Givenchy

Givenchy Fisherman Wedge

Filed under: Shoes

Spring doesn't seem to be making its way anytime soon but that doesn't mean we can't start window shopping for sexy spring heels. Givenchy's Fisherman Wedges ($1190) have a sporty and casual feel but could easily be dressed up with a lace top and slim fitting jeans or with a navy blue belted shirt dress. The Fisherman Wedges are adorned with multiple leather straps throughout the body, platform sole and wedge adding texture and visual interest. Additional features include an adjustable ankle strap and a back zip.

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Tags: Givenchy, heels, shoes, Wedges

The Fashion Statement: Haute Couture's Lightness of Being

by Kristin Young (RSS feed) —

Filed under: The Fashion Statement

The Haute Couture Spring 2011 shows have yet to wrap up in Paris this week and, already, we know the end of the story. Designers are walking the tightrope between pale blush, pinks and nudes on the one side, and bright saturated jewel tones on the other. Similarly, styles are either soft, feminine and ethereal or dramatic and rich.

"There's a sense of lightness that we're seeing, particularly in the materials," says Joanna Manganaro, an editor specializing in womenswear at trend forecasting firm Stylesight. "Chiffon, tulle--everything is done in a light-handed way. It feels featherweight. It's something more modern, more uplifting."

That was clearly the case with Givenchy. Riccardo Tisci, a designer better known for being dark and severe, delivered a collection of gowns in pale yellows, barely-there pinks and light nudes as a tribute to Butoh dander Kazuo Ohno. In the end, he remained true to his reputation for boldness. When the models turned, they revealed the backs of the gowns that were embroidered in neon orange, chartreuse and fuchsia.

Christian Dior (pictured above) had a more traditional view of things. John Galliano paid tribute to René Gruau, an illustrator who created the house's iconic images from the '40s and '50s. Remember Dior's New Look from the '40s? Galliano (who has a new look himself--a shag haircut) reinterpreted the New Look in in electric blue, fuchsia, brown, emerald green and red taffeta and satin. One of the highlights was a flaring white skirt topped with a burnt-orange jacket with shoulders out-to-there.

Gallery: Full Bloom

Tags: armani prive, Chanel, Christian Dior, Elie Saab, Givenchy, Haute Couture Shows, Jean Paul Gaultier, John Galliano, Kazuo Ohno, Lady, Rene Gruau, RiccardoTisci, Stylesight

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Givenchy Nightingale Clutch, Handbag of the Day

by Marsha Reid (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Handbags

Givenchy's Nightingale Clutch ($400) combines simplicity with timeless elegance. The Nightingale Clutch is styled in a versatile and subdued gray leather and perfectly adorned with a gold logo design on a magnetic snap closure.

Its effortless beauty and style lends itself to complement a wide range of outfits - from the most casual to the dressiest - without oppressing your outfit's essence. Your can wear Givenchy's Clutch tucked neatly under your arm, or if you'd rather, pull out the skinny gold chain shoulder strap for an ultra lady-like feel.

Measurement: 5 1/2"H x 11 1/4"W. Also available in light gray, which looks more like off white from the photo.

Have tips or suggestions? Contact me @marsha712

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Tags: clutch, givenchy, handbag, handbag of the day, leather

The Fashion Statement: Fashion's Priciest Coffee Table Books

by Kristin Young (RSS feed) —

Filed under: The Fashion Statement

What to get the stylish woman who has everything? (And let's just say you've exhausted gifts like precious gems, haute couture and yacht excursions to St. Barths) Well, then, what about a super collectible, really expensive fashion coffee table book? Here, a list of some of the priciest tomes out there.

