Givenchy Designer Glasses

The house of Givenchy was founded in 1952 by designer Hubert de Givenchy. Modern yet lady-like designs set a new tone in couture, one that is still a much observed and revered example today.

Hubert de Givenchy gained enviable experience with some of the great couturiers. He was working under Jacques Fath by the time he was 18 years of age. He then took turns with Justin Piquet, Lucien Lelong and Elsa Schiapperelli before opening his own house. Givenchy pre-empted a more relaxed attitude to luxury that was to become apparent in fashion by the end of the century. Givenchy’s ‘separates’ spearheaded this new sensibility. Two piece ensembles crafted from raw cotton, traditionally reserved for fittings were crafted into billowing skirts and blouses. Two years after opening its doors, Givenchy became the first of the major design houses to create a ready to wear line.

One of the most famous champions of Givenchy's work was actress Audrey Hepburn. Hepburn went to Givenchy for costume for the film Sabrina in which she starred alongside Humphrey Bogart. In 1955, the work garnered an Oscar for Givenchy. Hepburn and her favourite designer created fashion and film history cutting iconic images in Givenchy back in the 1961 movie, Breakfast at Tiffany's. The definitive ‘Little Black Dress’ was immortalised in this classic film and the simple but immediately effective black silk satin gown was to become a blueprint for one of Givenchy’s iconic fashion frames.. Hepburn's unforgettable performance and personalisation of the piece presented a new and welcomed relaxed attitude to fashion and the wearing of couture as forseen by Givenchy. Teamed with big black oversized sunnies, this remains the very epitome of chic.

The Kennedy women were also Givenchy fans. Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis was dressed by the Givenchy couturier for her husband John F. Kennedy’s funeral. Marlene Dietrich, Babe Paley, Greta Garbo, Lauren Bacall, Elizabeth Taylor, Princess Grace of Monaco and Wallis Simpson were also all clients of the house of Givenchy.

Givenchy himself retired in 1995. The charge of creative direction for this prestigious house has been passed between some of the most talented designers of our generation; from John Galliano, to Alexander McQueen, to Julian McDonald, to Ozwlad Boatang and at present, Riccardo Tisci. With the Italian designer Tisci’s refined yet edgy work today, Givenchy is where it should be; at the forefront of fashion and one of the taste-makers of trends.

The house of Givenchy continues its tradition of pushing the boundaries. Famous photographic model Bettina, challenged the status quo and took to the stage for Givenchy for the first time in 1952. Recently, Givenchy used the first transsexual model, Lea T to be included in a fashion advertising campaign for its 2010 imagery, showcasing why it’s known for breaking boundaries, questioning what is deemed as ‘beautiful’. The Givenchy eyeglasses range is debuting at Sunglasses Shop this season with a range of classic styles with contemporary accenting. That classic and opulent palette that Givenchy is known for is contrasted with monochrome detailing and on trend silhouettes, making this the new brand to go to when it comes to channelling premium heritage with a modern-day twist.

Celebrate one of the most prestigious fashion houses with an accessory that will provide an instant note of sophistication and high glamour to your wardrobe.