Venerated French designer Hubert de Givenchy (1927–2018) made a splash with his first collection of mix-and-match separates in 1952, which launched his namesake fashion house, the clean lines and refined silhouettes of the pieces offering a contrast to the more structured shapes then dominating postwar women’s fashion. His roster of clients would eventually include Grace Kelly, Elizabeth Taylor and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, all of whom were drawn to the designer’s architecturally and materially simple dresses, handbags, shoes and other pieces that combined sensual femininity with elegance.
At the age of 17, Givenchy left his hometown of Beauvais, France, for Paris. There he studied drawing at the École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts and apprenticed for the houses of Jacques Fath, Robert Piguet, Lucien Lelong and Elsa Schiaparelli.
Givenchy earned his first high praise for the 1952 Bettina blouse, an embroidered, ruffle-sleeve linen shirt named for his publicist and model Bettina Graziani. The Givenchy label soon developed a following of fashion icons around the world, most notably Audrey Hepburn, who would serve as Givenchy’s muse for decades after they met in 1953. The couturier created pieces for many of her films, such as the iconic little black dress in Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961), as well as her personal life, including her wedding dress for her 1969 marriage to Andrea Dotti.
Givenchy formed a close friendship with his idol and mentor, Spanish designer Cristóbal Balenciaga, with whom he’d popularize such pieces as the sack dress, choosing looser forms over tailored ones. Throughout the decades, Givenchy expanded his empire to include fragrances, menswear, accessories and beauty lines.
In 1988, his house was acquired by luxury conglomerate LVMH. After Givenchy retired from fashion in 1995, he became an antiques expert, working with Christie’s and the Louvre, among other institutions. The brand then saw an impressive succession of head designers and artistic directors: John Galliano was the first to arrive, followed by Alexander McQueen, Julien Macdonald, Riccardo Tisci, Clare Waight Keller and Matthew M. Williams.
Today, the Givenchy brand, with its timeless fashions, continues to be a favorite of A-listers, including Cate Blanchett, Erykah Badu, Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande.
On 1stDibs, browse a collection of vintage Givenchy evening dresses, handbags, necklaces and other clothing and accessories today.
Vintage Givenchy Gold Metal Bangle Bracelet, Abstract Design, 1980s
By Givenchy
Located in Port Saint Lucie, FL
Authentic vintage Givenchy bangle bracelet, most likely dating to the 1980s. Crafted in gold-tone metal, this striking piece features an allover abstract cross motif that gives the c...
Givenchy 1990 Gold Plated Bracelet
By Givenchy
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Timeless and regal 1990 18K gold plated bracelet! Stunning yellow gold is contrasted by an array of silver circular rhinestones and synthetic emeralds. Featuring a Givenchy logo at the center and Givenchy engravings on the inside. This is such a classic piece perfect for any occasion whether it be brunch with friends or accessorizing your evening gown! Pair this with a Givenchy emerald necklace and a Dior little...
Gold Plate
$15,850
H 1.25 in W 2.5 in Dm 2 in
Vintage Italian 18 Karat Gold Sculptural Cuff Bracelet 1970's Design
Located in North Miami, FL
This thick and stunning vintage Italian sculptural bracelet is stamped 18K Gold. It has great weight and presence. it has 3 rows of 18 K yellow gold that is recessed and 3 rows that is frontal giving it it's sculptural entity. It has an in and out pattern of gold as in a weave pattern. It is beautiful, timeless, classic and will work day or evening. It is hallmarked 18K. There is a florentine like pattern on the gold and it is extremely well made. This is a very very fine Italian 18K gold cuff bracelet. The weight is 51.7 DWT. There are two safety hooks and clasps. This will fit a wrist of 6 inches in diameter which is a small wrist to a medium small wrist. The small wrist will have some wiggle room. It will fit a slightly larger wrist which would be a small to medium that will have a tighter fit like 6.5". The inside diameter of this gorgeous bracelet is 2". This has good weight to it and is a very special elegant Italian 18K gold bracelet...
18k Gold, Gold
Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Paris Gilt Metal Foliage Cuff c 1980s
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in University City, MO
Yves Saint Laurent rive gauche gilt metal foliage cuff bracelet c 1980 The wide heavy cuff is designed with a trio of gilt metal leaves The leaves are sheathed in luminous gilt plat...
Gilt Metal
$29,000
W 1.8 in D 0.3 in L 7.25 in
Klaus Ullrich 21K Yellow Gold Cuff Bracelet, Germany, Circa 1960, 124g
Located in New York, NY
This stunning 21-karat yellow gold hinged bracelet, crafted in the 1960s by the pioneering late German goldsmith Klaus Ullrich, showcases the post-war modern jewelry design for which...
Gold
$27,500
W 1.75 in L 6.75 in
Split Front 18K Gold Vintage Tiffany Hinged Cuff Bracelet 1.75 Inches Wide
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This truly unique split front 18K pink and yellow gold wide hinged cuff bracelet is certainly a one of a kind offering by the venerated house of Tiffany. Bombee high polish yellow go...
18k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1960s Cartier Gold Crumble Cuff Bracelet
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold. Signed by Cartier Circa 1960s Size 6 3/4 inches
18k Gold
Chanel cuff bracelet 1980s
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - (Made in France) Golden metal cuff bracelet. Jewelry from the 1980s. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Circumference: 15 cm - Opening: 3 cm - Height: 5.5 cm SKU:...
Gilt Metal
Impressive 1970s Custom Order Cartier Gold Bracelet
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
We are pleased to offer a glamorous one-of-a-kind three dimensional cuff bracelet made to order in 1973 by Cartier New York composed of eye catching flexible bridge-like sections des...
18k Gold
18K Gold Plated 1980s Bracelet
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Introducing the 18K Gold Plated 1980s Bracelet, a stunning addition to your jewelry collection that exudes timeless elegance with a unique edge. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this beautiful link bracelet is plated in lustrous yellow gold, adding a touch of luxury to any ensemble. What sets this bracelet apart is its center clasp and intricate etchings in the gold plating, which create a textured and luxurious look. The unique design adds depth and dimension to the bracelet, making it a standout piece that effortlessly elevates your style. Timeless and versatile, this bracelet is perfect for anyone looking to add a pop of gold to their look. Whether worn alone as a statement piece or layered with other bracelets for a more eclectic vibe, this 18K Gold Plated Bracelet...
18k Gold, Gold Plate
Impeccably tailored and beautifully preserved, the piece will be cherished by a true fashion-phile.
There's a renewed appreciation for the era's aesthetic, perhaps most notably among millennials seeking authentic, easy style.