1. Couture Fashion Drawings by Hubert de Givenchy, published by the house of Givenchy, Paris, in 1980: This is signed by the late designer himself and includes hand-colored haute couture fashion sketch plates from the period of the '70s to the '80s including original fabric swatches. The book was part of the Estate of Nan Kempner, a New York socialite who died in 2005. Price tag? $9,000

2. Valentino Garavani (hardcover) by Suzy Menkes, Matt Tyrnauer and Armando Chitolina, published by Taschen in 2007: This is the coffee table book version of Valentino: The Last Emperor, a documentary film by Vanity Fair writer Matt Tyrnauer. It's an homage to Valentino's legendary career and includes images from his archives, drawings, advertisements, portraits, documentary photographs as well as newspaper and magazine articles. International Herald Tribune's fashion writer Suzy Menkes interviewed 20 of Valentino's closest collaborators and friends, including his life partner Giancarlo Giammetti. Price tag? $4,500

3. Russell James (hardcover deluxe edition with Gisele Bundchen photoprint) with forwards by Heidi Klum, Donna Karan, and Sharen Turney, published by teNeues in 2009: Who wouldn't pay big bucks to Gisele in the buff? This book highlights the work of Russell James, a photographer who is well-known for his nudes and fashion portraiture. The volume is encased in a clamshell box and contains one of only two numbered and signed limited-edition large prints that show his study of human beauty. Price tag? $3,250

Tags: Anna Wintour, giancarlo giammetti, gisele bundchen, Givenchy, grace coddington, Matt Tyrnauer, Nan Kempner, pierre berge, Russell James, Suzy Menkes, Valentino, Yves Saint Laurent

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Givenchy Tassel Oxford

by Marsha Reid (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Shoes

The oxford shoe has been making a strong comeback for both men and women for sometime now. It's a look that I appreciate and when done right, can look unexpectedly fashionable and expressive. Unfortunately, it's also a shoe that I personally cannot wear - too many bad memories of a strict dress code from my private school days.

But Givenchy's Tassel Oxford Heels ($1650) may just change my mind. It's an unusual shoe with all sorts of adornments that may initially seem out of place but there is something about these oxford heels that feel unique and sophisticated. They're styled in warm burnt orange/chestnut brown suede with grommets, laces, tassels and a back zipper. They would look great styled with toothpick corduroys or cargo pants, and a warm loose fitting sweater.

Heel measurement: 4.7". Also available in black.

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Tags: booties, boots, givenchy, heels, oxford, shoes, suede, tassel

Luxe Goods Giant LVMH Seeing Better Times

by David Kiley (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Shopping

LVMH, the world's leading luxury retailer and marketer of such as brands as Dom Perignon and Dior, said its sales so far this year have risen sharply, driven largely by Asia and by demand for champagne.

The strong performance from LVMH, and its top-branded products under the Louis Vuitton name, is in line with other luxury marketers since the beginning of the year, indicating that spending in the luxury sectors has returned in earnest.

LVMH said its sales rose 23.6 percent in the third quarter and were up 19 percent at 14.2 billion euros (19.9 billion dollars) for the nine months to September compared with the same period in 2009.

The Fashion and Leather goods division was the biggest earner, with nine-month sales of 5.46 billion euros up 20 percent, following by Selective Retailing with sales of 3.71 billion euros, up 17 percent.

Wines and Spirits jumped 22 percent to 2.15 billion euros.
LVMH said the "excellent performance" in the nine months confirmed its confidence for full-year 2010.

LVMH counts among its brands, Givenchy and Guerlain perfumes, as well as Moet and Chandon, Glenmorangie and Ardbeg Scotch whiskies.

LVMH's shares are up 41% so far this year.

Tags: ardbeg, givenchy, glenmorangie, guerlain, LVMH, moet and chandon

The Fashion Statement: Paris Couture Pares Back

by Kristin Young (RSS feed) —

Filed under: The Fashion Statement

The haute couture shows in Paris are in full swing, but rather than enjoy the spectacle, fashion watchers have the nagging suspicion they are witnessing the end of an era.

Sure, clothing that can cost as much as a house, have little relevance in today's world-only a handful of women in the world can afford the custom-made pieces. And fashion houses like Jean Paul Gaultier, pictured above, create the looks mostly for press and to promote brand awareness and maintain an image. (Dita Von Teese guest strutted in black wire and stockings.) But the Great Recession has sped up the decline of an institution of fashion, the highest level a designer can achieve, the crème de la crème of the biz. It's sad!

