Givenchy

Givenchy is a French luxury fashion and perfume house founded in Paris in 1952 by Hubert de Givenchy. The house began with a distinctive interpretation of modern haute couture: elegant, relatively relaxed silhouettes, expressive blouses, separates, and innovative use of inexpensive raw cotton during its first collection. Its early success established Hubert de Givenchy as one of the leading designers of the postwar period, while the house’s association with Audrey Hepburn gave it an enduring place in fashion and film history. Hepburn wore Givenchy in films including Sabrina, Funny Face, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Charade, and How to Steal a Million, and also adopted the designer’s clothing in her personal life. The brand developed beyond couture into ready-to-wear, menswear, accessories, fragrances, cosmetics, eyewear, footwear, jewelry, home-related products, and licensing activities. In 1954, Givenchy presented an early shirt dress and subsequently developed the sack dress, while its Givenchy Université line became an important early example of luxury ready-to-wear produced by a haute couture designer. Menswear arrived in 1969 under the Gentleman Givenchy name. During the 1970s, the company expanded its licensing and product scope, partly to support and protect the couture business. LVMH acquired Givenchy in 1988. Hubert de Givenchy remained the central creative figure until his retirement in 1995, after which the house appointed a succession of designers, including John Galliano, Alexander McQueen, Julien Macdonald, Riccardo Tisci, Clare Waight Keller, Matthew Williams, and Sarah Burton. The post-founder period alternated between historic couture references and more contemporary, commercially oriented interpretations. Tisci, who led the house from 2005 to 2017, introduced a darker and more sensual visual language and increased Givenchy’s visibility through celebrity dressing and performance-costume collaborations. Waight Keller, the first woman to hold the house’s top creative position, oversaw womenswear, menswear, accessories, and haute couture and gained broad attention after designing Meghan Markle’s wedding gown in 2018. Williams brought a more industrial and street-influenced aesthetic from 2020 to 2023. Sarah Burton was appointed creative director in 2024. Her first Givenchy collection, presented in 2025, was described by fashion publications as an effort to reset the house by engaging with its heritage without simply repeating its Audrey Hepburn-era image. The current brand operates across haute couture, ready-to-wear, handbags, footwear, jewelry, accessories, fragrance, and beauty. Its positioning combines Parisian couture heritage, polished construction, recognizable house codes, and periodic shifts toward darker, youthful, or more contemporary design languages. Givenchy remains part of LVMH’s international luxury portfolio and sells through global boutiques, wholesale partners, digital channels, and beauty distribution.

Hubert de Givenchy established his own fashion house in Paris in 1952. His debut collection, Les Séparables, used airy skirts, voluminous blouses, and raw cotton shirting to present a fresh alternative to more formal postwar couture. The Bettina blouse, named after model Bettina Graziani, became an early signature. Givenchy's early work attracted critical attention and the support of influential models, while his friendship and professional relationship with Cristóbal Balenciaga helped shape his approach to proportion, structure, and controlled simplicity. In 1953, Givenchy met Audrey Hepburn, beginning one of the most important designer–actress partnerships in fashion history. He designed clothing for Hepburn's films and wardrobe, including Sabrina, Funny Face, Breakfast at Tiffany's, Charade, and How to Steal a Million. Their collaboration linked the house with an image of intelligent, elegant modernity and made Givenchy's designs highly visible beyond the couture salon. In 1954, the house presented an early shirt dress, and the sack dress followed in 1957. Givenchy also pioneered a luxury ready-to-wear model with Givenchy Université, produced in Paris using industrial equipment sourced from the United States. The house continued to diversify in the 1960s and 1970s. Givenchy launched men's fashion under the Gentleman Givenchy name in 1969 and expanded into shoes, jewelry, ties, tableware, upholstery, and other licensed categories. The designer also worked on interiors for Hilton hotels and created a design for the Continental Mark V automobile. Licensing allowed the business to broaden its commercial base while maintaining the prestige of the haute couture collections. LVMH acquired Givenchy in 1988. Hubert de Givenchy remained creatively involved until retiring in 1995. His departure began a succession of creative-director eras. John Galliano led the house briefly, followed by Alexander McQueen and Julien Macdonald. From 2000, the women's line was generally presented under the Givenchy name rather than Couture Givenchy, while Gentleman Givenchy was renamed Givenchy for men's fashion. Riccardo Tisci became responsible for the women's collections in 2005 and later oversaw the wider creative direction. He introduced a darker, romantic, and more sensual vocabulary, combining religious imagery, street references, tailoring, and dramatic eveningwear. His work expanded Givenchy's profile among musicians and celebrities, including collaborations with Madonna and frequent red-carpet appearances. Tisci left in 2017. Clare Waight Keller became artistic director in 2017 and was the first woman to hold the house's principal creative position. She directed women's and men's ready-to-wear, accessories, and haute couture. Her most prominent public commission was Meghan Markle's wedding gown in 2018. Waight Keller left in 2020, when Matthew Williams was appointed. Williams brought an edgier, industrial, and streetwear-informed sensibility associated with his work at 1017 ALYX 9SM. His tenure ended in 2023. Sarah Burton was appointed creative director in 2024. Her first collection for Givenchy was shown in March 2025 and was received as a renewed interpretation of the house's heritage, moving beyond a direct recreation of its historic Audrey Hepburn associations. Givenchy now combines couture, ready-to-wear, leather goods, footwear, accessories, fragrance, and beauty within LVMH's global luxury portfolio.

