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.
Givenchy Resort 2016 Mini Shark Tooth Gray Leather Satchel Bag
By Givenchy
Located in Port Saint Lucie, FL
Authentic, preowned Givenchy Mini Shark Tooth Top Handle Satchel from the Resort 2016 collection. Crafted in light gray grained leather, this structured min...
Givenchy Antigona Small Black Calfskin Leather Top Handle bag with Strap
By Givenchy
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Givenchy Antigona Small Black Calfskin Leather Top Handle bag with Strap These are professional photos of the actual bag offered by Luxbags. ...
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...
Gucci Black Leather Top Handle Bag Handbag Satchel
By Gucci
Located in Rome, Rome
Made in smooth black leather, this Gucci Black LeatherTop Handle Bag Handbag Satchel presents a solid pattern that enhances its versatile, classic appeal. Its medium size is perfect ...
Givenchy Shark Black Grained Leather Clutch w/ Silver-tone Chain Detail & Strap
By Givenchy
Located in San Diego, CA
Givenchy Calfskin Shark Lock Chain Detail Clutch Iconic Shark Tooth Clasp: The defining feature is the signature silver-tone Shark Tooth turn-lock, adding a bold, edgy touch to its sleek silhouette. Versatile Design: It features a slim, detachable silver chain strap, allowing you to effortlessly transition from a chic clutch to a stylish shoulder bag. Structured Silhouette: The bag's rectangular, fold-over flap design provides a structured and timeless look that complements any formal or semi-formal attire. Crafted in Italy: Reflecting Givenchy’s heritage of excellence, this bag is a testament to high-end Italian craftsmanship. This chic bag is finely crafted of textured calfskin in black . It features a optional crossbody/shoulder silver chain strap and a flap with Givenchy shark tooth...
Dolce & Gabbana Miss Linda Saffiano Leather Bag
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in London, GB
Dolce & Gabbana Miss Linda Saffiano Leather Bag Black shoulder bag crafted from Saffiano leather with front flap and gold, branded push-lock closure buckle to the front. Featuring ...
Givenchy Black Leather Pandora Pure Flap Bag
By Givenchy
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Givenchy Black Leather Pandora Pure Flap Bag in excellent condition. Soft Black calfskin leather trimmed with silver hardware. Can be carried by top handle or with shoulder strap to ...
GIVENCHY dark taupe leather GV3 MEDIUM Shoulder Bag
By Givenchy
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Givenchy GV3 Medium shoulder bag in dark taupe grained calfskin with antique silber-tone hardware. The design features a detachable short cha...
1990s Gucci by Tom Ford bamboo handle Jackie bag with leather flap
By Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in Milano, Lombardia
1990s Gucci by Tom Ford bamboo handle Jackie bag with leather flap An elegant Jackie bag from Tom Ford's celebrated era at Gucci, featuring the iconic bamboo handle paired with a te...
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,...
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.