Signs of decline are all there. Shows have been reduced to six spanning three days. Sets have been pared back. Givenchy eschewed a show altogether to stage "presentations," or museum like display on dress forms-a sure sign of financial conservatism.

"Why not just hang a sign on the door that says, 'Shut?'" wrote Cathy Horyn yesterday in The New York Times.

Tags: Chanel, Christian Dior, Dita Von Teese, Elie Saab Couture, Givenchy, haute couture, jean paul gaultier, Paris Fashion Week, Paris haute couture, runway, runway fashion, runway models, runway shows, RunwayFashion, RunwayShow, Valentino

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Givenchy Stops Runway Shows

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel

Runway shows attract a lot of attention to a brand. They are also prohibitively expensive and in some cases, a luxury brands can no longer afford. One catwalk stalwart, Givenchy has decided to stop the grand spectacle of the couture catwalk shows in favor of individual client and editor appointments. But the label's artistic director Riccardo Tisci says this isn't a cost-cutting move but one that will actually cost more. The plan is to distill the collection into 10 key looks and then showcase them in an 18th century town house on the Place Vendome in Paris and to create a look book for the event. The aim is to make couture seem more upscale and exclusive. Tisci also told WWD that he plans not to use any black in his designs.

Tags: FashionWeek, givenchy, riccardo tisci, runway show, runway shows

The Fashion Statement: Extreme Feet

by Kristin Young (RSS feed) —

Filed under: The Fashion Statement

Extreme, statement-making shoes make the woman.

If you routinely go the safe route on your footwear choices (and, by safe, I mean simple plain black pumps or modest, solid-colored flats), you're just not living. Or at least not setting yourself apart.

The fashion world is obsessed with over-the-top shoes. The crazier, the scarier, the stranger, the better. And, because fashion is a business, it means women's appetite for extreme footwear is increasing by leaps and bounds.

Sky scraping platforms. Metallic belt-buckle over-the-knee boots. Shoes that resemble the Walt Disney Concert Hall. Shoes that look like bloated armadillos. Cowboy boots that threaten to topple you over backwards. Torturous spikes. Spinal stilettos. Garter belt lace-ups. Stilettos festooned with feathers.

For fall, 2010, ski bindings and interior design materials like plywood and Formica marry to create Baleniaga's high-heeled, color-blocked loafers. They are absolutely nuts! And you'll no doubt see them on some Hollywood It creature come red carpet events later this year.

Riccardo Tisci's Givenchy fall lineup includes an impossibly complicated pair of red lace-up booties that have tiny bumps not unlike some deep sea monster.

Gallery: The Fashion Statement: Extreme Feet

Romance Was Born's 'Renaissance Dinosaur' show

Tags: Balenciaga, boots, Extreme footwear, fashion, foot binding, Givenchy, heels, shoes, stilettos, Torturous spikes

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Sotheby's to Sell the Contents of Billionaire Patricia Kluge's Albemarle House

by Carrie Coolidge (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Auctions

Billionaire Patricia Kluge to sell the contents of her home, Albemarle House, via a Sotheby's auction.

On June 8th and 9th, Sotheby's, on behalf of billionaire Patricia Kluge, will sell the contents of Kluge's home, Albemarle House, at auction on the grounds of the majestic estate.

Antique lovers and voyeurs alike will be able to step inside Kluge's 45-room estate in Albemarle County, Va., for a peek at what could be theirs. Those who shell out $73 for the impressive auction catalog will gain admission for two to preview the auction items on-site through June 7th.

Ms. Kluge is the former wife of mogul John Kluge, founder of Metromedia Inc., which pioneered independent TV stations operations through the 1960's and 1970's. Kluge became one of the richest Americans after he sold his company to Rupert Murdoch during the mid-1980's for nearly $2 billion. Kluge made a second fortune in telecommunications and he was also a major owner of Orion Pictures. The Kluge's divorced nearly 20 years ago.

