Venerated French designer Hubert de Givenchy (1927–2018) made a splash with his first collection of mix-and-match separates in 1952, which launched his namesake fashion house, the clean lines and refined silhouettes of the pieces offering a contrast to the more structured shapes then dominating postwar women’s fashion. His roster of clients would eventually include Grace Kelly, Elizabeth Taylor and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, all of whom were drawn to the designer’s architecturally and materially simple dresses, handbags, shoes and other pieces that combined sensual femininity with elegance.
At the age of 17, Givenchy left his hometown of Beauvais, France, for Paris. There he studied drawing at the École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts and apprenticed for the houses of Jacques Fath, Robert Piguet, Lucien Lelong and Elsa Schiaparelli.
Givenchy earned his first high praise for the 1952 Bettina blouse, an embroidered, ruffle-sleeve linen shirt named for his publicist and model Bettina Graziani. The Givenchy label soon developed a following of fashion icons around the world, most notably Audrey Hepburn, who would serve as Givenchy’s muse for decades after they met in 1953. The couturier created pieces for many of her films, such as the iconic little black dress in Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961), as well as her personal life, including her wedding dress for her 1969 marriage to Andrea Dotti.
Givenchy formed a close friendship with his idol and mentor, Spanish designer Cristóbal Balenciaga, with whom he’d popularize such pieces as the sack dress, choosing looser forms over tailored ones. Throughout the decades, Givenchy expanded his empire to include fragrances, menswear, accessories and beauty lines.
In 1988, his house was acquired by luxury conglomerate LVMH. After Givenchy retired from fashion in 1995, he became an antiques expert, working with Christie’s and the Louvre, among other institutions. The brand then saw an impressive succession of head designers and artistic directors: John Galliano was the first to arrive, followed by Alexander McQueen, Julien Macdonald, Riccardo Tisci, Clare Waight Keller and Matthew M. Williams.
Today, the Givenchy brand, with its timeless fashions, continues to be a favorite of A-listers, including Cate Blanchett, Erykah Badu, Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande.
On 1stDibs, browse a collection of vintage Givenchy evening dresses, handbags, necklaces and other clothing and accessories today.
Black leather bag with double handle Givenchy
By Givenchy
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black leather bag ( crocodile aspect) with double handle. The longest handle is detachable and zipped on one side ( length: 60 cm) , the other is not ( length: 46 cm). Size: 50 cm...
Louis Vuitton Black Monogram Embossed Lambskin Coussin MM Hobo
By Louis Vuitton
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Louis Vuitton Black Monogram Embossed Lambskin Coussin MM Hobo SKU: 153161 MSRP: 5350.00 USD Condition: Pre-owned Handbag Condition: Very Good Condition Comments: Ite...
Givenchy Amazing Black Bag with Silver Studs
By Givenchy
Located in Milano, IT
Superb black Givenchy sack bag from the 2000s. The bag features a black nylon body embellished with silver-tone studs, shiny flat leather handles, a magnetic snap button top closure,...
Gucci Black Nylon GG Monogram Garment Hobo
By Gucci
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This Gucci travel garment hobo is beautifully crafted of sizable black Gucci monogram GG nylon. It has a sturdy leather trim and nylon shoulder strap with silver hardware. The top zi...
Gucci Jackie 1961 Medium Black Suede Leather Bag
By Gucci
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Gucci Jackie 1961 Medium Black Suede Leather Bag These are professional photos of the actual bag offered by Luxbags. CONDITION: VERY GOOD Very good condition with light sense of use ...
Gucci Black GG Canvas Hobo Shoulder Bag Tom Ford Era Vintage Y2K Leather
By Gucci, Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in San Jose, CA
Gucci black GG monogram canvas hobo shoulder bag from the coveted Tom Ford era. A timeless Y2K designer handbag with signature GG canvas, black leather trim, adjustable shoulder strap, oversized rectangular hardware, and zip top closure. The all-black colorway makes it easy to style while still feeling classic, collectible, and elevated. Perfect for fans of vintage Gucci, old Gucci, quiet luxury, archive fashion, and everyday designer handbags. Features: • Authentic Gucci • Black GG monogram canvas • Black leather trim • Adjustable shoulder strap • Wooden/metal hardware • Zip top closure • Interior zip pocket • Made in Italy • Tom Ford era Condition: Pre-owned with normal signs of use. Please review all photos carefully. Keywords: Gucci, Gucci bag, Gucci shoulder bag, Gucci hobo bag, Gucci GG canvas, Gucci monogram, Gucci canvas bag...
2000s Gucci Black GG Web Canvas Tote Bag / Shopper
By Gucci
Located in Arnhem, NL
A Gucci tote handbag/shopper made of black GG web canvas, with black leather trim, and light gold toned hardware. The interior is lined with black canvas, and next to the major compa...
Tory Burch Chain Strap Detailed Tote Bag in Black Leather
By Tory Burch
Located in Houston, TX
Make a statement with the Tory Burch Chain Strap Tote in black leather, featuring chic chain detailing for a modern, luxurious touch. Spacious yet stylish, it effortlessly carries yo...
GUCCI black leather BAMBOO HANDLE Hobo Shoulder Bag
By Gucci
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Gucci by Tom Ford Bamboo hobo bag in black pigskin leather featuring black bamboo handle. Lined in black suede with an attached pouch i...
Gucci Jackie Soft Large Black Leather Shoulder Bag With Strap
By Gucci
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Gucci Jackie Soft Large Black Leather Shoulder Bag With Strap These are professional photos of the actual bag offered by Luxbags. CONDITION: VERY GOOD Very good condition with light ...
Impeccably tailored and beautifully preserved, the piece will be cherished by a true fashion-phile.
There's a renewed appreciation for the era's aesthetic, perhaps most notably among millennials seeking authentic, easy style.
