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Givenchy

Maison Givenchy

The Separates collection debut

The Givenchy fashion house was founded in 1952 by Hubert de Givenchy. During the same year, the founder made a remarkable debut with his “Separates” collection, based on the idea that women could mix and match clothes rather than wear them as determined by the designer. In the production elegant blouses and light skirts combined architectural lines and simplicity. This was something very innovative and since then the brand has reached for the stars.

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Top model Bettina Graziani opens the “Separates” show wearing the famous “Bettina blouse”

Meeting Audrey Hepburn and Cristobal Balenciaga

In the summer of 1953, the designer met Audrey Hepburn: it was the beginning of a long collaboration and deep friendship.  When the cinematic star wore the Givenchy’s Little Black Dress, his name became forever associated with the Sabrina neckline. Moreover, Hepburn became the designer’s muse and accompanied him in inventing a style that would redefine the canons of beauty.

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Audrey Hepburn wearing Givenchy’s Little Black Dress in Sabrina (1954)

When Cristobal Balenciaga took over later, the brand went for a younger approach. In fact, the sack dress or chemise, which was considered revolutionary, was introduced during his period.

After more than ten years, in 1969, was launched The “Givenchy Gentleman” line. The collection became a landmark in the world of men’s fashion.

The successors of Hubert de Givenchy

LVMH obtained the house of Givenchy in 1988 and the company fell into a sort of decline during that period. In the end, Hubert de Givenchy retired in 1995. Subsequently, he was succeeded by some of the fashion world’s greatest creative talents, including John Galliano, Alexander McQueen, Julien MacDonald, Riccardo Tisci and Clare Waight Keller.

Riccardo Tisci saved the day when he took on the reigns in 2005. He celebrated his 10th anniversary at the label on September 2015 with a show for the industry and more than 800 spectator.

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A model presents a creation from the Givenchy spring/summer 2016 collection during New York Fashion Week

Tisci departed the label in 2017, gaving his place to Clare Waight Keller who spent three years at the house focused on Givenchy’s haute couture atelier and notably designed Megan Markle’s royal wedding gown as 29 million people watched.

Sketches of Meghan Markle’s Wedding Dress

In 2020, the game has changed and the ball is now in the court of Matthew M. Williams, the founder of the cult street culture brand Alyx and a key figure in the luxury streetwear scene. 

The American designer marks a significant shift in the brand’s creative direction. A self-taught designer, Williams brings to the House attention to detail, as well as an intuitive understanding of tailoring, technology and integrity in fashion. His talent make him the ideal steward to advance Givenchy’s legacy in a modern way.

Spring 2022 collection presented by Matthew M. Williams

 

 

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