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 Gold with Golden Center Ear Clips
By Givenchy
Located in New York, NY
Givenchy gilded gold hardware with combined with a golden center ear clips. These earrings measures 6/8" in height, 5/8" in length and 3/8" in depth. Earrings are sign...
Givenchy Orange Leather Shark Tooth Lock Bracelet – Made in Italy – Size 6
By Givenchy
Located in North Miami, FL
Givenchy Orange Leather Shark Tooth Lock Bracelet – Made in Italy – Size 6 This striking Givenchy bracelet showcases the brand’s bold aesthetic with its signature shark tooth lock c...
Givenchy Pre Fall 2023 Twisted rhinestone-embellished ring blue white s 54
By Givenchy
Located in KRAKÓW, PL
Givenchy Pre Fall 2023 Twisted rhinestone-embellished ring blue white size 54 There are other sizes in my other auctions, so you can create a cool set like the ones in the Givenchy c...
Givenchy Pre Fall 2023 Twisted rhinestone-embellished ring blue white s 58
By Givenchy
Located in KRAKÓW, PL
Givenchy Pre Fall 2023 Twisted rhinestone-embellished ring blue white size 58 There are other sizes in my other auctions, so you can create a cool set like the ones in the Givenchy c...
Givenchy Fall 2022 black large bead necklace / Swarovski crystal 4G futuristic
By Givenchy
Located in KRAKÓW, PL
Givenchy Fall 2022 black large bead necklace featuring small Swarovski crystal pavé beads, engraved 4G emblems throughout, and push lock closure. Matthew Williams era design
Givenchy Pre Fall 2023 Twisted rhinestone-embellished ring blue white s 56
By Givenchy
Located in KRAKÓW, PL
Givenchy Pre Fall 2023 Twisted rhinestone-embellished ring blue white size 56 There are other sizes in my other auctions, so you can create a cool set like the ones in the Givenchy c...
Givenchy Pre Fall 2023 Twisted rhinestone-embellished earrings pink silver
By Givenchy
Located in KRAKÓW, PL
Givenchy Pre Fall 2023 Twisted rhinestone-embellished earrings pink silver There are also rings from this collection in my other auctions, so you can create a cool set like the ones...
Metal
Givenchy unique earring, feather, fashionable futuristic design! Black fall 2023
By Givenchy
Located in KRAKÓW, PL
Givenchy ! Pre fall 2023 - unique earring from Givenchy, feather, fashionable futuristic design!
Givenchy Golden Metal Brooch with Resin Cabochons
By Givenchy
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Givenchy - Golden metal brooch with resin cabochons. Additional information: Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Height: 9 cm - Width: 7 cm Seller Reference: BR194
Givenchy 1980s Clip On Medallion Earrings
By Givenchy
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Add some vintage flair to your jewelry collection with our Givenchy medallion earrings circa 1980s! Large cut-out style medallions cast in a brillia...
Givenchy 1990s Custom Silver Plated Bracelet
By Givenchy
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Introducing the Givenchy 1990s Custom Silver Plated Bracelet, a stunning vintage piece that combines timeless elegance with signature Givenchy style. This custom-made bracelet featur...
Givenchy Gilded Gold Vermeil Hardware "Musical Angel" Brooch
By Givenchy
Located in New York, NY
Givenchy wonderful gilded gold vermeil hardware "Musical Angel" brooch measures 2 7/8 inches in height and 2 3/4 in width across. Made in Italy.
Givenchy Gold with Black Crystal Earrings
By Givenchy
Located in New York, NY
Givenchy gilded gold hardware base earrings are paired with black glass crystals and rhinestones. These earrings measures 3 1/4" in length and 7/8" in width. The depth is 1...
Heart-shaped clip-on earring by GIVENCHY PARIS, gold plated, 1980s
By Givenchy
Located in Stuttgart, DE
Heart-shaped ear clip with red Gripoix glass and large handmade pearl from GIVENCHY PARIS 1980s Measurement; Whole length 8 cm - Heart width 6 cm Above red Gripoix stone 2.4 cm in di...
Crystal, Other, Gold Plate