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 Haute Couture Gripoix Glass Pearl Necklace, Bunny Mellon
By Givenchy
Located in New York, NY
Hubert de Givenchy Haute Couture opera length necklace from the estate of Bunny Mellon. Composed of signature Maison Gripoix handmade large faux pearls with a very large focal cente...
Brass
Givenchy Matte Gold Amphora Pendant
By Givenchy
Located in New York, NY
Unusual Givenchy Matte Gold Amphora Pendant on a long versatile chain. Set with a faux ivory bakelite body and faux pearl top with Givenchy Logo on fron...
Gilt Metal
Coral Diamonds 14 Karat Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
By SCALA GIOIELLI
Located in Marcianise, IT
This elegant 14-karat yellow gold necklace embodies a perfect balance between artisanal tradition and contemporary charm. The piece is adorned with brilliant-cut diamonds, adding lig...
Coral, Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Diamonds by the Yard Single Diamond Pendant in Yellow Gold by Elsa Peretti T&Co
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful Tiffany & Co pendant with single round brilliant cut diamond. Absolutely stunning shine and so perfect for everyday wear. Gemstone: Diamond Stone Shape: Round Brilliant Car...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,867
H 0.71 in W 0.32 in L 17.5 in
Platinum 3.6ctw Oval Tanzanite & Diamond Slide Drop Pendant Adjustable Necklace
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Tanzanite - Oval Cut - Prong Set - Rich Vibrant Blue w/ some Flashes of Violet Color - 3.46ct (exact) (11) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round Brillian...
Diamond, Tanzanite, Platinum
$113,000Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage 60 Carat Diamond Floral Necklace Platinum
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
Important exquisite grand diamond floral necklace platinum, high jewelry circa 1950's. 354 total diamonds, approximately 60 carats total. 146 r...
Diamond, Platinum
Certified Natural Apple Green & Icy Red Jadeite Jade Bead Necklace, Masterpiece
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Please check out the HD video for the most accurate color. In addition to being a status symbol, wearing jade traditionally has been known to grant the user good luck, health, prosperity and longevity. This bead necklace is certified by 2 labs. The certified natural icy red jadeite strand of bead necklace is not common. The red jade is even in color and translucent. In the trade, it is called red jade but in reality it is more brown. It is matched with apple green jade beads...
Jade
$725
H 21 in W 2.5 in D 0.5 in L 18 in
Oscar de la Renta Gold Plated Black Resin Nugget Y-Drop Vintage Collar Necklace
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Oscar de la Renta gold plated dark resin nugget statement necklace with dramatic Y-shaped pendant drop. Luxury designer jewelry. Bold statement piece. Made in USA. This striking Osc...
Gold Plate, Brass, Mixed Metal
$115,000Sale Price|50% Off
NWT Rare 18 Karat Gorgeous Fancy Glittering Diamond Necklace
Located in New York, NY
The Following Item we are offering is this Rare Important Radiant 18KT Gold Gorgeous Glittering and Sparkling Magnificent Fancy Diamond Drop Necklace. Necklace contains approx 34CTS ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
$14,380 / item
D 0.44 in Dm 1.13 in
Annamaria Cammilli "Sultana" Medium Pendant Necklace with Diamonds in 18K Gold
By Annamaria Cammilli
Located in SOLVANG, CA
From Annamaria Cammilli's Vision collection, medium size Sultana pendant necklace handcrafted in 18 karat Black Lava, Natural Beige and White Ice gold. Three ruffles in white, beige ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Magnificent Diamond Drop Necklace
By Diamond Scene
Located in New York, NY
An incredible piece! Over 60 carats of diamonds set in a classic design, this necklace is an amazing piece to add to any collection. 63.29 carats of pear, marquise and round bril...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
$75,000
Grand Diamond Drop Necklace
By Diamond Scene
Located in New York, NY
An important diamond drop necklace. 31.68 carats of multi shape white diamonds set into round, pear and marquise shapes. 18k white gold Thi...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold
Celestial Pendant Diamond Necklace in Rose Gold
Located in Wailea, HI
Celestial Pendant Diamond Necklace in Rose Gold Nine Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds Weighing .10 Carats Approximately [GHVVS] 18 Inches in Length
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Sterling Silver Skull Necklace & Bracelet set Articulated
Located in Wallkill, NY
This stunning necklace and bracelet set is a must-have for any lover of unique and edgy jewelry. Crafted from high-quality sterling silver, the set features an intricate, articulated skull design that is both striking and stylish. Perfect for adding a touch of rock and roll to any outfit, this set is sure to turn heads. It is ideal for collectors of decorative and unique pieces of jewelry, or for those who simply want to make a statement with their accessories. Don't miss your chance to own this one-of-a-kind set! Wow, what a amazing sterling silver Necklace and Bracelet set...
Sterling Silver
Givenchy Logo Padlock Necklace
By Givenchy
Located in New York, NY
Givenchy gold logo padlock necklace from the 1980's. Statement pendant in ribbed and shiny gold toned metal, which actually opens, hanging from a tube...
Gilt Metal
1970's GIVENCHY Art Deco Style Necklace Paris New York
By Givenchy
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This is an amazing, vintage Givenchy pendent necklace. It is done in a wonderful art deco style from the 70's.The pendent is made out of resin and acrylic...
Givenchy Jeweled Bakelite Pendant
By Givenchy
Located in New York, NY
Givenchy jeweled toggle pendant in 2 tones of bakelite (maroon and jet) with rhinestone accents set on a silvered tube link chain. 1970s France. Toggle:...
Gilt Metal
Unique and Beautiful Maison Gripoix Necklace
By Givenchy
Located in Palm Desert, CA
A really exceptional pendant necklace, no doubt Runway, made from bezel set rings of turquoise poured glass joined by "pave" clips of rhinestones. There is the addition of a glass p...