The Fascinating Story of Givenchy: From Parisian Elegance to International Luxury

Givenchy... There are names, words, like that, which sound like fashion no-brainers.

Or rather, fashion icons: Givenchy and Audrey; Givenchy and the little black dress; Givenchy and its elegance, revisited and modernized over the years by various artistic directors; Hubert de Givenchy, also and above all, its founder. A multifaceted brand where past and present have always blended to create the future.

And knowing the history of such an iconic brand, when you're a fashion-conscious parent, will allow you to share it with your family and pass it on to your children. A look back at the key moments that made Givenchy, a story to share with the family.

The Beginnings of Givenchy: The Birth of a Fashion Legend

The story begins when Hubert de Givenchy, then 17 years old, leaves his hometown of Beauvais to settle in Paris. Initially destined for a career as a lawyer, Hubert questions his future after encountering the creations of Cristobal Balenciaga. After attending the Fine Arts school, he begins his apprenticeship with Jacques Fath and Lucien Lelong, and later with Elsa Schiaparelli. He is only 24 when he starts his career as a designer. Thanks to his feminine silhouettes, he quickly stands out, and two years later, in 1952, the Givenchy adventure begins.

By emphasizing pure lines, delicate silhouettes, and a blend of modernity and classicism, the brand quickly becomes synonymous with Parisian elegance and refinement. And it’s by creating iconic pieces like the "little black dress" worn by Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s that Hubert de Givenchy shapes the image of timeless fashion.

A fashion that transcends the decades through its style but also through the craftsmanship associated with it. Early on, Givenchy distinguished itself with the excellence of its tailoring and the use of exceptionally high-quality fabrics. What movie lover doesn't remember the beautiful suit worn by Audrey Hepburn during the filming of Sabrina?

This love for craftsmanship was also applied in another field: perfume, a sector still young for major fashion houses at the time.

The Muses and Collaborations That Shaped Givenchy’s History

From Paris to Hollywood, Givenchy has successfully partnered with celebrities from all walks of life, from the iconic Audrey Hepburn to more modern figures like Zendaya and Kendall Jenner. These collaborations have allowed the brand to remain relevant and influential in a world where celebrities play a key role in spreading brand values. Here are some key personalities:

Audrey Hepburn, the first and most iconic muse of the Givenchy house. From haute couture creations to the L'Interdit fragrance, Hepburn embodies the timeless elegance of the house and remains to this day one of the most associated faces with Givenchy.

Jackie Kennedy, the former First Lady of the United States, wore the brand during her official travels, but her relationship with Hubert de Givenchy deepened after he designed a gown for John F. Kennedy’s inaugural ball in 1961.

Grace Kelly, known for her royal allure and refinement, perfectly represented the elegance Givenchy sought to embody in his creations.

Lady Gaga, very close to Tisci, wore the brand on several major occasions, including the Grammy Awards and the Met Gala. Lady Gaga once again embodies the boldness and creativity that marked the Tisci era at Givenchy. The same goes for Rihanna, who has been seen numerous times wearing pieces from the house, notably at major ceremonies or in her music videos.

Rooney Mara was chosen to be the ambassador for the L'Interdit fragrance during its reissue in 2018. Her delicate silhouette and mysterious image perfectly matched the spirit of the fragrance, while paying homage to the original version launched by Audrey Hepburn.

Kendall Jenner became the ambassador for Givenchy in 2016, for both the prêt-à-porter collections and the Givenchy Live Irrésistible fragrance. Her youthful, dynamic, and influential image helped strengthen the brand's appeal to a younger, more cosmopolitan audience. Just like Gigi and Bella Hadid, who were also key in Givenchy's appeal to younger generations and participated in numerous advertising campaigns, especially under the direction of Clare Waight Keller.

Finally, Cara Delevingne, with her personality and androgynous look, embodies rebellious youth and a liberated form of femininity that perfectly aligns with the creative spirit of the Givenchy house, both past and present.

Givenchy Today: Between Tradition and Innovation, a "New Elegance"

As you can now understand, elegance is the common thread linking the Givenchy of today to that of its founder Hubert de Givenchy. An elegance born in Paris, yet continuously renewed, revisited, and twisted by various artistic directors. More or less faithful to the brand according to Hubert, each has left their mark, influencing collections, the brand's image, and the audience it targets.

And what about the Givenchy child?

Combining sophistication with a youthful spirit, it is a child who challenges the status quo with boldness and creates a style that is all its own. For him or her, it is not only about fashion, but above all about self-expression with looks that scream individuality. Not afraid to experiment, he or she has an innate sense of luxury and isn't afraid to mix streetwear elements with more classic garments. He or she embodies the brand's style, originating from combinations as unexpected as they are marvelous.

The Influence of Givenchy on Fashion and Culture

From the timeless elegance of its creations to its role in the emancipation of femininity and its relationship with cinema and popular culture, Hubert de Givenchy redefined fashion codes while staying true to his idea of simple, pure sophistication. His house remains a symbol of the French art of living and continues to influence designers, artists, and celebrities worldwide. Key takeaways include:

First, the Givenchy style – elegant and simple, with clean lines, impeccable cuts, and high-quality materials. Also central to this style is the relationship with Audrey Hepburn, one of the brand's most iconic collaborations (and one of fashion history's most iconic partnerships), with some of the actress's most memorable looks, especially in films like Sabrina (1954), Diamonds Are Forever (1961), and Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961).

Next, the Givenchy look and post-war fashion – in a time when fashion was marked by very structured silhouettes, influenced by Christian Dior’s haute couture and his famous “New Look,” Givenchy introduced more fluid shapes, with dresses and suits that were more relaxed and went against the trends of the time. Hubert was able to modernize the haute couture legacy while creating more accessible and less restrictive pieces, inspiring a new generation of designers and influencing the evolution of feminine silhouettes in the 1950s and 1960s.

While Givenchy is primarily associated with women's fashion, Hubert de Givenchy also played a significant role in the evolution of men’s fashion, creating lines and accessories that emphasized discreet elegance, tailored cuts, and timelessness. This vision of men’s fashion influenced designers like Hedi Slimane and Riccardo Tisci, who continued to develop the idea of the elegant man, but always more relaxed and modern.

Finally, beyond the runways, Givenchy also left its mark on popular culture, especially in films and high-society events. The brand's impact was also felt in how film stars, aristocrats, and high society figures adopted the house’s creations. Givenchy was one of the first designers to use celebrities as promotional tools, strengthening the association between fashion, fame, and social power.

Today, Givenchy continues to have a major influence on fashion. Under the recent creative direction of Sarah Burton, a new era is unfolding for the brand, which, despite its changes in artistic leadership, remains and will always be a guarantee of quality and timeless elegance for everyone, from the youngest (Givenchy baby dress) to the oldest!

In Summary

Audrey or the Birth of the Givenchy Style: By partnering early on with fashion and cinema icon Audrey Hepburn, the brand quickly became synonymous with Parisian elegance and refinement.

Perfume or How the Olfactory Offer Became a True “Accessory” for Fashion Customers, thus democratizing access to luxury.

A Redefinition of Fashion and Culture in General: From the timeless elegance of its creations to its role in the emancipation of femininity, to its relationship with cinema and popular culture.

A New Elegance Continuously Renewed with Each Artistic Director and Over the Years.

Ultimately, a brand in which the past and present have always blended to create the future, remaining relevant for modern families, parents, and children.

Discover Givenchy children's clothing collections on Kids Around.

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