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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.
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Givenchy other for sale on 1stDibs.
- Who wears Givenchy?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 1, 2024Many celebrities wear or have worn Givenchy. Audrey Hepburn, Ingrid Bergman and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis helped to make the French fashion house famous by frequently wearing Givenchy apparel. Today, the Kardashians, Kelly Rowland, Ne-Yo, Ciara, Beyoncé, Gal Gadot, Emma Stone, Rosamund Pike and Margot Robbie are just a few of the trendsetters who sport Givenchy pieces on and off the red carpet. On 1stDibs, explore a selection of Givenchy apparel and accessories.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Givenchy is most famous for his chic Parisian clothes, particularly for dressing Audrey Hepburn in her Breakfast at Tiffany's gown. His collections are thought to reinterpret sophistication and elegance.
- Does Givenchy jewelry tarnish?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 27, 2024Yes, some Givenchy jewelry may tarnish. Metals like sterling silver, copper and brass can tarnish over time due to chemical reactions that occur when metal comes in contact with sweat, chemicals found in skin care products and sulfur compounds in the air. To reduce the risk of tarnishing, remove your jewelry before applying beauty products, showering and swimming, and clean it regularly according to the care guidelines provided by Givenchy. Explore a collection of Givenchy jewelry on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 13, 2024Yes, Givenchy does use Swarovski crystals in some jewelry designs. However, the French luxury fashion house also produces jewelry featuring glass rhinestones instead of the Austrian maker's crystal. Other common materials include faux pearls and plated metal. On 1stDibs, explore a variety of Givenchy jewelry from some of the world's top sellers.