Audrey Hepburn's atelier and the most-designed-in-rotation maison in LVMH.
Givenchy was founded in 1952 by Hubert de Givenchy, a 25-year-old aristocrat from Beauvais whose collection was so well-reviewed that Audrey Hepburn — then preparing for Sabrina — flew to Paris to meet him.
Since Hubert's retirement in 1995 the maison has rotated through more creative directors than any other LVMH house: John Galliano, Alexander McQueen, Julien Macdonald, Riccardo Tisci, Clare Waight Keller, Matthew M. Williams, and now Sarah Burton.
Founded 1952.
Hubert de Givenchy opened his first atelier on rue Alfred-de-Vigny in 1952. His debut collection — separates rather than a single look, designed to be mixed and matched — was a critical hit. The following year a young Audrey Hepburn, then twenty-three and preparing to play Sabrina, called the atelier asking to meet 'M. Givenchy.' He thought he was being summoned by Katharine Hepburn. Their working relationship lasted forty years.
Givenchy dressed Audrey Hepburn in every film she starred in from Sabrina (1954) to Always (1989). The black dress from Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961) was his. He also dressed Jacqueline Kennedy, the Duchess of Windsor, Grace Kelly. The maison was sold to LVMH in 1988 but Hubert remained as creative director until his retirement in 1995.
LVMH first installed John Galliano in 1995, then Alexander McQueen in 1996 — two young British provocateurs at the head of the most established maison in Paris. Both used the position as a stepping stone (Galliano to Dior, McQueen to his own label). Julien Macdonald followed. In 2005 LVMH appointed Riccardo Tisci, who would stay for twelve years and design the Antigona (2010) and Pandora — bags that defined that era of LVMH luxury.
Sarah Burton, who had succeeded Alexander McQueen at his own label after his death in 2010 and led that brand for thirteen years, joined Givenchy as creative director in September 2024. Her first collection — Spring 2026 — is awaited.
5 eras of creative direction.
Forty-three years at the helm. Givenchy's design language — clean lines, restrained elegance, the Audrey Hepburn silhouette — defined French haute couture's mid-century moment.
Tisci's twelve years brought dark gothic glamour to Givenchy. He designed the Antigona (2010), the Pandora, the Nightingale — bags that defined LVMH luxury for that era. He left for Burberry in 2018.
Waight Keller was the first woman to lead Givenchy. Her three years brought the brand back toward elegance — and she designed Meghan Markle's wedding dress in 2018, the maison's most globally visible commission in a generation.
The American streetwear designer (1017 ALYX 9SM) joined Givenchy in 2020 with the brief to make it culturally relevant for a younger generation. Three years; he left in early 2024.
Burton succeeded Alexander McQueen at his own label in 2010 and led it for thirteen years. She joined Givenchy in September 2024 — her first collection awaited.
8 icons. Each one a scene; each scene a gallery.
Structured top-handle. THE Tisci-era Givenchy bag. Defined LVMH luxury 2010-2017.
Soft slouchy shoulder/crossbody with multiple compartments.
Top-handle with the Givenchy-G hardware.
Hobo with hardware-heavy clasp.
Canvas-and-leather tote with the new G hardware.
Crescent-shaped hobo with cut-out detail.
Quilted shoulder bag.
Top-handle with metallic clasp.