• 2025

  Burton's debut collection presented

  [1]Givenchyen.wikipedia.org

  Sarah Burton presented her first Givenchy collection, repositioning the house's heritage for a contemporary audience.

• 2024

  Sarah Burton appointed creative director

  [1]Givenchyen.wikipedia.org

  Sarah Burton was appointed to lead the house's creative direction.

• 2020

  Matthew Williams appointed

  [1]Givenchyen.wikipedia.org

  Matthew Williams became creative director, introducing a more industrial and street-influenced design direction.

• 2017

  Clare Waight Keller appointed

  [1]Givenchyen.wikipedia.org

  Clare Waight Keller became the first woman to serve as the house's principal artistic director.

• 2005

  Riccardo Tisci begins tenure

  [1]Givenchyen.wikipedia.org

  Riccardo Tisci took responsibility for Givenchy's women's collections and later its broader creative direction.

• 1995

  Hubert de Givenchy retires

  [1]Givenchyen.wikipedia.org

  The founder retired and the house entered a succession of post-founder creative-director periods.

• 1988

  Acquired by LVMH

  [1]Givenchyen.wikipedia.org

  LVMH acquired the Givenchy house, integrating it into its luxury-goods portfolio.

• 1969

  Men's line launched

  [1]Givenchyen.wikipedia.org

  Givenchy introduced men's fashion under the Gentleman Givenchy label.

• 1957

  Sack dress developed

  [1]Givenchyen.wikipedia.org

  The house developed the sack dress, an important example of Givenchy's relaxed silhouette.

• 1954

  Shirt dress introduced

  [1]Givenchyen.wikipedia.org

  Givenchy presented an early shirt dress, reinforcing the house's modern approach to couture construction.

Showing the 10 most recent.

High-end luxury fashion with Parisian couture heritage, refined tailoring, celebrity visibility, and a balance between elegance and contemporary edge.

• Fashion · 1952

  Haute couture

  Givenchy's couture activity represents the house's highest level of artisanal fashion and preserves its Parisian design heritage. The couture tradition is associated with controlled silhouettes, refined tailoring, eveningwear, and hand-finished construction. Successive creative directors have reinterpreted these codes through different approaches, from Hubert de Givenchy's elegant modernism to later designers' darker, more experimental, or more contemporary collections.

• Apparel · 1954

  Women's ready-to-wear

  Women's ready-to-wear translates Givenchy's couture vocabulary into seasonal collections intended for a broader luxury market. The line has included dresses, tailoring, blouses, knitwear, outerwear, and occasion pieces. Its identity has shifted across creative-director eras while retaining an emphasis on strong silhouettes, polished construction, and a dialogue between refined Parisian dressing and more contemporary cultural references.

• Apparel · 1969

  Men's ready-to-wear

  Initially introduced as Gentleman Givenchy in 1969, the men's business developed into a full Givenchy menswear line. It includes tailoring, casual clothing, outerwear, knitwear, footwear, and accessories. The men's collections have periodically moved between classic luxury tailoring and more modern, street-influenced design directions.

