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
Vintage Pearl & Diamond Platinum and Gold Necklace
Located in New York, NY
This delicate cultured pearl and diamond necklace focuses on 9 pearl drops ranging in size from 7.63mm to 6.55mm. The pearls are each cradled by a floral-insp...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, Platinum
1980s Vintage Attwood & Sawyer Sapphire Necklace and Earring Set
Located in Wilmslow, GB
Vintage Attwood & Sawyer Sapphire Necklace & Earring Set – 1980s Regal Elegance Timelessly elegant and beautifully crafted, this 1980s Attwood & Sawyer set channels the irresistible ...
Certified Type A Jadeite Jade Diamond Pendant Drop Necklace, Imperial Green
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Please check out the HD video! In addition to being a status symbol, wearing jade traditionally has been known to grant the user good luck, health, prosperity and longevity. Here is a natural Jadeite Jade and diamond pendant with excellent best imperial green color. It is certified by 2 different labs. The pendant is set in 18k white gold and natural diamonds. The untreated / un-enhanced natural jade is full of life. The color is imperial green (best color). This vivid imperial green is even through out the jade. The pendant is beautiful. Photos do not do this pendant justice. Please refer to the detailed photos. A 18k white gold chain is attached to the pendant. The chain is adjustable in length at around 16, 15.5 and 15 inches. This would be a great gift for that special someone. Please refer to the many high definition photos for more details. We can also provide a HD video. The pendant is about 3.5cm x 2cm. We have many exquisite Jade and other items. (2nd to last photo are just a few) Please check out our other listings. We get asked often "why are jade so expensive?" The last photo shows some of the major auction house's estimates for your reference. IMPERIAL JADE The term “imperial jade” is often misused in many jade sale...
Diamond, White Diamond, Jade, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Issac Nussbaum GIA Certified 30 Carat Diamond Graduated Riviera Necklace
By Issac Nussbaum
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite riviera necklace in a graduated setting, crafted in handmade 18k gold features perfectly cut ideal round brilliant diamonds. Center stone is a 2 carat stunner which gr...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Certified Type A Jadeite Jade Pendant Drop Necklace, Apple Green Veins, N.O.S
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Please check out the HD video! In addition to being a status symbol, wearing jade traditionally has been known to grant the user good luck, health, prosperity and longevity. NEW OLD STOCK (from my grandfather's stock) ! Here is a natural Jadeite Jade pendant with excellent apple green veins running through the whole piece. It is certified natural jade with no treatment. The pendant is set in high karat yellow gold...
Jade, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Egyptian Revival 18k Gold Isis Wing Necklace
Located in London, GB
Inspired by the Goddess Isis who was worshiped in Ancient Egypt for being the ideal mother and wife alongside being the patroness of nature and magic. The necklace has a triangle art...
Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage Arts and Crafts 45 Carat Amethyst Seed Pearl Gold Drop Necklace
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Arts & Crafts Amethyst and Seed Pearl Tassel Gold Drop Vintage Necklace. Centering a 45 Carat Oval Amethyst surrounded by Seed Pearls and suspending a Multi Str...
Amethyst, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
14K White Gold Diamond, Ruby, and Onyx Necklace
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Adorn yourself in luxury with this exquisite 14K White Gold Diamond, Ruby, and Onyx Necklace, a true testament to elegance and sophistication. Crafted with meticulous attention to d...
Diamond, Onyx, Ruby, White Gold
Vintage Louis Rousselet Pearl Drop Necklace 1940s
By Louis Rousselet
Located in Wilmslow, GB
A Vintage Louis Rousselet Pearl Drop Necklace from the 1940s. Wonderfully elegant, the long string of pearls culminating in a large, embellished pearl drop. Showcasing some of the be...
Certified Jade Diamond Pendant Drop Necklace. Apple Green Veins. Translucent.
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Please check out the HD video! In addition to being a status symbol, wearing jade traditionally has been known to grant the user good luck, health, prosperity and longevity. Here i...
Diamond, White Diamond, Jade, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
14k White Gold Diamond, Ruby & Onyx Double Drop Chain Pendant Necklace
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This stunning 14k white gold necklace beautifully showcases a unique double drop design, featuring an exquisite pendant adorned with a vibrant ruby at its center, accompanied by two ...
White Gold
Certified Natural Icy Jade 16mm x 13.8mm & Diamond Pendant. Musical Lute!
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Please check out the HD video! In addition to being a status symbol, wearing jade traditionally has been known to grant the user good luck, health, prosperity and longevity. THIS J...
Diamond, White Diamond, Jade, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow 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...