8 Fun Facts About Givenchy
Iconic French house, Givenchy is known for some of the most elegant haute couture clothing and fashion accessories in history! Take a look at some interesting facts about the coveted designer brand.
1) How it’s Actually Pronounced
By now, we’ve heard every kind of incorrect pronunciation of the brand under the sun. The correct way to say it is actually ‘jzhee-vahn-shee’. Keep in mind that the French ‘G’ sound is pronounced as a soft ‘jz’ made with the tip of the tongue, almost like saying ‘shh’.
2) Audrey Hepburn’s LBD in ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’
The famous little black dress that Audrey Hepburn wears in Breakfast at Tiffany’s is one of Givenchy’s most iconic designs. In fact, it could be said that Givenchy is to blame for the LBD (little black dress) slogan. Additionally, he is the designer responsible for the balloon coat and baby doll dress too. The French couturier is well known for directly influencing the way we perceive the ’50s and ‘60s fashion.
3) Givenchy Never Intended to be a Fashion Designer
Originally, Hubert de Givenchy studied law, however, he later realised that he was simply not passionate enough about the field. So, in 1944, he decided to relocate to Paris to pursue his fashion design desires.
It was there he landed an internship alongside Jacques Fath and studied drawing at the École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts, the French National School of Fine Arts.
Through the years, he worked alongside some of the biggest names in fashion, including Pierre Balmain, Christian Dior and Elsa Schiaparelli. Those experiences helped him to establish his own eponymous couture house.
4) Givenchy Invented ‘Deconstructed Chic’
Although Hubert de Givenchy came from an aristocratic family, he’s start in fashion was something short of wealth and glamour. He started with a small budget and crafted garments using shirting. This material was often used to produce prototype designs before finishing them in more expensive materials like silk.
Interestingly enough, this difference in fabric gave the designer an ‘edge’ just as his innovative idea to craft pieces to be mixed and matched to build a versatile wardrobe. Needless to say, the launch of his first collection was a huge success – buyers loved his cotton shirtings and he was soon able to repay his investors and assume full ownership of the couture house.
5) Well-Acquainted with Celebs
Another reason for Givenchy’s huge success was owed to his relationships with some of the most fashionable celebrities of the time. These included Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, Jackie Kennedy, Bettina Graziani and many more. Hubert saw the power of dressing them and quickly became famous for styling celebrities in chic Parisian wear.
6) Givenchy and Balenciaga
Givenchy worked alongside and met many different designers but one of his most significant inspirations and close friends was Cristobal Balenciaga. The pair formed what quickly could be described as a fashion powerhouse ‘bromance’ throughout the 1960s.
In fact, Hubert de Givenchy once publicly declared that Balenciaga taught him everything he knew, “He taught me to care for the details, that is was not necessary to sew on a button where it had no use, or to add a flower to make a dress beautiful… no unnecessary detail.”
7) Meghan Markle’s Givenchy Wedding Dress
Former Creative Director, Clare Waight Keller designed Meghan Markle’s wedding dress! The bride’s veil was embroidered with flowers representing the countries of the Commonwealth, the California poppy, in honour of Meghan Markle’s home state of California, and wintersweet, a flower that grows at Kensington Palace.
8) The Hip Hop Industry Loves Givenchy
The Parisian fashion house has been a staple in the hip-hop community for many years. Artists like Rihanna, Beyonce, Jay Z, Kanye West and many more are name-dropping the brand and frequently seen rocking Givenchy bags, shoes and outfits from the high fashion line.
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