• Leather goods

  Antigona

  The Antigona is one of Givenchy's best-known handbag families. Its structured form, geometric construction, and practical capacity have made it a recognizable modern house accessory. The line has appeared in multiple sizes, materials, colors, and seasonal treatments, helping connect Givenchy's runway identity with a commercially important leather-goods category.

• Beauty

  Perfumes and beauty

  Givenchy's beauty activities include perfumes, makeup, and related cosmetics under Parfums Givenchy and Givenchy Beauty. Fragrance is a major extension of the fashion house's identity, with products spanning women's and men's scents and lines such as Gentleman Givenchy. Beauty products are distributed internationally through specialty retailers, department stores, boutiques, and digital channels.

• Accessories · 2001

  Eyewear and footwear

  Givenchy has expanded its accessories offer through eyewear and footwear, including licensed arrangements and collections connected to the main fashion business. These categories extend the house's visual codes into everyday luxury accessories and complement its ready-to-wear and leather-goods ranges.

• 2025Collier Schorr advertising work

  Global

  Collier Schorr was listed among the photographers working on Givenchy advertising during Sarah Burton's early period.

  Outcome. Helped establish a new image direction around Burton's debut.

  Source
• 2024Kacper Kasprzyk advertising work

  Global

  Kacper Kasprzyk was among the photographers associated with Givenchy advertising during the house's contemporary creative transition.

  Outcome. Supported the brand's updated visual communication.

  Source
• 2021Aespa ambassadorship

  South Korea · Asia-Pacific · Global

  Aespa became a Givenchy ambassador, linking the house to K-pop's international audience and making the group the first K-pop artist selected for the role by Givenchy.

  Outcome. Strengthened engagement with Asian and younger global luxury consumers.

  Source
• 2019Ariana Grande Fall/Winter campaign

  Global

  Givenchy selected Ariana Grande as the face of its fall and winter campaign, using a high-profile music celebrity to strengthen the house's contemporary cultural visibility.

  Outcome. Expanded celebrity-led visibility for the brand.

  Source

• 2024

  Appoint Sarah BurtonStrategy

  Background

  After Matthew Williams's departure, Givenchy required a new creative leader capable of reconnecting the brand with its couture heritage.

  Action taken

  Sarah Burton was appointed creative director.

  Aftermath

  Her first collection in 2025 was positioned as a contemporary reset of Givenchy's historic codes.

  Source

• 2020

  Appoint Matthew WilliamsStrategy

  Background

  Givenchy was seeking a new creative identity after Waight Keller's departure.

  Action taken

  Matthew Williams was appointed creative director for the house.

  Aftermath

  Williams introduced a more industrial and streetwear-influenced aesthetic before leaving at the end of 2023.

  Source

• 2017

  Appoint Clare Waight KellerStrategy

  Background

  Following Riccardo Tisci's departure, Givenchy sought a new creative direction for couture, ready-to-wear, and accessories.

  Action taken

  The house appointed Clare Waight Keller as artistic director.

  Aftermath

  Waight Keller became the first woman to lead Givenchy creatively and later designed Meghan Markle's wedding gown.

  Source

• 2001

  Expand licensed accessoriesStrategy

  Background

  Givenchy continued broadening its commercial reach beyond apparel.

  Action taken

  The house entered licensing agreements covering eyewear with De Rigo and footwear with Rossi Moda.

  Aftermath

  Eyewear and footwear became established extensions of the brand's accessory offer.

  Source

• 2000

  Discontinue the Vision secondary collectionStrategy

  Background

  The house was simplifying its fashion architecture after the period of multiple labels.

  Action taken

  Givenchy discontinued Vision, previously known as Boutiques Givenchy.

  Aftermath

  The brand's women's line continued under the Givenchy name.

  Source

• 1988

  Join LVMHM&A

  Background

  Givenchy was expanding across luxury categories and licensing activities.

  Action taken

  LVMH acquired the Givenchy house.

  Aftermath

  Givenchy became part of one of the world's largest luxury groups while continuing as a distinct fashion and beauty brand.

  Source

• 1969

  Enter men's fashionStrategy

  Background

  The house sought to broaden its offer beyond women's couture and ready-to-wear.

