Givenchy

Born in Beauvais, France in 1927 Hubert James Taffin de Givenchy grew to become one of the most famous fashion designers and perfume creators of his time. Right from the beginning Givenchy reveals his love for the world of fashion design and style. From the early young age of 10 he goes to the World’s Fair in Paris where he was about to experience the marvel at the Pavilion of Elegance, at which 30 fashion models of the most renowned French couture houses were displayed on the runway. From that moment a vision is placed in his thoughts and soul, he was going to become a fashion style designer.

After France’s liberation from the German’s, Hubert de Givenchy relocates to Paris and starts learning with Jacques Fath. He later carries on his education with the direction and support of Robert Piquet and afterwards turns into Lucien Lelong’s associate, taking the position Christian Dior left in 1947. In that year Elsa Schiaparelli assigns Givenchy the administration of her store on Place Vendome, at which he will devote for nearly five years.

Hubert de Givenchy’s vision will eventually materialize on the 2nd of February 1952, when he starts his own private Maison de Couture at No.8, rue Alfred de Vigny on the Monceau Plain. He introduces his first selection that makes an instant success. At the time Bettina Graziani, serving as model and press representative of the house, turns into the brand’s star symbol, and Givenchy designed for her the famed –Bettina Blouse-.

When the young fashion designer connects with Audrey Hepburn, he instantly realizes that he has found the metamorphosis of his vision of perfect female beauty, making 1953 a transforming phase of his career. At this point starts a four decade long friendly relationship in the course of which the celebrity will come to be the house’s representative. Movies featuring star Hepburn like Breakfast At Tiffany’s, Sabrina or Funny Face present Givenchy’s persona of sophisticated style all over the globe.

At the time Hubert de Givenchy becomes close friends with Cristobal Balenciaga and deems him as his master. Balenciaga’s impact is found in the nature of countless Givenchy selections and is primarily apparent in the designer’s preference for organized minimal smart outfits.

Givenchy evolves into a leader in a number of areas, in 1954 he is the first fashion creator to introduce a luxurious series of women's ready-to-wear. His creations bring together classiness and timeless style with spirit and contemporary fashion. The famous "Separates" in 1952, the bag-dress in 1955, the funneled collar jacket in 1958, the enveloped gowns in 1966, and the clothing made of imprinted fabrics inspired by Miro, Matisse or Christian Berard in the 1980’s are just a few of his most unique styles.

During the years the Givenchy brand name varied its functions and in 1973 we have a landmark year, as Givenchy enters the world of men’s clothing, with the release of the "Gentleman Givenchy" series. The company furthermore grows its distribution network worldwide to several nations, especially to Asia and to the USA.

Following Monsieur de Givenchy's retirement in 1995, the 3 times chosen "Designer of the Year" by the British Fashion Council John Galliano, graduate of London's St Martin's School of Art, is positioned as new designer for Givenchy's Haute-couture and luxury ready-to-wear collections. The following year In October 1996, Alexander McQueen another graduate of London’s St Martin’s School of Art, Is designated to succeed him.

At the age of 28 Julien Macdonald, arrives at GIVENCHY after starting his own company in 1997. He is dubbed Artistic Director for Women In March 2001. From this position, Macdonald run’s and supervises the development for Haute-Couture, women’s ready-to-wear and accessories. Before his new position, he was chief knitwear designer at Chanel Couture. Despite the fact that he initially dreamed of becoming an actor, he discovered his love for textiles and signed up at the Brighton University and went on to receive a Master of Arts at the Royal college of Art.

French luxury group LVMH -Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton- acquired Givenchy In 1987 and turned it into a section of the luxury giant together with its additional esteemed houses among them Christian Lacroix, Christian Dior, Louis Vuitton and Celine.

Givenchy’s aromas are developed to express a broad array of feelings. Ysatis scent was introduced in 1984, Perfume Amarige in 1991 and five years later in 1996 we have Organza, all of them with wide acceptance. Collection Very Irresistible Givenchy, introduced in 2003 and advertised by actress Liv Tyler, brings together both female beauty and daringness in a one exceptional fragrance. Ange Ou Demon scent is referred to by the house as "an exceptional fragrance between dream and extreme refinement". In 1959 we have the debut of Givenchy's first men's fragrance collection with Monsieur de Givenchy cologne. Other aromas succeeded, with Givenchy Gentleman in 1975, Xeryus in the 1980s, and Pi in the 1990s. Blue Label cologne for men, a more "comfortable" version of Givenchy pour Homme, is a clean, energetic, aroma designed for the dynamic man. The Dior Homme Cologne series has numerous seasonal releases to this day.