Givenchy haute couture multicoloured maxi dress, circa 1966
View Similar Items
Givenchy haute couture multicoloured maxi dress, circa 1966
About the Item
Givenchy
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 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 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 1930's Cartwright Ivory Striped Silk Rayon Cut-Out Maxi Dress & JacketLocated in Beverly Hills, CAThe vibrant rainbow-stripe used on this ivory silk rayon 1930's "Cartwright" designer dress ensemble has a whimsical allure that I find irresistible. The sleeveless bodice has a flir...Category
1930s American Aesthetic Day Dresses
- Vintage 1968 Gucci Couture Cotton-Pique Striped Ivory Pink Mini Tunic DressBy GucciLocated in Beverly Hills, CAEarlier Gucci garments are very hard to come by and this mini dress is breathtaking! Perfect for any upcoming event; you can't help but feel ultra chic in ...Category
1960s Italian Aesthetic Day Dresses
- 1970s Pink Cottage Floral Printed and Flocked DressLocated in San Francisco, CA1970s Pink cotton voile cottage dress printed with pink and green roses flocked for texture. The square neckline and princess cut bodice is finished wit...Category
1970s Day Dresses
$199 Sale Price20% Off - 1920S Cream Silk Chiffon & Antique Lace Pintuck Stripe Dress With Little RufflesLocated in New York, NY1920S Cream Silk Chiffon & Antique Lace Pintuck Stripe Dress With Little RufflesCategory
1920s Casual Dresses
- 1920S Pink Floral Silk Chiffon Fully Lined Dress With Lace & Ribbon Ruffles SmLocated in New York, NY1920S Pink Floral Silk Chiffon Fully Lined Dress With Lace & Ribbon Ruffles Small RosesCategory
1920s Casual Dresses
- 1960S Black & White Silk Duchess Satin Chantilly Lace Long Sleeve Cocktail DresLocated in New York, NYVery well made out of couture quality materials, fully lined in silk. Few small areas of wear to the satin. 1960S Black & White Silk Duchess Satin Chantilly Lace Long Sleeve Cocktail...Category
1960s Cocktail Dresses
Recently Viewed
View AllRead More
Fiercely Fabulous, This Givenchy Tiger-Print Coat Graced the Pages of ‘Vogue’ in 1969
Impeccably tailored and beautifully preserved, the piece will be cherished by a true fashion-phile.
Too Soon for the Return of ’90s Fashion? As If
There's a renewed appreciation for the era's aesthetic, perhaps most notably among millennials seeking authentic, easy style.