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 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
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
137.64 Carat Square Cushion Rock Crystal Quartz Necklace with Green Tourmaline
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This dramatic statement necklace features a striking 137.64 carat square cushion-cut rock crystal quartz pendant, suspended from a series of articulated gold bar links that create a ...
Crystal, Quartz, Rock Crystal, Tourmaline, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Georgian Long Chain 18K Gold Necklace with French Medallion
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Georgian Long Chain 18K Gold Necklace with French 18 Karat Yellow Gold Medallion. The long chain necklace is formed of 18K gold. Voluminous, yet s...
18k Gold, Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold Hand-Carved Libra Zodiac Agate Cameo Pendant Necklace
By Vaibhav Dhadda
Located in Jaipur, Rajasthan
18 karat yellow gold hand-carved libra zodiac agate cameo pendant necklace. Presenting the enchanting Libra Zodiac Carving Cameo Pendant Necklace from our Zodiac Collection. This exquisite necklace features a meticulously crafted cameo made by an expert cameo engraver in Germany. The cameo is skilfully engraved on a relief of 100% natural agate rock sourced from Brazil, known for its captivating chalcedony variations. The pendant is elegantly set in 18K gold, meticulously crafted in our India workshop. At the center of the pendant, a stunning 20x15 mm oval Agate cameo takes the spotlight. Its black and white color combination creates a striking contrast, adding depth and allure to the overall design. The Libra Carving Cameo Pendant Necklace is a versatile piece that complements V-neck dresses of any color, allowing you to effortlessly express your personal style. It is equally suitable for regular wear, making it a perfect accessory to elevate your everyday outfits. This necklace showcases exceptional craftsmanship, combining the expertise of the German cameo...
Agate, Chalcedony, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bonebakker Angel Skin Coral Pendant with Diamonds in 18 Karat Pink Gold
By Bonebakker
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Stunning, delicate, 18 karat rose gold Angel skin coral pendant with filigree. 11 diamonds, a total of 0.20 carat, are set on the pendant. The...
Coral, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Bochic “Capri” Vintage Ruby & Yellow Sapphire Necklace - 18K & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Capri” Vintage Ruby & Yellow Sapphire Necklace - 18K & Silver Drop Necklace, Multi natural gem necklace Natural Red Ruby Fancy Yellow Sapphire from Sri Lanka Approx 100 C...
Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Green Sap...
Vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT Ysl Massive Flaming Black Heart Pendant Necklace
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT Ysl Massive Flaming Black Heart Pendant Necklace Features: - 100% Authentic YVES SAINT LAURENT. - Massive black heart r...
Tiffany & Co Tiffany Heart Key in Silver Pendant Necklace Chain Link
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Miami, FL
- Silver exterior - 20 inch chain - 2 inch pendent - Comes with box and dustbag Condition: The items is in overall decent condition with no major imperfections. Measureme...
Marina J London Blue Topaz, 14k Yellow Gold & Pearl Necklace with Removable Drop
By Marina J.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning and bold piece made by Marina J. This striking necklace is made using high luster cultured Pearls which display a soft iridescence. The Pearls are adorned and perfectly comp...
Pearl, Topaz, Blue Topaz, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Henry Dunay Zambian Minor Oil Drop Cabochon Emerald & Diamond 18k Link Necklace
By Henry Dunay
Located in Miami, FL
Henry Dunay signed natural cabochon cut emerald and mixed cut diamond pendant necklace. Set in 18k solid yellow gold, with a fancy link chain and lobster clip closure. Certified by G...
Emerald, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
44 Carats Art Deco Platinum Collar Lavalier Diamond Necklace
Located in New York, NY
This beautiful timeless elegance of this estate platinum necklace is reminiscent of a sophisticated shirt collar. This exquisite Art Deco piec...
Diamond, Platinum
South Sea Pearl Diamond Halo Link Drop Necklace 4.20 Carat 18 Karat
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Impressive 18K Rose gold drop necklace featuring 8 South Sea Pearls measuring 13-15 mm flanked with numerous round brilliants in a halo and link motif weighing 4.20 carats. Color G-...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Rose Gold
Blue Sapphire White Diamond White 18K Gold Modern Every Day Precious Necklace
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
White Gold 18K Necklace (Matching Ring and Earrings Available) Weight 3.69 gram Size 45 Diamond 18-Round 57-0,09-4/6A Blue Sapphire 1-1,65 Т(3)/4A With a heritage of ancient fine...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
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...