Patricia Kluge, who is remarried, is now pursuing a life as a winemaker and philanthropist. She decided it was time to change her lifestyle. As such, she felt it was time to part with both Albemarle, the enormous estate in Charlottesville, Virginia she called home, and its contents.

"For the past three decades, building and maintaining this collection have been among my greatest joys," said Kluge, in an exclusive interview with Luxist's Carrie N. Culpepper in January. "Now, I look forward to sharing this very extraordinary collection with fellow collectors as I focus my energy on my new home, travel and expanding the business of Kluge Estate Winery and Vineyard."

Gallery: The Collection of Patricia Kluge

Pair of George III Giltwood Four-Light Wall Lights

The Powder Room: A Fine and Rare George III Polychrome-Japanned and Mahogany Domed Tester Bedstead

George III Satinwood-Crossbanded Mahogany Serpentine Brass-Mounted Dressing Commode attributed to Thomas Chippendale

An Important George III Giltwood Frame with Chinese Export Reverse-Painted Mirror Painting.

Magnificent Imperial Tribute Gilt-Brass, Enamel and Paste-Set Quarter Striking Automaton Table Clock

Tags: Ablemarle House, christian lacroix, Givenchy, Kluge, LaCroix, Patricia Kluge, picasso, Sothebys

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LVMH to Open New Luxury Hotels

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels

cheval blanc hotel
Luxury Goods conglomerate LVMH, owner of Louis Vuitton, plans to open a series of new luxury hotels starting in Oman and Egypt. The hotels will incorporate LVMH brands such as Vuitton and Dior boutiques and Givenchy spas. The company has created LVMH Hotel Management to "oversee the group's activities in the luxury hotel sector" and "maximize the value of its brands". The two new hotels, named Cheval Blanc after one of LVMH's famed Bordeaux vineyards, are slated to open in 2012. The move follows the successful 2006 opening of the LVMH-backed Cheval Blanc hotel in Courchevel, France (above). The Maison Cheval Blanc in Oman is sited on the 11 square- kilometer island of Al Sodah and will include 32 private villas. The development in Egypt is on the private island of Amoun in Aswan and will include about 40 suites overlooking the Nile. LVMH notes that "other projects are currently under study in exceptional destinations". The company won't own the real estate or finance construction, but will instead run the resorts under management contract.

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Tags: Cheval Blanc, Courchevel, Dior, Egypt, Givenchy, hotel, Louis Vuitton, LVMH, Nile, Oman

A Fashion World Loss: Alexander McQueen Commits Suicide

by Carrie Coolidge (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel

Lee McQueen, founder of fashion house Alexander McQueen and one of the most respected fashion designers in the world, has been found dead in his London home. Though the circumstances surrounded McQueen's death have not been confirmed, it is believed the 40 year old fashion phenom may have taken his own life.

"On behalf of Lee McQueen's family, Alexander McQueen today announces the tragic news that
Lee McQueen, the founder and designer of the Alexander McQueen brand has been found dead at his home," said a spokesperson for Alexander McQueen. "At this stage it is inappropriate to comment on this tragic news beyond saying that we are devastated and are sharing a sense of shock and grief with Lee's family."

To be sure, McQueen had a remarkable career, having entered it at a very young age. In 1996, when he was in his late 20's, he was appointed Chief Designer at the French Haute Couture House Givenchy. He worked there until 2001, leaving to launch his own company.

Gallery: Alexander McQueen

McQueen was long known for both the emotional power and raw energy of his fashion shows as well as the romantic but contemporary nature of his collections. Integral to the McQueen culture is the juxtaposition between contrasting elements: fragility and strength, tradition and modernity and fluidity and severity. His collections combined an in-depth working knowledge of bespoke British tailoring, the fine workmanship of the French Haute Couture atelier and the impeccable finish of Italian manufacturing.

