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 Vintage 1970s Watch Link Leaf Interlocked Satin Collar Chunky Necklace
By Givenchy
Located in Wokingham, England
Givenchy Vintage 1970s Unisex Satin Matte Leaf Watch Link Interlocked Chunky Elegant Modernist Choker Collar Chain Necklace, Gold Tone Very good condition. Light scratch or colour l...
Gold Plate
Vintage Givenchy Poured Glass Pate De Verre Gems & Pearls Sautoir Chain Necklace
By Givenchy
Located in Wilmslow, GB
A stand-out vintage Givenchy Poured Glass Sautoir. Crafted with gold plated metal, poured glass/pate de verre pearls and glass paste embellished rondelles. Featuring a long fancy lin...
Vintage Givenchy Long Herringbone Chain Necklace with Logo Clasp, 1980s
By Givenchy
Located in London, GB
Vintage 1980s Givenchy herringbone chain necklace in gold plate. This long heritage necklace comprises a flat, wide herringbone chain with a stat...
Gold Plate
Vintage 18 Karat Yellow Gold 17.8 Gm, Rope Chain, 6.30 mm Necklace, 17 " Long
Located in New York, NY
Vintage 18 Karat Yellow Gold 17.8 Gm, Rope Chain, 6.30 mm Necklace, 17 " Long 6.3 MM wide 17 " Inches long Necklace Weight of the Necklace is 17.8 Grams stamped for authenticity S...
Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Yianni Creations Fine Silver and Palladium Handwoven Rope Necklace
By Yianni Creations
Located in Astoria, NY
Yianni Creations Ammos Collection 100% Handmade Artisan Handwoven Rope Necklace from Fine Silver in Medium Thickness. The core of this beautiful necklace is made from Sterling Silver...
Palladium, Silver, Sterling Silver
Vintage Chanel LAGERFELD Logo Rope Design Chain Necklace 1980s
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Wilmslow, GB
An iconic vintage Chanel rope logo necklace boasting the iconic interlocking Cs upon a coiled rope medallion. Set within a chunky chain this piece will undoubtedly turn heads owing t...
$142Sale Price|60% Off
Givenchy Vintage ENAMEL Gold Long CHAIN NECKLACE
By Givenchy
Located in PUTNEY, NSW
1980's Givenchy enamel necklace with unique marble print amber, this extra long necklace could be worn multiple ways and easy to mix and match...
Pearl, Gold
GIA Lavender Jadeite Necklace with Diamond Rondelles in 18 Karat White Gold
By Kiersten Elizabeth
Located in Southport, CT
Overall Description: 6.5-7 mm Lavender Jade Round Beads •Total bead count of 104 Diamond Eternity Rondelle Spacers •5.5 mm •0.16 Carat •18 Karat White Gold O...
Diamond, Jade, White Gold
$825
H 35 in W 0.25 in D 0.25 in Dm 33 in L 35 in
Vintage Givenchy Link Chain with Dangling Drop Necklace Circa 1980s
By Givenchy
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Givenchy Link Chain with Dangling Drop Necklace Circa 1980s. Toggle Closure offers a wide range of options. Wear it long or wrapped with the toggle in the front or the back,...
Mixed Metal
Vintage 18 Karat Yellow Gold 7.4 Gm, Link Chain, 3.22 mm Necklace, 18.5" Long
Located in New York, NY
Vintage 18 Karat Yellow Gold 7.4 Gm, Link Chain, 3.22 mm Necklace, 18.5" Long Curb links are a classic! This Italian-made necklace exudes effortless style, as 3.22mm curb links ador...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$49,500
W 1.65 in L 20.25 in
Monumental Scale Lalaounis 18k Gold Double Rams Head Necklace 38 Inches Long
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This 18k yellow gold Lalaounis double rams head lariat necklace is a truly magnificent example of the esteemed Greek designers offerings. From clasp to tip, the necklace is comprise...
Emerald, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Vintage 18 Karat Yellow Gold 41.2 Gm, Link Chain, 8.14 mm Necklace, 32 " Long
Located in New York, NY
Vintage 18 Karat Yellow Gold 41.2 Gm, Link Chain, 8.14 mm Necklace, 32 " Long Links are a classic! This Italian-made necklace exudes effortless style, as 8.14 mm links adorn the n...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
SAINT LAURENT Hedi Slimane 2015 Runway Psych Rock Bohemian Stone necklace
By Saint Laurent
Located in Hong Kong, NT
SAINT LAURENT Hedi Slimane 2015 Runway Psych Rock Bohemian Stone necklace Reference: TGAS/F00490 Brand: Saint Laurent Designer: Hedi Slimane Collection: Spring Summer 2015 - Runway M...
$451
W 0.12 in L 17.33 in
Christian Dior Vintage 1980 Wheat Mesh Twist Chain Rope Versatile Long Necklace
By Christian Dior
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980 Unisex Wheat Mesh Twist Chain Rope Chain Versatile Modernist Long Necklace Bracelet, Gold Tone Very good condition. 100% genuine. A unique piece. Signe...
Gold Plate
$684
W 0.4 in L 18.12 in
Givenchy Vintage 1980s Logo Link Interlocked Snake Cuban Chunky Chain Necklace
By Givenchy
Located in Wokingham, England
Givenchy Vintage 1980s Unisex Logo GG Interlocked Link Snake Cuban Chunky Chain Modernist Necklace, Gold Tone Very excellent condition. Not any colour loss. 100% genuine. Signed a...
Gold Plate
Vintage Givenchy Byzantine Chain Necklace, 1980s
By Givenchy
Located in London, GB
1980s Vintage Givenchy Byzantine link chain necklace in gold plate. This vintage necklace features ornate textured links with a signature Givenchy ...
Gold Plate
Vintage Givenchy Long Herringbone Chain Necklace with Logo Clasp, 1980s
By Givenchy
Located in London, GB
Vintage 1980s Givenchy herringbone chain necklace in gold plate. This long heritage necklace comprises a flat, wide herringbone chain with a stat...
Gold Plate
Chunky Gold Byzantine Chain Necklace By Givenchy, 1980s
By Givenchy
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - 18" length - Gold plated - Toggle clasp - By Givenchy (signed on clasp) - Circa 1980s - Estate acquired - Excellent vintage condition
1980s Givenchy Chunky Gold Rope Chain Statement Necklace with G Logo Clasp
By Givenchy
Located in McKinney, TX
- 19" length - Nearly 1" thick chunky rope chain - By Givenchy (featured signature double G logo clasp) - Gold plated - Circa 1980s - Estate acquired - Good vintage condition with mi...