If fashion is a language, then Givenchy speaks volumes, and the latest addition to our style library is no exception. Givenchy Catwalk takes us on a ride through the fashion house’s evolution, capturing the essence of its creators and their groundbreaking successors. Authored by the formidable Alexandre Samson, a fashion historian and curator extraordinaire at the Palais Galliera, this book propels us through the moments that have defined Givenchy.

« Le chemin le plus court vers l’élégance est la simplicité » (« The shortest path to elegance is simplicity ») – these words from the distinguished Hubert de Givenchy encapsulate the ethos of the Maison he founded at the tender age of twenty-four in 1952. Givenchy, synonymous with effortless elegance, became an icon, personified by his close friend and muse, Audrey Hepburn. Many of her pieces, never before seen, grace the pages of this retrospective.

After the departure of the founding couturier in 1995, John Galliano took the reins, followed by the legendary Alexander McQueen, who debuted his first haute couture collection for Givenchy. In 2001, Julien Macdonald brought a glamorous and whimsical vision to the Maison. More recently, post his appointment in 2005, the Italian designer Riccardo Tisci steered the brand towards a decidedly contemporary direction, succeeded by Clare Waight Keller and American creator Matthew M. Williams.

Samson has previously orchestrated fashion spectacles like the 1997 Fashion Big Bang, Margiela Galliera 1989-2009, and the mesmerizing Back Side. His partner in fashion exploration is Anders Christian Madsen, the discerning fashion critic from London. Madsen, hailing from esteemed publications like the Financial Times, the Daily Telegraph, i-D, Nylon, and the Wall Street Journal, brings his keen eye and eloquent voice to the narrative.

« This book traces the creative evolution of the couturier-founder of the Maison and his successors, exploring their beginnings, triumphs, doubts, and innovations, » Samson enlightens us. It’s not just a recounting of glamorous runway moments but an excavation of the very soul of Givenchy. 

With over 180 authentic runway photographs, this collection is a visual feast, showcasing Givenchy’s inventive spirit and opulent designs; Givenchy’s heartbeat echoes the rhythm of its time while maintaining an elusive balance between commercial pragmatism and jaw-dropping creations. It’s an admittedly delicate dance to master, but one that the house executes impeccably.

Madsen captures the nuances and reactions provoked by Givenchy’s designs in their respective eras. The book doesn’t just reminisce about the past; it connects the dots, drawing parallels between the yesteryears and our contemporary style landscape. It’s a testament to Givenchy’s enduring relevance and its ability to transcend time.

As Samson eloquently puts it, « Givenchy’s heart beats to the rhythm of the times, while maintaining a rare balance between commercial proposals and spectacular creations. » This book is not just a stroll down a glamorous memory lane; it’s a celebration of a fashion house that dared to push boundaries and redefine elegance.

Available from 17th November from Editions de la Martiniére.