Givenchy Handbags and Purses
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.
1980s French Givenchy Handbags and Purses
1990s Italian Givenchy Handbags and Purses
20th Century Givenchy Handbags and Purses
1990s French Givenchy Handbags and Purses
Late 20th Century Italian Givenchy Handbags and Purses
2010s Italian Givenchy Handbags and Purses
21st Century and Contemporary American Givenchy Handbags and Purses
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Givenchy Handbags and Purses
1980s Italian Givenchy Handbags and Purses
20th Century French Givenchy Handbags and Purses
2010s French Givenchy Handbags and Purses
1950s American Givenchy Handbags and Purses
2010s French Givenchy Handbags and Purses
1980s French Givenchy Handbags and Purses
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Givenchy Handbags and Purses
Late 20th Century American Givenchy Handbags and Purses
1960s French Givenchy Handbags and Purses
20th Century Givenchy Handbags and Purses
20th Century Givenchy Handbags and Purses
20th Century Givenchy Handbags and Purses
20th Century Givenchy Handbags and Purses
1980s French Givenchy Handbags and Purses
1980s French Givenchy Handbags and Purses
20th Century Givenchy Handbags and Purses
Late 20th Century Givenchy Handbags and Purses
Late 20th Century Italian Givenchy Handbags and Purses
Late 20th Century Japanese Givenchy Handbags and Purses
20th Century Italian Givenchy Handbags and Purses
Find a Collection of Vintage Handbags and Purses for Sale on 1stDibs
An integral part of fashion, handbags and purses have been indispensable accessories ever since we began to carry around personal items. Level of craftsmanship, style and shape matters — from coin purses in ancient Greece to early 20th-century opera bags and onward, handbags have evolved considerably over the years to meet our needs and desires, whether or not you happen to be prioritizing functionality over a flashy exterior.
Once, a single “It” handbag ruled each fashion season. No more. Today, handbag lovers are savvier and have a wider range of shopping options. Nevertheless, classic bags still rule.
“It is not a fashion bag — it is a statement bag,” says Mightychic's Debra Kent of Hermès's widely beloved accessories. “When you carry an iconic Hermès bag — Birkin, Kelly, Constance — no one knows how long you have been into this culture or if you are a newbie. Your status is validated immediately.”
First released in 1997, Fendi's Baguette rose to fame along with Carrie Bradshaw, the Sex and the City character portrayed by Sarah Jessica Parker. Recently, the design has seen such a resurgence in popularity that Fendi has reissued it.
They are part of design history, so owning a handbag has meaning. As New York–based fashion historian Sarah C. Byrd says, “You have made the choice to invest in this piece because you understand the value of it in the past and in the future to come.”
From a 1980s Chanel black leather quilted mini buckle bag to the rare Hermès Birkin 30cm Himalayan with diamond hardware to a range of 19th century bags, find a rich variety of vintage and designer handbags and purses spanning numerous brands on 1stDibs — seasonal “It” designation no longer needed.
Designers Similar to Givenchy
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.