Givenchy (Lotte Jamshil Dept.)
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On Feb 2nd 1952, Hubert de Givenchy's dream came true: he opened his own Maison de Couture at No8, rue Alfred de Vigny, on the Monceau Plain. His first collection was an immediate success. Bettina Graziani, both model and press agent of the company, becomes the brand's icon. He created for her the famous "Bettina blouse."
1953 was a turning point, when the young designer met Audrey Hepburn; the incarnation of his ideal of femininity. Here began a 40-year long friendship, during which the actress became the brand's ambassador. Films starring Hepburn such as Breakfast At Tiffany's, Funny Face or Sabrina convey Givenchy's image of refined elegance around the world.
That same year, Hubert de Givenchy befriended Cristobal Balenciaga and considered him as his Master. Balenciaga's influence is present in the spirit of innumerable Givenchy collections, and is particularly evident in the designer's taste for structured minimalist clothing.
A pioneer in many fields, Givenchy was the first designer to present a luxury collection of women's ready-to-wear (1954). His work combines elegance and classicism with audacity and modernity. "Separates" (1952), the bag-dress (1955), the funneled collar coat (1958), the enveloped dresses (1966), and the garments of printed textiles inspired by Miro, Matisse or Christian B?ard (the Eighties) are among his most original designs.
Throughout the years the Givenchy brand diversified its activities. 1973 is a milestone year, as Givenchy entered the realm of menswear, with the launch of the "Gentleman Givenchy" line.
The brand also expanded its distribution network internationally, in particular to the Far East and to the United States.
Givenchy became part of the French luxury group LVMH Mo? Hennessy Louis Vuitton alongside other prestigous labels including Christian Dior, Louis Vuitton, Christian Lacroix and C?ine.
After Monsieur de Givenchy's retirement in 1995, John Galliano, graduate of London's St Martin's School of Art and thrice elected "Designer of the Year" by the British Fashion Council, became the new designer for Givenchy's Haute-couture and luxury ready-to-wear lines. In October 1996 Alexander McQueen, also graduate of London's St Martin's School of Art, is appointed to succeed him.
In March 2001, Julien Macdonald was named Artistic Director for Women. In this role, Macdonald oversees the design for Haute-Couture, women’s ready-to-wear and accessories.
Julien Macdonald, 28, came to GIVENCHY after founding his own company in 1997. Prior to that, he was the head knitwear designer at Chanel Couture. While he first wanted to be an actor, he discovered his passion for fabrics and enrolled at the Brighton University and then completed a Master of Arts at the Royal college of Art.
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