  Action taken

  Givenchy launched the Gentleman Givenchy men's line and opened a related boutique on Avenue George V.

  Aftermath

  Men's fashion became an ongoing part of the Givenchy business and was later branded simply as Givenchy.

  Source

• 1954

  Introduce the shirt dressProduct launch

  Background

  Givenchy was developing a modern couture language that combined elegance with greater ease and movement.

  Action taken

  The house presented an early shirt dress, later followed by the sack dress.

  Aftermath

  The designs became part of Givenchy's early contribution to relaxed modern fashion.

  Source

• 2025

  Sarah Burton presents first Givenchy collection[1]Givenchyen.wikipedia.org

  Product launch

  Burton's debut collection was presented as a contemporary reworking of Givenchy's heritage and a reset for the house.

• 2025

  Zhao Liying named Givenchy global makeup ambassador[3]Zhao Liying named Givenchy global makeup ambassadorsocialbeta.com

  Campaign · Leadership change

  Givenchy announced Chinese actress Zhao Liying as a global ambassador for its makeup business, using a message centered on elegance, confidence and personal expression.

• 2024

  Sarah Burton appointed Givenchy creative director[1]Givenchyen.wikipedia.org

  Leadership change

  Givenchy appointed British designer Sarah Burton to lead the house after Matthew Williams's departure, beginning a new phase focused on the brand's couture heritage.

• 2024

  Alessandro Valenti appointed Givenchy chief executive[1]Givenchyen.wikipedia.org

  Leadership change

  Alessandro Valenti succeeded Renaud Lesquen as chief executive of Givenchy.

• 2024

  Sarah Burton appointed Givenchy artistic director[4]Sarah Burton appointed Givenchy artistic directorzh.wikipedia.org

  Leadership change

  Givenchy appointed Sarah Burton as artistic director, marking a new creative chapter after the departure of Matthew M. Williams.

• 2024

  Sarah Burton appointed artistic director of Givenchy[5]Sarah Burton appointed artistic director of Givenchylvmh.com

  Leadership change

  LVMH appointed Sarah Burton to lead Givenchy's artistic direction, beginning a new chapter after Matthew M. Williams's departure.

• 2023

  Matthew Williams to leave Givenchy[1]Givenchyen.wikipedia.org

  Leadership change

  Givenchy announced that Matthew Williams would depart the creative director role at the end of 2023.

• 2023

  Matthew M. Williams leaves Givenchy[6]Matthew M. Williams leaves Givenchyfashionnetwork.com

  Leadership change

  Matthew M. Williams departed the house after joining in 2020. Fashion-business coverage linked the change to difficulties in establishing a clear and commercially effective positioning.

• 2023

  Matthew M. Williams to leave Givenchy[7]Matthew M. Williams to leave Givenchylvmh.com

  Leadership change

  Givenchy and Matthew M. Williams announced the end of his tenure as creative director after several years leading the fashion collections.

• 2023

  Givenchy Beauty introduces The Gentleman Society platform[8]Givenchy Beauty introduces The Gentleman Society platformadsoftheworld.com

  Campaign · Product launch

  The Gentleman Society was presented as a global Givenchy Beauty platform built around fragrance, contemporary masculinity, cultural exchange and creator participation. Associated activity included visual and print materials and a Givenchy Conversations podcast format.

Showing the 10 most recent.

1. 1Givenchyen.wikipedia.org
2. 2Givenchy official websitegivenchy.com
3. 3Zhao Liying named Givenchy global makeup ambassadorsocialbeta.com
4. 4Sarah Burton appointed Givenchy artistic directorzh.wikipedia.org
5. 5Sarah Burton appointed artistic director of Givenchylvmh.com
6. 6Matthew M. Williams leaves Givenchyfashionnetwork.com
7. 7Matthew M. Williams to leave Givenchylvmh.com
8. 8Givenchy Beauty introduces The Gentleman Society platformadsoftheworld.com
9. 9Givenchy launches L'Interdit Eau de Parfumgivenchybeauty.com
10. 10Clare Waight Keller designs Meghan Markle's wedding dressroyal.uk
11. 11LVMH appoints Clare Waight Keller at Givenchylvmh.com
12. 12Givenchy promotes L’Interdit through an immersive Dailymotion takeoverdailymotionadvertising.com