The Givenchy brand was established in Paris by Hubert de
Givenchy in 1952, at the age of 25. Born in Beauvais, France, Givenchy showed a
passion for fashion from an early age. After studying at the École des
Beaux-Arts in Paris, he gained valuable experience working as an apprentice for
several other fashion designers, including Jacques Fath, Robert Piguet, Lucien
Lelong. and Elsa Schiaparelli.
Givenchy's early designs were
known for their simplicity and elegance. He was one of the first designers to
create " separates," or individual pieces of clothing that could be
mixed and matched. One of Givenchy's most iconic moments came in 1953 when
Audrey Hepburn, a close friend and muse of the designer, wore his designs in
the classic film "Sabrina." This marked the beginning of a lifelong
collaboration between Givenchy and Hepburn, with the designer creating memorable
costumes for her in films such
more...
as "Funny Face" and "Breakfast at
Tiffany's." The black dress worn by Hepburn's character in the latter
film, known as the "little black dress," became an enduring symbol of
timeless elegance and solidified Givenchy's status as a fashion visionary.
Throughout the years, Givenchy expanded its product
offerings beyond clothing to include accessories, fragrances, cosmetics, and
luxury goods. The brand consistently maintained its reputation for excellence
and craftsmanship, attracting a global clientele seeking refined and luxurious
products.
In 1988, Givenchy was acquired by LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis
Vuitton. Hubert de Givenchy remained as creative director until his retirement
in 1995. He was succeeded by a number of other designers, including Alexander
McQueen, John Galliano, and Julien Macdonald.
In 2017, Clare Waight Keller became the first female
artistic director of Givenchy. Under her leadership, the brand continued to
evolve, blending timeless elegance with a modern sensibility.
Givenchy remains a prominent player in the luxury goods
industry, known for its exquisite craftsmanship, attention to detail, and
commitment to timeless elegance.
less...