If one were to sum up Hubert de Givenchy's career in one sentence, it could be: reality can trump dreams. His story tells of a great passion for fashion, but also of hardwork and making the most of opportunities.
Givenchy is undeniably one of the flagship brands of contemporary luxury. The clothing, accessories, perfumes and cosmetics designed by the house are a bold combination of sophistication and lightness. Its collections are distinguished by outstanding attention to detail, elegance, sophistication and fantasy.
The origins of the house of Givenchy
It all began when 17-year-old Hubert de Givenchy left his hometown of Beauvais to settle in Paris. He had one goal: to join the house of Balenciaga. After trying unsuccessfully, he eventually apprenticed with Jacques Fath and Lucien Lelong, renowned fashion illustrators, and then worked with creator Elsa Schiaparelli. He was only 24 when he began his career as a designer. His feminine silhouettes quickly stood out and two years later he launched his own Givenchy University line. It quickly became a huge success in France and even gained an international reputation.
In 1953 Hubert de Givenchy met the young American actress Audrey Hepburn. This pivotal meeting in the creator's life not only resulted in the incredible creations made for his muse and his entry into the film world, but also encouraged him to start producing perfumes.
In 1973, he created the Gentleman Givenchy men's line. The collection was hailed as an undisputed synonym for masculine elegance.
Associated with the luxury fashion conglomerate, the LVMH group since 1988, he retired in 1995. His vision was sustained by designers such as John Galliano, Alexander McQueen and then Julien Macdonald, who was replaced by Riccardo Tisci in 2005. Twelve years later it was the turn of British designer Clare Waight Keller, who held the position before making way for American Matthew M. Williams in June 2020.
Givenchy universe
Riccardo Tisci led the house for 12 years, innovating it. Despite an initial tendency to favour discreet elegance and delicate allure, the house of Givenchy bent its rules by designing creations for the long-awaited wedding of Kanye West and Kim Kardashian. In 2014 the couple said "I do" in Florence wearing designs by Riccardo Tisci. Another of Kim's creations that day was a haute couture gown combining lace and silk.
In 2016 Naomi Campbell made a guest appearance in Anohni's "Drone Bomb Me" video, in which she appeared in a Tisci-designed military suit and thigh-high vinyl boots. He held one of the shows in New York on the Hudson River, opposite One World Trade Center.
Clare Waight Keller released a children's collection shortly after taking over the artistic direction of the house. These small fashions perfectly blended streetwear inspirations and couture-style dresses, expressing the "cool kids" generation. Her show-stopping design was Meghan Markle's fabulous 2018 wedding dress. Her autumn-winter 2018/2019 haute couture show pays tribute to Hubert de Givenchy, who died a few months earlier. The iconic little black takes on a whole new look in her vision, just as the minimalist lines promoted by the famous designer have been reinterpreted.
Through a simple lookbook Matthew M. Williams reveals Givenchy's new identity, which he imagines as a cross between casual and formal wear. The American spread his creative wings under the guidance of stylist Kanye West, to whom he created an LED jacket. The musician asked him to join his team. He later collaborated with Lady Gaga, among others.
Due to the coronavirus pandemic he was able to organise his first show after almost two years at the head of Givenchy. At Paris' La Defense Arena he presented a show co-created with artist Josh Smith, which resulted in colourful prints on clothes and accessories. Together they also created an original jewellery collection.
Givenchy for men:
Givenchy for women:
