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.
1980s Angelo Tarlazzi Shocking Hot Pink Avant Garde Silk Shantung Vintage Dress
By Angelo Tarlazzi
Located in San Diego, CA
Avant Garde 80s vintage ANGELO TARLAZZI shocking hot pink silk shantung strapless dress! Features the perfect vibrant hot pink color on the fin...
NWT Givenchy Spring 2020 Size 34 / 2 - 4 Hot Pink Fuchsia Silk Belted Blouse Top
By Givenchy
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic brand new with store tags GIVENCHY S/S 2020 by Clare Waight Keller hot pink silk shirt ! Features an attached tie belt. Asymmetrical hem. Velvet details at each puff sleeve. Sim...
1970s Janice Wainwright Raspberry Pink Belted Vintage 70s Wool Midi Dress
By Janice Wainwright
Located in San Diego, CA
Amazing late 70s JANICE WAINWRIGHT raspberry pink long dolman sleeve wool felt midi dress ! Fabric covered buttons at left shoulder, and hidden zipper up the side. Pockets at each si...
Nina Ricci Spring 2013 Hot Pink Gown Lace Back Velvet Bow Dress Size 34 2 / 4
By Nina Ricci
Located in San Diego, CA
Make an unforgettable entrance in this striking hot pink gown from Nina Ricci’s coveted Spring/Summer 2013 runway collection, designed by the brilliant Peter Copping. Bold yet romant...
1970s Emilio Pucci Silk Jersey Hot Pink Long Sleeve Vintage 70s Dress
By Emilio Pucci
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful 1970s EMILIO PUCCI silk jersey dress ! Features vibrant colors of hot pink, light pink, grey, black and white throughout. Signature kaleidoscope print. V-neck bodice with a flowy skirt...
Vintage Mary McFadden Couture 1980s Pink Fortuny Pleated Cocktail 80s Dress
By Mary McFadden
Located in San Diego, CA
Based on the measurements, I would describe this as approximately a modern US 8–10, with the pleated construction providing considerably more ease through the bust and especially the...
Vintage 1960's Pink Silk Dress and Matching Cape Ostrich Feather UK 12 US 8
Located in Nashville, TN
A classic silhouette rendered in a tickle me pink matelasse satin, with matching ostrich feather accents, this original 1960's dress and capelet set, completed with matching silk sho...
1970s Pauline Trigere Fuchsia Silk Faille Evening Gown with Balloon Sleeves
By Pauline Trigère
Located in Gresham, OR
A gorgeous 1970s Pauline Trigere fuchsia fine silk faille evening gown with deep "V" neckline, a Renaissance styled pointed waistline, full pleated skirt and large ballooned 3/4 leng...
GIVENCHY c.1990's Haute Couture Fuchsia Pink Leopard Print Velvet Evening Dress
By Givenchy
Located in Thiensville, WI
DESCRIPTION: GIVENCHY c.1990's Haute Couture Fuchsia Pink Leopard Print Velvet Evening Dress Circa: c.1990’s Label(s): Givenchy; 72310 (Haute Couture numb...
80s Oscar De La Renta Magenta Pink Silk Gown with Ruffle Collar
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Vintage Oscar De la renta magenta pink silk gown with billowy sleeves and ruffle collar. Perfect for cocktail party or Black tie event. Bust 34” Waist: 27”
Vintage Givenchy Couture Magenta Silk Chevron Sleeveless Ruffle Bow Dress
By Givenchy
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Best known for his high-end, feminine silhouettes, French haute couture designer Hubert de Givenchy rose to international acclaim during the 1960s by creating signature looks for actress Audrey Hepburn. Maintaining a classic romantic elegance to his designs, Givenchy began experimenting with bolder colors and pattern options around the 1980s. Done in a vibrant magenta silk organza, this couture dress was custom made at the Givenchy atelier in Paris. The dress features an incredible cascade of ruffles at each shoulder and a subtle chevron pattern done in alternating rows of smooth silk and basket woven silk. The woven silk provides contrast and texture while the chevron pattern itself creates a pleasing rhythm throughout. The bodice begins with a flattering bateau neckline framed by short sleeves comprised of layers of wide, undulating ruffles. The ruffles are adorned at each shoulder with a large knotted bow for extra flair and femininity that flows seamlessly with the rest of the fabric. The bows are set slightly behind the high front ruffle on each shoulder, making them easy to miss at first glance, but delightful when seen from the side profile or back of the dress. The basket woven silk provides a sheer element to the ruffles that is further enhanced by the lower cut bodice at the back of the dress. Size estimate: Small/Medium Bust: 32 inches Waist: 30 inches Hips: 37 inches Length: 55 inches The bodice is finished with princess seams that reach from the bust to hip, complimenting the subtle A-line silhouette of this dress. The skirt falls to a maxi-length just above the ankles in a straight hem that is semi-formal and perfect for showcasing a beautiful pair of heels. Sophisticated and feminine, this dress is the perfect choice for a summer wedding, gala, or special occasion. This custom-couture Givenchy...
Giambattista Valli Hot Pink Silk Ruffled Gown with Lace Shoulders and Black Bow
By Giambattista Valli
Located in London, England
Giambattista Valli Hot Pink Silk Ruffled Gown with Lace Shoulders and Black Bow. Size 38 - Ruffled long sleeves silk gown in hot pink with black...
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.
