Givenchy orange silk kaftan, circa 1967
View Similar Items
Givenchy orange silk kaftan, circa 1967
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 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.
- Jean Paul Gaultier Venus De Milo Torso Optical Illusion Nude Sculpture Dress SetBy Jean Paul GaultierLocated in PARIS, FRNEW Jean Paul Gaultier Venus De Milo Torso Optical Illusion Nude Sculpture S/S 1999 Kim Kourtney Kardashian Iconic Collector Soleil De...Category
1990s Maxi Dresses
- Chanel 2001 wool, silk and sequin knee length dress with half belt detailBy ChanelLocated in COLLINGWOOD, AUThis is a piece of Chanel that you will wear & wear again as it’s the perfect dress for when you don’t know what to wear. Crafted in wool/silk herringbone style patterned fabric in ...Category
1990s French Aesthetic Day Dresses
- Ralph Lauren Suede Tan Wrap Dress Size 6By Ralph LaurenLocated in Thousand Oaks, CAClassic - this Ralph Lauren wrap dress is timeless. Tan in coloring - reference to different photos for lighting in the exposed sun to indoor...Category
2010s American Cocktail Dresses
- Missoni Multicolor Patterned Jacquard Knit Button Front Kaftan MBy MissoniLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2This kaftan from Missoni is vibrant and gorgeous! It is knit from quality fabrics and designed with colourful patterns all over, pockets and button fastenings. You may team it with a...Category
2010s Mini Dresses
- Roberto Cavalli Peach Jersey Embellished Wrap Detail Draped Dress SBy Roberto CavalliLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2There's truly no better way to feel elegant and graceful than to wear something pretty like this dress. From Roberto Cavalli, this dress is cut from peach jersey fabric, augmented wi...Category
2010s Italian Formal Wear
- Stella McCartney Orange Lace & Mesh Inset Sleeveless Maxi Dress XSBy Stella McCartneyLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2How beautiful is this dress from the House of Stella McCartney! This dress, with its fluid-feminine silhouette and charming design, will easily add grace to your attire. It has been ...Category
2010s Italian Formal Wear
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.