Vintage Givenchy Numbered Haute Couture Black Strapless Ruffled Gown, 1970s
View Similar Items
Vintage Givenchy Numbered Haute Couture Black Strapless Ruffled Gown, 1970s
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.
- 1930s Black and Blue Batik Floral Print Strappy Sleeveless Maxi Dress / GownLocated in Boca Raton, FLA stunning 1930s taffeta maxi dress. I love the blue batik floral print against the black background. The multiple thin straps from the shoulders and down to the mid back are sexy a...Category
1930s Unknown Day Dresses
- Fabulous Vintage Galanos Polka Dot Silk Pleated Belted Dress, 1980sBy James Galanos, GalanosLocated in Boca Raton, FLProlific designer James Galanos is known for his luxurious ready-to-wear collections that were crafted to couture standards. Galanos oversaw every detail of his work, even traveling ...Category
1980s Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Incredible Rare Issey Miyake Pleats Please Avant Garde Color Block DressBy Issey MiyakeLocated in Boca Raton, FLFuturistic designer Issey Miyake has mastered the technique of creating sculptural works of art in cloth. His innovative pattern cutting and signature use of micro pleating give his garments a unique form. As one of the earliest designers to take on this style of fashion, Miyake is held in high regard as a pioneer of these creative, out-of-this-world fashions. From the Pleats Please line, this rare collector’s dress is done in a pleated fabric in shades of midnight blue, electric purple, red, magenta, cerulean, chartreuse, brown, sage, and neon green. The bright colors have a prismatic quality that makes the dress pop visually, giving the eye something new to appreciate from each angle while elevating this garment to a work of art. The dress begins with a high straight neckline and long sleeves that reach the wrists. The front of the dress is fitted throughout, creating an elegant sheath that falls to a maxi length several inches above the ankles. The body of the dress is done in midnight blue pleats with a section of purple at the bust and a section of neon green near the hem that draws the eye. Thigh-high slits at each side of the dress allow for greater ease of movement while introducing a welcome risqué element that helps balance the volume of material on display. Size: Small Measurements: Bust: 32 inches Waist: 30 inches Length: 50 inches An incredible panel at the back of the dress is made up of a vivid patchwork of color-blocked fabric, adding extra depth and gravitas to this Avant Garde masterpiece. The top of the panel can be folded over the front of the shoulders to create a curving, cocoon-like shawl, or folded together at the back like wings at rest. The panel spans the entire length of the dress and is slightly higher at the neck, adding volume and a delightful sculptural element to the otherwise columnar silhouette of the dress. An unforgettable addition to the discerning fashion lover’s wardrobe, this rare Issey Miyake Pleats Please dress is the perfect choice for a wedding, gala, or special occasion, and is sure to turn heads for many years to come. This vintage Issey Miyake dress...Category
1990s Japanese Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Vintage Mary Mcfadden Couture Black Pleated Sheer shoulder Column GownBy Mary McFaddenLocated in Boca Raton, FLAn accomplished designer, Mary McFadden studied in New York and Paris, worked at Dior, and served as the editor of Vogue South Africa among other positions and awards. She started he...Category
1990s American Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Balenciaga Black Polka Dot Silk Mini Dress, 1990sBy BalenciagaLocated in Boca Raton, FLPresented by newly appointed head designer Nicolas Ghesquière, the Fall/Winter 1997 runway captured the Balenciaga essence with a balance of edge and elegance incorporating tailored looks and feminine dresses with the added quirk of playful polka dot prints. Presumably from that collection, this Balenciaga mini dress spares no details. A black silk chiffon overlay accented by a black satin collar and multi-tiered ruffle detail at the hem provide an elaborate frame for the crème and black polka-dot silk crepe underdress. Adding to the boldness of this design are moderate size bishop sleeves with matching black satin cuffs. The vertical aspects and loose flow of this dress give off a 60s youthful aesthetic met with a goth Lolita edge. Size: 36 Size estimate: XS/S Shoulders: 15 inches Sleeves: 25 inches Bust: 34 inches Waist: 30 inches Hips: 32 inches Length: 33 inches At the centre back the dress fastens with an invisible zip while the overlay is closed with hand-set concealed snaps. The cuffs are finished with quarter-ball buttons that mimic the polka dot dress pattern...Category
1990s French Cocktail Dresses
- Vintage 1920s Black White Silk Dot Magenta Pom Pom Draped DressLocated in Boca Raton, FLThe cultural changes ushered in by the Roaring Twenties were reflected in the fashions of the time, which favored youthful and slender silhouettes free from restrictive shaping unde...Category
1920s Unknown Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Mariano Fortuny Black Silk Peplos GownBy FortunyLocated in Riverdale, NYThis dress is made of finely pleated black colored silk with silk cording along side seams,shoulders and tunic hem with matte frosted colored glass beads threaded through the cordin...Category
Early 20th Century Italian Art Deco Peplos
Price Upon Request - Mariano Fortuny Black Peplos GownBy FortunyLocated in Riverdale, NYThis dress is made of finely pleated black colored silk with silk cording along side seams,shoulders and tunic hem with multicolored glass beads threaded through the cording.
...CategoryEarly 20th Century Italian Art Deco Delphos Gowns
Price Upon Request - Mariano Fortuny Black Delphos GownBy FortunyLocated in Riverdale, NYThis dress is made of finely pleated black colored silk with silk cording along side seams, and multicolored glass beads threaded through the cording.
Named after a ...CategoryEarly 20th Century Italian Art Deco Delphos Gowns
Price Upon Request - DOLCE&GABBANA Black and Beige Silk Dress with Adjustable Straps | Size 8US 40EUBy Dolce & Gabbana, D&G by DOLCE & GABBANALocated in Cuggiono, MIThis babydoll dress is made of a black silk chiffon fabric and it is fully lined with a silk beige crepe de chine. It features a full circle skirt, a pair of adjustable straps and a ...Category
2010s Italian Babydoll Dresses
- Herve Leger "Belina" Black Asymmetric Fringe Eyelet Strapless Bandage Dress NWTBy Herve Leger by Max Azria, Herve LégerLocated in Chicago, ILHerve Leger "Belina" black asymmetric fringe metal eyelet strapless bandage mini dress. New with tags (MSRP: $1,990). Tight, sturdy and durable construction, built to showcase your c...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Cocktail Dresses
- Thierry Mugler Formal Elegant Rubber Tire Mesh Transparent Gown Cocktail DressBy Thierry Mugler CoutureLocated in PARIS, FRThierry Mugler Formal Elegant Dress Rubber Tire Mesh Transparent Gown Cocktail Maxi Dress Mesh/trasparent Sleeves! Very good condition, exept there is 1 cm tear at the end of the V ...Category
1990s French Evening Gowns
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.