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 Oversize Crystal Cocktail Ring
By Givenchy
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Givenchy large Cocktail Ring with silver hardware is a great statement piece. Size 7.25. Please refer to photos for patin and metal tarnish. Comes with velvet pouch .
Crystal, Silver
Vintage Givenchy GIA Certified Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring in Yellow Gold
By Givenchy
Located in London, England
A beautiful vintage Givenchy GIA certified sapphire and diamond ring set in 18k yellow gold. This highly unique design is centrally set with a GIA certified oval brilliant cut sapph...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$199Sale Price|20% Off
Authentic Tiffany & Co Estate Atlas Ring Size 6.5 Silver 6 mm
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Authentic Tiffany & Co Estate Atlas Ring Size 6.5 Silver 6 mm TIF379 TRUSTED SELLER SINCE 2002 DETAILS Ring Size: 6.5 Height: 6 mm Weight: 5.8 Grams Metal: Sterling Silver We ...
Silver
GIA Certified Natural Blue Sapphire Diamond Dome Cluster Cocktail Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Original 1930's Art Deco 18k white gold sapphire and diamond cluster cocktail ring. The center stone is a 2.18ct GIA certified oval periwinkle sapphire which is mounted in a handmade...
Blue Sapphire, Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
Vintage Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have an 18ct yellow gold sapphire and diamond cluster ring. An oval shaped sapphire possessing a deep dark navy tone sits in a 10 clawed setting at the centre of the piece. T...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian Gold and Diamond Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
On a 14 Kt band with raised engraving of flowers and swirls, a .30 old European diamond is raised in a flower setting that is the focus of this ring. The borders are raised and uneng...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Vintage Sapphire and Diamond 9 Carat Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This ring is gorgeous and holds an inky but sapphire at the centre of a halo of sparkling diamonds. The sapphire measures 20pts and the diamond total 14pts. Modelled in 9carat gold ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold
2.16 Carat Oval Pink Tourmaline Enamel Art Deco Cocktail Ring in 18k Rose Gold
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Evoke timeless elegance with this stunning ring, showcasing a radiant 2.16-carat oval cut pink tourmaline at its heart. This captivating gemstone, known for its vibrant hue and rich ...
Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Enamel
Vintage Emerald and Diamond Yellow Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A very good 0.30 carat natural emerald and 0.38 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold cluster ring; an addition to our vintage jewelry collections. This vintage cocktail ring has been...
Emerald, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ring with Japanese coral and akoya pearls
By Artistian Made
Located in Abano Terme, IT
This ring, handcrafted in Italy in the 1990s, is a perfect blend of elegance and classicism; it is made entirely of 18 kt. yellow gold and features a stunning Japanese coral in the c...
Coral, Diamond, Oriental Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
3.87Ct Fancy Sapphire Toi et Moi Ring in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Delight in this exquisite "Toi et Moi" ring, a timeless symbol of love translating to "you and me." Carefully crafted in 18-karat yellow gold, it showcases a purple sapphire juxtapos...
Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have an 18ct yellow gold sapphire and diamond cluster ring. An oval shaped sapphire possessing a dark navy blue tone sits slightly risen in a rub-over setting at the centre o...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, Yellow Gold
9K Gold Early Victorian English Enamel Portrait Ring, circa 1850's
Located in Venice, CA
A lovely antique 9 karat gold English ring featuring an enamel miniature portrait painting of a young girl. The portrait in profile is painted on a silver medallion, which has some h...
9k Gold, Enamel, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified Diamond Cluster Ring
By GEMME
Located in New York, NY
Marquise Diamond weighing 1.20 Carats with GIA certificate stating the diamond is of F color and VS2 clarity. Emerald Cut Diamond and Round and Baguette Diamond all of EF Color and V...
Diamond, Platinum