Givenchy
French luxury fashion and perfume house known for haute couture, refined ready-to-wear, accessories, cosmetics, and influential links to cinema and celebrity culture.
Last updated November 4, 2026
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Overview
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.
History
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]Sarah Burton presented her first Givenchy collection, repositioning the house's heritage for a contemporary audience.
- 2024
Sarah Burton appointed creative director
[1]Sarah Burton was appointed to lead the house's creative direction.
- 2020
Matthew Williams appointed
[1]Matthew Williams became creative director, introducing a more industrial and street-influenced design direction.
- 2017
Clare Waight Keller appointed
[1]Clare Waight Keller became the first woman to serve as the house's principal artistic director.
- 2005
Riccardo Tisci begins tenure
[1]Riccardo Tisci took responsibility for Givenchy's women's collections and later its broader creative direction.
- 1995
Hubert de Givenchy retires
[1]The founder retired and the house entered a succession of post-founder creative-director periods.
- 1988
Acquired by LVMH
[1]LVMH acquired the Givenchy house, integrating it into its luxury-goods portfolio.
- 1969
Men's line launched
[1]Givenchy introduced men's fashion under the Gentleman Givenchy label.
- 1957
Sack dress developed
[1]The house developed the sack dress, an important example of Givenchy's relaxed silhouette.
- 1954
Shirt dress introduced
[1]Givenchy presented an early shirt dress, reinforcing the house's modern approach to couture construction.
Products and positioning
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.
Controversies
2021
Givenchy faces backlash over noose-like necklace
Givenchy faced public backlash after a noose-like necklace appeared on a model during its Spring/Summer 2022 show; people compared it to earlier fashion controversies, citing racial implications and the association of nooses with suicide.
Marketing campaigns
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Brand decisions
2024
Appoint Sarah BurtonStrategyBackground
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.
2020
Appoint Matthew WilliamsStrategyBackground
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.
2017
Appoint Clare Waight KellerStrategyBackground
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.
2001
Expand licensed accessoriesStrategyBackground
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.
2000
Discontinue the Vision secondary collectionStrategyBackground
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.
1988
Join LVMHM&ABackground
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.
1969
Enter men's fashionStrategyBackground
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.
1954
Introduce the shirt dressProduct launchBackground
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.
Recent events
- Unconfirmed
Reported
Givenchy faces backlash over noose-like necklace[3]
Givenchy faced public backlash after a noose-like necklace appeared on a model during its Spring/Summer 2022 show; people compared it to earlier fashion controversies, citing racial implications and the association of nooses with suicide.
Reported
JD Luxury forms official partnerships with luxury brands[4]
JD Luxury reported that in 2021 it formed partnerships with several LVMH Group brands, including Louis Vuitton, Bulgari, Dior, Loewe, Givenchy and Berluti, enabling consumers to reach their official stores through JD’s app.
Reported
Givenchy announces Antigona Soft handbag series[5]
Givenchy announced the Antigona Soft handbag series, which was scheduled to arrive in boutiques across China starting in June 2020.
Reported
Givenchy appoints Matthew M. Williams as creative director[6]
Givenchy confirmed Matthew M. Williams as its new creative director, overseeing menswear and womenswear, replacing Clare Waight Keller.
Reported
Givenchy fashion line launched its Xiaohongshu livestream[7]
Givenchy's fashion line launched its first interactive livestream globally on Xiaohongshu, featuring new handbags and ready-to-wear clothing at its Shanghai IAPM store.
Reported
Givenchy announces Renaud de Lesquen as incoming CEO[8]
Givenchy announced that Renaud de Lesquen would join as CEO on April 1, succeeding Philippe Fortunato.
Sources10 sources
- 1Givenchyen.wikipedia.org
- 2Givenchy official websitegivenchy.com
- 3Givenchy faces backlash over noose-like necklacevladtv.com
- 4京东奢品与多个奢侈品牌达成官方合作finance.sina.com.cn
- 5纪梵希宣布推出Antigona Soft手袋系列fashion.sina.com.cn
- 6Givenchy任命Matthew M. Williams为创意总监theguardian.com
- 7纪梵希时装线在小红书开启互动直播tech.sina.com.cn
- 8Givenchy宣布任命Renaud de Lesquen为新任CEOfashion.sina.com.cn
- 9Givenchy appoints American designer Matthew Williams as creative directoreconomictimes.indiatimes.com
- 10Givenchy appoints designer Matthew Williams as new creative directorhindustantimes.com
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