Apr 26, 20212 min read

Givenchy: history of the brand

Givenchy is a French brand that is best-known for making haute-couture clothing, perfumes, accessories and cosmetics as well. Started in 1952 by French designer Hubert de Givenchy, the house of Givenchy is a member of the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture et du Pret-a-Porter and is owned by the LVMH luxury group.

History of the house

10 years before the heroine of "Breakfast at Tiffany" Holly Golightly stood on Fifth Avenue in the famous Givenchy dress and snacked on croissants and coffee, the fashionable genius of the 20th century Hubert de Givenchy began to make his dream come true - to open his own fashion house. The French aristocrat fulfilled his cherished wish in 1952 by opening an atelier on the Rue Alfred de Vigny near the Arc de Triomphe. A little later that same year, he presented the first collection with an iconic piece, which was the white Bettina blouse with ruffles on the sleeves. The couturier was inspired by the most famous model of the time, Bettina Graziani, and she showed the blouse on the catwalk. Givenchy's debut received a standing ovation from the audience. "A Star is Born," announced "The New York Times". At the same time, the American magazine "Time" dedicated four pages to Givenchy with the headline "The New Name of Paris." It was a success.

In 1953, the designer met actress Audrey Hepburn and created several outfits for her for the film "Sabrina", which later received an Oscar for costumes. The collaboration marked the beginning of a 40-year close friendship between the couturier and Hepburn. The actress became his main muse. He dressed her in everyday life and in the movies - remember at least the legendary dresses in the films "Funny Face" and "Breakfast at Tiffany's".

Among his famous clients were Marlene Dietrich, Elizabeth Taylor, Princess Grace Kelly of Monaco, Wallis Simpson, Duchess of Windsor, and Jacqueline Kennedy, wife of the 35th President of the United States.