Givenchy: Luxury Fashion and Perfume House
Givenchy is a prestigious French empire that is internationally renowned for its luxury fashion and expertly crafted fragrances and perfumes. Founded by Hubert de Givenchy in 1952, the brand has since amassed a loyal fanbase of fashion aficionados, trend-setters and beauty products lovers alike. In 2020, Givenchy was sold to Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy (LVMH), signalling an exciting future for the iconic French brand.
History of Givenchy
Hubert de Givenchy founded his fashion house in 1952, setting the stage for one of the most widely esteemed luxury fashion houses of the twentieth century. Born in 1927 to an aristocratic family, Hubert de Givenchy realized early in life that his true calling was working within the fashion industry. After training with some of the world’s leading couturiers, Hubert opened up his own boutique at the age of 24 and Givenchy quickly became renowned for its classic, yet modern, clothing and clothing lines.
Givenchy’s early designs were unique in the fashion industry at that time. By removing the strong visuals that are associated with fashion and by removing any overt product placement in his designs — as was often done in the 1950s — Hubert de Givenchy developed a unique style that gained quick international acclaim. His designs provided a balance between tradition and modernity, which captivated many of his audience.
Givenchy’s signature style was soon noticeable on the world’s most famous celebrities, from blockbusters to red carpet affairs, making it one of the most sought after fashion labels of the decade.
Givenchy and the Art of Perfume Making
Whilst fashion has become the house’s main concern, perfumery is another art form that Givenchy are known for. Since its launch in 1957, the perfumery has created a library of iconic perfumes, with each scent standing out as a statement piece. The fragrances reflect the impeccable taste of Hubert de Givenchy, with the perfumery always providing something that shines through modern times.
The unisex range called ‘L’Interdit’, meaning forbidden in French, was released in 1957. It was the first creation of the perfumery, and it quickly became a classic. The scent consists of a combination of sweet and earthy notes, with an intense base of patchouli and vetiver. This unique fragrance was not just a fragrance release, but a full-advertising campaign as it stirred quite a public debate as well.
The women’s presentation also had a luxurious start, with the release of the famous fragrance ‘Organza’ in 1994. It was the colour of luxury, with a blend of floral and woody notes, whilst being tied up with a strong bow of jasmine. The head of the fragrance division at Givenchy was able to convey the essence of the Parisian fashion house through scent, creating an unforgettable fragrance.
Since 1994, Givenchy has added new fragrances to its collection, both under the feminine and masculine ranges. The house saw a great success with hot perfume releases such as ‘Very Irresistible’ or ‘Gentleman Only’, but also with the iconoclastic ‘Play for her’ or ‘Play for him’ which saw the now-iconic silhouette of a vinyl player in its bottle.
Today, the Fragrance division at Givenchy consists of over 80 items, ranging from individual fragrances, gift sets and samplers amongst many others.
Givenchy and Its Luxury Fashion Collection
Givenchy’s signature style has been astonishingly consistent since its inception, as the house never fails to mix traditional design with modern elements and always takes into account its audience’s expectations.
The fashion house has recently released a large catalogue of clothing and accessories, including everything from urban streetwear, jackets and trousers to t-shirts, ladieswear and more. Additionally, in 2007, Givenchy launched their line of luxury handbags and shoes, and since then, the brand has seen a steady increase in their bag and shoe collections.
Givenchy’s iconic style is evident in every clothing piece — from the signature black and white houndstooth print, to the vibrant red and gold prints that adorn much of their accessories ranges. The fashion house has also been known to collaborate with a large number of high fashion celebrities, such as Alexander Wang in 2017 or teams up with Japanese fashion icon Nigo in 2010 and 2014, creating unique and exclusive collections each year.
Celebrities Adoring Givenchy
Givenchy is one of the few fashion empires that’s able to boast an impressive list of celebrities endorsing the brand. From Hollywood actors, to singers and British Royals — given the brand nearly legendary reach.
Actress and Icon Audrey Hepburn was one of Givenchy’s earliest fans. She was seen wearing unique pieces from the fashion house throughout the 1950s and 60s, with the most famous piece being the ‘Little Black Dress’ for the movie ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’. The dress remains one of the house’s most iconic pieces.
From pop-sensation Rihanna to the British Monarchy’s Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle, Givenchy continues to be the go-to choice for red carpet events and glamorous shoots. Since it took over the fashion house in 2017, LVMH has been able to ensure the brand’s continuous popularity, whilst providing its audiences with much-needed quality and pride.
Givenchy’s Eternal Legacy
Hubert de Givenchy’s work, beliefs and ideas were the foundation of the house’s success. He believed in tradition, but he had the ability to mix that with modern elements and a vision for the future of fashion. This has allowed the house to stand the test of time and remain one of the world’s most renowned and influential fashion empires — from the 1950s all the way to the 2020s.
Givenchy’s unparalleled fashion sense and the skill in the art of perfumery ensures the house will enjoy the customers’ affections for many years to come. Its refusal to go against the times has become its signature element, making it unique and powerful in the highly competitive fashion industry. As Hubert de Givenchy left us in 2018, his legacy lives on through his house.
