Shorts
By Emilio Pucci
Located in Thiensville, WI
Vintage Emilio Pucci exclusively for Saks Fifth Avenue c.1968 "Colleti" geometric signature print gray multi-color shorts. Multi-color geometric signature print cotton in shades of g...
Cardinali Original Sample Black Wool High Waisted 1960s Shorts and Belt Set
By Cardinali
Located in San Diego, CA
This pair of vintage 1960s CARDINALI black high waisted wool shorts and Avant Garde oversized belt come from the estate of MARILYN LEWIS! Lewis was the founder and designer of Cardin...
GIVENCHY Size M Red Purple Cotton Sweatpants Shorts
By Givenchy
Located in San Francisco, CA
GIVENCHY red and purple sweatshorts, crafted from premium cotton. These shorts feature a classic tattoo-style print and an interior drawstring, perfectly blending bold, artistic grap...
GIVENCHY black pleated front drop crotch harem knee length shorts FR38 M
By Givenchy, Riccardo Tisci
Located in Hong Kong, NT
GIVENCHY black pleated front drop crotch harem knee length shorts FR38 M Reference: NKLL/A00594 Brand: Givenchy Designer: Riccardo Tisci Material: Polyester Color: Black Pattern: Sol...
new GIVENCHY Riccardo Tisci 100% wool black open side kilt layering skirt EU48 M
By Givenchy
Located in Hong Kong, NT
new GIVENCHY Riccardo Tisci 100% wool black open side kilt layering skirt EU48 M Brand: Givenchy Designer: Riccardo Tisci Material: 100% Wool Color: Black Pattern: Solid Closure: Zip...
GIVENCHY black cotton DENIM RED STAR SKINNY Jeans Pants 36 XS
By Givenchy
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Givenchy low rise skinny jeans in black and red cotton (98%) and elastane (2%). Features three red stars on the back and two slit pockets on the front. Opens with a bu...
Sold
Size: 40 ( US 8 )
NWT Givenchy by Clare Waight Keller Size 40 / 8 Black Drop Crotch / Waist Shorts
By Givenchy
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic brand new with tags GIVENCHY by Clare Waight Keller Size 40 black drop crotch / waist shorts! Features pleats, belt loops, and button closure ...
Men's GIVENCHY Size 30 Pleated Leather Knit Back Bermuda Shorts
By Givenchy
Located in San Francisco, CA
GIVENCHY by Riccardo Tisci shorts come in a soft black leather and feature a single pleated front and cotton knit back with pockets. Made in Turkey. Good Pre-Owned Condition. Marke...