In a star-studded event on Thursday night, Givenchy, the iconic French fashion house, unveiled its latest triumph—the «Givenchy Défilés» book. The launch, set against the backdrop of its opulent store on Paris’s Rue du Faubourg Saint Honoré, was an exquisite affair featuring champagne, sushi, and a profound homage to the brand’s illustrious history.
The «Givenchy Défilés» (or «Givenchy Catwalk» in English) is a monumental tribute to Givenchy’s legacy, spanning an impressive 180 seasonal collections of ready-to-wear and haute couture over seventy years. This marks a historic milestone for Givenchy, with archival explorations commencing in 2016. From its inception in 1952 under the visionary Hubert de Givenchy to the latest creations by current artistic director Matthew M. Williams, this captivating book chronicles the prolific works of the diverse designers who shaped Givenchy into the fashion powerhouse it is today.
Highlighting iconic collections such as Alexander McQueen’s influential designs from 1996 to 2001 and the founder’s Spring/Summer 1955 Haute Couture collection dedicated to muse Audrey Hepburn, the book encapsulates the essence of each designer’s impact on the brand. Notable mention is also given to John Galliano’s two-year tenure from 1995 to 1997.
«Givenchy Défilés» goes beyond visual appeal, offering over 1200 captivating photographs. Alexandre Samson, a distinguished fashion historian and curator at the Palais Galliera, collaborated with Anders Christian Madsen, the fashion critic for English Vogue, to provide detailed insights. Their narrative delves into each collection, enriched by real press critiques and authentic client opinions from the respective eras—an eloquent homage to the creative minds shaping Givenchy.
Samson, present at the book’s inauguration, revealed that the two-year journey to compile «Givenchy Défilés» posed challenges, especially in sourcing «the most emblematic looks that resonate with a broader audience.» He expressed his intent to create a book akin to curating an exhibition—captivating not only seasoned journalists but also students and industry veterans alike.
With a twinkle in his eye, Samson justified his passion for Givenchy as the driving force behind this work, emphasizing how «the heart of Givenchy beats to the rhythm of all eras, maintaining a rare balance between commercial offerings and spectacular creations.
