The amazing fabric and proponent of simplicity that is inherent to this brand continues to influence red carpets and runways
If there is at least one place in the world where subtle romance mixes with fabulous luxury, riveting history and plush art, it would definitely be France, the centre of pageantry and fashion. In the very heart of the country, in Paris, there is the fashion house that represents the main peculiarities and beliefs of this gripping country – the House of Givenchy.
It stands out in at the background of other brands by its aristocratism, expensive materials and inimitability in its beauty design. In addition to that, Givenchy was the first designer who began creating his models not only for fashion shows but also for mass production. Thus, he was the first one to use the term ‘Prêt-à-Porter’. As a result, the 50s – 60s years were called ‘The era of Givenchy’.
The Way to Success
The House of Givenchy was founded in 1952 by Hubert de Givenchy, a young gifted designer who was only 25 years old at that moment. Since that moment Givenchy is recognised throughout the world as one of the best fashion standards due to its history, taste and unique French charm. His first Autumn-Winter collection of 1952 – 1953 marked the starting point for the triumph of the then young and promising brand.
Because of the lack of money, his first collection was made out of men’s white shirt material. Still it didn’t stop it from gaining success and recognition. In 1957, genius Hubert Givenchy together with the irresistible Audrey Hepburn launched a perfume line called L`Interdit.
It caused a sensation in the fashion world symbolising the extreme sophistication and overwhelming desire that were both typical for the famous actress and for the new fragrance. The first clothes line for men, Gentlemen Givenchy, was launched in 1969, marking the moment when Givenchy became popular not only among women but also among men.
The famous Givenchy logo soaked with a deep symbolism of number 4 was created by Pierre Dinand in 1970. Hard work, strict order, eternal loyalty and indisputable solidity are the life mottos that the brand is guided by. In 1989 the brand started producing cosmetics, thus becoming even closer to the beauty industry. A wonderful Givenchy spa was opened in 1991 in an attempt to bring more comfort and beauty to women’s lives.
Currently the brand belongs to the luxury group LVMH. Kenzo, Dior, Emilio Pucci and Louis Vuitton are also some of the successful and prestigious fashion brands of this conglomerate.
Givenchy continues to create new milestones in the world of fashion under the able leadership of Riccardo Tisci, as the brand’s Creative Director. Tisci took over the reigns of the company and replaced Monsieur Givenchy when he had retired.
Under his guidance, Givenchy continues the tradition of of making breathtaking clothes, perfume and accessories. Riccardo Tisci is also credited with the launch of new products under the brand, that keep in step with time including necessary accessories such as eyewear.
Searching for his Muse
There’s no secret that such a special and successful brand had to be inspired by someone remarkable and affluent as well. When Hubert de Givenchy was 26, he met the woman who probably changed his life forever. She didn’t become his wife or his lover. However, she became his closest friend and his preferred muse.
It was no surprise that she therefore escalated to becoming one of the most important women in his life. Presidents’ wives, duchesses and queens considered it an honour to get their dresses and accessories at Givenchy but he created his chefs d’oeuvres devoting them only to one woman. Her name was Audrey Hepburn.
She came to him being a young unknown American actress looking for some suitable costumes for her character in the movie ‘Sabrina’. Subsequently this movie received only one Oscar – for costumes. Later on Hubert de Givenchy confessed he considered Audrey to be an ideal image of the woman he wanted to create dresses for.
The mere mention of the name Audrey Hepburn brings back an image of a beautiful lady wearing a long black dress and beautiful pearls. Of course, Audrey Hepburn reached out to many in her enchanting avatar as the uptown girl in ‘Breakfast At Tiffany’s’.
However, in addition to her acting, it was also her outfit that completed her beautiful look. The popularity that she achieved also helped Givenchy get more prominence. It’s even hard to understand who did a better favour: Audrey for Hubert or Hubert for Audrey.
Still, Audrey was not the only person who chose Givenchy among all other designers. Jacqueline Kennedy, Grace Kelly, Greta Garbo and Elizabeth Taylor also declared their love to Givenchy wearing his dresses and accessories.
Givenchy Eyewear
Givenchy doesn’t need flashy elements or unusual decoration to create an unforgettable impression. As Hubert de Givenchy is known to have always said, the truth is concealed in simplicity.
Even after the founder of the fashion house retired, the brand decided not to betray his beliefs. That’s the reason you will hardly find some loud details on the Givenchy eyewear. This is perhaps the most distinguished trait of this brand. One can only wonder how it is possible to make such superb eyewear so simple. Or quite the contrary: such simple eyewear – so superb.
Every Givenchy eyewear collection demonstrates the brand’s high fashion history that is beautifully concealed in intricate details. Exquisite frames, materials of a high-quality, firm glass and attention even to the smallest things speak for themselves: this connection can’t be overestimated in any whit.
In terms of the new Givenchy Spring – Summer 2016 Eyewear Collection, everyone can find something special, expressive and significant for themselves in it. Amongst the brand’s many offerings, some of the noteworthy eyewear frames are: Rave, Style, Icon and Star.
Rave sunglasses are for sporty, bold and young-at-heart who aren’t afraid to express themselves. Bright colours, mixed materials and smooth architectural lines are those features that help Rave glasses stand out as an impressive piece of art.
Thus, the Givenchy model called ‘Visor’ is a vigorous representative of the Rave frames being a great example of retro style connecting with post-modernism. Givenchy ‘Bridges’ is another example of Rave eyewear. Similar to Visor, they are bright and interesting and therefore an excellent choice for those who are eager to express their individuality.
Style, another type of eyewear frames, is thought to be an avant-garde and architecture-inspired range of products. The eyewear looks provocative and teasing, hence it’s sure to catch the eye of the modern day fashion lover.
For instance, Givenchy GV0006/S shows the toughness and vigour while yet being refined and elegant with a studded touch on its frame. These sunglasses and optical frame feature metal studs on the top profile of the front and the temples, subtly visible on the defined yet faceted volumes.
If you’re looking for an eyewear fashion icon, look at the Givenchy eyewear of the same name. Icon is described as a refined frame combining Givenchy DNA and current trends. Thus, Givenchy Havana Eyewear represents animal prints combined with a graceful frame and lenses of the highest quality. Truly a treat for the fashion lover!
Star is the kind of frames that don’t need to be seen and are worth admiring. They seem to be simple as well as are described as timeless shapes featuring the iconic ‘star’ detail. Black frame and black lenses are decorated with little silver star elements that rivet people’s attention.
Another example of these frames, Givenchy ‘Facets, deserves admiration because of the successful combination of a white frame and dark lenses proving that opposites do attract.
Expressing its willingness to experiment, Givenchy created Mink sunglasses. They are the type of product that connects two contrasts: summer and winter, sun and snow, warmth and cold. In addition to that, the Mink part is removable, that’s why you get two different pairs of glasses instead of one.
Inspired by the conceptual leanings of its founder, every Givenchy product continues to be infused with keen precision and imagination that sets it apart from the others.
Timeline
1952: Hubert de Givenchy founded the brand
1953: The designer meets his muse Audrey Hepburn and creates dresses for her
1954: Givenchy presented its first shirt dress
1969: Gentleman Givenchy, the brand’s fashion line for men is introduced
1971: Givenchy introduced embroidered coats in honour of Georges Braque and Joan Miró
1976: Givenchy arrives in New York
1979: Hubert de Givenchy was elected the personality of the year
1988: Givenchy joined LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton
2005: Riccardo Tisci takes over the reigns of the womenswear segment as artistic director
2012: A lot of famous actresses wear dresses by Givenchy at the prestigious Academy Awards
