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.
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...
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
Givenchy Gold W Pearl Necklace
By Givenchy
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Givenchy gold pearl necklace is the ideal addition to any look, and can transition through the seasons effortlessly.It is dotted with traditional Givenchy elements and logos, gi...
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 8.9 Gm, Link Chain, 3.5 mm Necklace, 22" Long
Located in New York, NY
Vintage 18 Karat Yellow Gold 8.9 Gm, Link Chain, 3.5 mm Necklace, 22" Long Weight of the Necklace is 8.3 Grams Solid Diamond-cut Yellow Chain with Clasp. The diamond cut yellow go...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$124Sale Price|65% 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
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...
Vintage 18 Karat Yellow Gold 5.4 Gm Ball Station chain Necklace, Italian 15.5"
Located in New York, NY
Vintage 18 Karat Yellow Gold 5.4 Gm Ball Station chain Necklace, Italian 15.5" 1.6 MM wide 15.5 Inches long Necklace Beautiful box chain necklace with ball stations, There are 19 b...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14k Italian Gold Rope Chain Necklace circa 1980s
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The 14k Italian Gold Rope Chain Necklace from the circa 1980s is a timeless piece that exudes classic elegance and refined craftsmanship. Craft...
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
Vintage 14 Karat Yellow Gold 43.8 Gm, Rope Chain, 8.2 mm Necklace, 24 " Long
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Vintage 14 Karat Yellow Gold 43.8 Gm, Rope Chain, 8.2 mm Necklace, 24 " Long 24 " Inches long Necklace Weight of the Necklace is 43.8 Grams Solid Diamond-cut Rope Yellow Ch...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sardinian Coral 18 Karat Yellow Gold Rope Necklace
Located in Marcianise, IT
This magnificent necklace is a true celebration of the natural beauty of coral and Italian high jewelry craftsmanship. Made with precious Sardinian coral beads, this piece exudes timeless charm with its deep red hue and the natural luster of the coral gems. Each bead has been carefully selected and shaped to enhance its organic form and texture, creating a refined and captivating visual effect that makes this necklace perfect for an elegant and distinctive look. The coral beads vary slightly in size, with larger beads positioned at the center to emphasize the symmetry and focal point of the design, giving the piece a well-balanced appearance when worn. This detail helps create a harmonious visual flow, giving the necklace a classic yet contemporary look. An elegant 18-karat yellow gold clasp adds a touch of sophistication, carefully crafted to integrate seamlessly with the coral beads. The clasp is adorned with a small coral cabochon in the center, echoing the necklace’s theme and adding an additional element of prestige and stylistic continuity. The clasp mechanism is designed to ensure security and ease of use, allowing the necklace to be worn comfortably and confidently. This Sardinian coral necklace...
Coral, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco 0.22ct Diamond & 18k Yellow Gold Necklace, Circa 1940
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive vintage Art Deco 1940s 0.22 carat diamond and 18k yellow gold, 18k white gold set necklace; part of our diverse diamond jewelry collections. This stunning, fine and impressive Art Deco gold necklace has been crafted in 18k yellow gold with an 18k white gold setting. The feature setting the the center of the necklace has a stepped, geometric design embellished with six 18k white gold pavé set eight-cut diamonds. Four fully articulated, linear drops suspend from the feature setting, each ornamented with a tassel design terminal to the lower border. The diamond setting suspends from two shaped motifs via articulated swags, composed of rectangular links. The necklace secures to the reverse of an articulated chain, also composed of rectangular links, with an integrated push fit clasp, and benefits from the additional security of a hinged safety clasp. The necklace is hallmarked to the tongue of the clasp with the French hallmark for 18k gold (eagle's head) and the French lozenge...
Diamond, 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
CHANEL Vintage Gold Lariat CC Medallion Necklace
By Chanel
Located in Bellevue, WA
Stunning CHANEL lariat necklace with intricate gold CC medallions DETAILS: Hallmark: Oval tag CHANEL Made in France Gold Plated The necklace is...
Gold
Chanel Gold CC Logo Chain Station Vintage Necklace
By Chanel
Located in Bellevue, WA
DETAILS: Hallmark: CHANEL Made in France 1994 Collection Gold Plated The necklace is in good condition showing minimal wear Measurements approx.: chain 34 inches long Comes with box ...
Gold
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...