How has Givenchy shaped the landscape of fashion, and what is this house of fashion doing to stay current? Find out in this brief history.
We have the founder of Givenchy to thank for Audrey Hepburn’s famous little black dress. The French designer was an influential force in fashion right up until his passing at the age of 91.
This famous house of fashion is one of the most iconic names with a rich history of trendsetting designs.
Keep reading and learn about the rich history of Givenchy.
The Founding
Hubert de Givenchy was born to an aristocratic family in France.
Post World War II, he made his way to Paris to learn the basics of fashion design. He founded his own house in 1952.
The Muse
While Givenchy worked with and befriended several celebrities from across the world, there was one woman who became his muse. Audrey Hepburn helped him develop a new standard of elegance.
Together they embraced a lighter and less restricted look. His designs embraced simplicity and architectural lines. He introduced the fashion world to the shirtdress and his unique lantern shape.
Their close relationship began with confusion as Givenchy only knew that a Hepburn would be visiting his design studio. When Audrey and not Katherine walked through the door, he was confused. While he initially turned down her request for clothing, he quickly changed his mind upon seeing his previous designs fitting her slender frame perfectly.
The pair would work together for the next forty years.
The Clothes
While Givenchy made strides in the evolution of women’s fashion, he didn’t neglect men. His Givenchy Gentlemen line launched in 1969 and became a staple for style-conscious men across the globe.
We can see Givenchy’s influence on the designs from the fashion house today. Sneakers for men by Givenchy embrace clean design that embodies the simplicity loved by the designer. Each shoe features small stylistic touches that give them a unique look while also maintaining their wearability.
The Business
Givenchy was more than just a fashion designer; he was a businessman. He understood the power of branding long before it was a common phrase in marketing. He was one of the first designers to officially license his name.
He was also the first fashion designer to put his brand on items other than clothing. This meant expanding the product line beyond fashion and into china, silverware, and hotel draperies.
The Legacy
Mr. Givenchy retired in 1995 after more than 40 years of innovative fashion design.
He left his house in the capable hands of some of fashion’s most well-known names. After his retirement, John Galliano, Alexander McQueen, Julien MacDonald, and Riccardo Tisci all took the reins at the house of Givenchy for a time.
The current chief designer is Clare Waight Keller. She is the first woman to take on the role.
Own Your Piece of the Givenchy House of Fashion
If you love the story of Givenchy or think his designs are stunning, isn’t it time you owned a piece of this iconic house of fashion for yourself?
You can with a pair of sneakers, separates, or the iconic little black dress.
Check out our other articles and learn a bit more about history from all over the world.