1952
The first collection
Givenchy’s separates offered a flexible way to build a couture wardrobe. His long association with Audrey Hepburn helped carry the house’s image beyond the salon.
The House & Its Designers
Givenchy
Paris · 1952
Couture polish, followed by bolder interpretations of the everyday bag.
Hubert de Givenchy established his house with an elegant, youthful approach to couture. Its later designers have moved between that refinement and a stronger, more graphic vocabulary of leather and hardware.
17 photographs · Reviewed August 2026
Explore the history ↓
01 / The house
The story behind the name.
1995–2000s
After the founder
Following Givenchy’s retirement, John Galliano, Alexander McQueen and Julien Macdonald each brought a different perspective to the house.
2005–2023
Leather goods take new forms
Riccardo Tisci introduced a darker visual language, with bags such as the Antigona becoming prominent. Clare Waight Keller and Matthew M. Williams subsequently offered distinct readings of the archive.
2024
Sarah Burton appointed
Burton took responsibility for women’s and men’s collections in September 2024. Her appointment brought a designer with deep experience in tailoring and atelier work.
02 / The designers
The people who shaped the house.
Selected creative chapters; dates distinguish appointments from runway debuts.
1952–1995
Hubert de Givenchy
Established the house’s elegant proportions and couture identity.
2005–2017
Riccardo Tisci
Joined couture references to graphic, darker accessories.
2017–2020
Clare Waight Keller
Emphasised precise tailoring and fluid couture.
2020–2023
Matthew M. Williams
Focused on industrial hardware and modern utility.
Appointed 2024
Sarah Burton
Brings extensive experience in cutting, tailoring and handwork.
On the runway
Selected looks and details, matched to the house and season.
Givenchy · Spring 2018 Ready To Wear
Givenchy · Fall 2023 Ready To Wear
03 / The bags
A vocabulary in leather and form.
A selection of the house’s designs. Resale photographs illustrate individual examples; size, finish and condition vary.
01
Antigona
A structured zip-top bag with angular handles and a triangular logo patch.
02
Pandora
An offset, box-shaped body hangs from a single top handle.
03
Nightingale
A supple leather bag with broad panels and reinforced handles.
04
Voyou
A slouching shape with buckled straps and substantial metal hardware.
05
G-Tote
A practical open tote with prominent Givenchy branding.
06
Moon Cut-Out
A curved shoulder bag with an emphatic cut-out silhouette.
More designs to know
- ID93
- A supple, generously proportioned leather bag with a restrained exterior.
- Mystic
- A structured top-handle bag with a sharply defined flap and closure.