Born in 1969, McQueen grew up in London, the youngest of six children. He dropped out of school at age 16 and to apprentice at two traditional Saville Row tailors where he learned about the technical construction of clothing. His next career move was to Angels and Bermans, designers of theatrical costumes, where he learned and mastered six methods of pattern cutting, from that used during the melodramatic 16th Century to the razor sharp tailoring which is now his signature style. After several other career moves, including a stint in Milan, McQueen received a Masters degree in Fashion Design at St. Martins. McQueen has received the British Designer of the year award four times, the International Designer of the Year by the Council of Fashion Designer's of America (2003) and GQ's Menswear Designer of the Year Award in 2007.

In 2000, 51% of Alexander McQueen was acquired by the Gucci Group, where until his death, he served as Creative Director. His collections include women's ready-to-wear, Men's ready-to-wear, accessories, eyewear and fragrance. Flagship stores are found in New York, London and Milan. Alexander McQueen collections are distributed in more than 39 countries through 194 wholesale accounts including specialty shops and better department stores. In December, Alexander McQueen was a nominee for a Luxist Award in the Best Clothing Designer category.

Tags: alexander mcqueen, AlexanderMcqueen, clothing designer, ClothingDesigner, givenchy, gucci, gucci group, GucciGroup, lee mcqueen, LeeMcqueen

The Fashion Statement: Hats On

by Kristin Young (RSS feed) —

Filed under: The Fashion Statement

The Spring/Summer 2010 Haute Couture shows got underway earlier this week in Paris and, by the looks of things so far, they could have easily been renamed "Hat Couture."

Jean Paul Gaultier framed his models' faces in feathers (shown above), Mexican sombreros and metallic halos reminiscent of South American icons. (We noticed the blue nail polish, too.)

Karl Lagerfeld, whose muse for Chanel Couture must be equal parts geisha, schoolgirl and American housewife circa late '50s/early '60s, placed sugary sweet bows in each girls' bouffant 'do.

On Aura Tout Vu went to the extreme by building a tiny city around one model's head, held in place by metal rods affixed to her belt.

Riccardo Tisci at Givenchy took the concept of "lid" to a whole new level with a millinery lineup that resembled screw-top caps, cylinders and mid-century lampshades. Some were white, stark and shiny while others were black, textured or featured veils.

Galliano was among the more conservative with equestrian top hats, stovepipes and high hats. The riding crops he placed in the hands of his models, expected in an equestrian theme, nevertheless added a dominatrix spirit.

The bride wore black veils at Franck Sorbier...and forks?! Sure enough, even a handful of forks was sculpted into a chapeau.

Gallery: The Fashion Statement: Hats, 01/28/10

Tags: Chanel, Givenchy, hats, haute couture, HauteCouture, Lady Gaga, LadyGaga

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The Fashion Statement: What Do You Do, Roopal Patel?

by Kristin Young (RSS feed) —

Filed under: The Fashion Statement

As Fashion Editor at Neiman Marcus, Roopal Patel has one of the coolest jobs on the planet. I asked the fashion insider about the biggest fashion mistake people make and what she thinks are the hottest upcoming trends.

Q. What does a fashion editor for a major departments store do?

A. I scout up and coming talent and designers for the store, provide trend direction for the season and help translate that vision into our merchandise assortments with our buyers. It is important for the store to have one consistent message.

Q. What are the most popular trends for resort and spring 2010?

A. Not to give away the highly-coveted list that Senior VP/Fashion Director Ken Downing issues at the beginning of every season but ...blue is the color for both resort and spring. Neiman Marcus is embracing all shades of blue for every category. Tribal fusion was on every runway this season. Look to Givenchy for some of the must-have tribal print wedges and platforms of the season. The nude shoe is the new neutral of the season. The Fendi platform sandal [pictured above] is a must on our list.

Q. What is the most unusual fashion item you've seen in your career?

A. I am always amazed at how high the heel heights are at runway shows and how they get higher with every season. The models make it look so easy. The shoes at Alexander McQueen spring 2010 were over the top!

Q. Has Neiman Marcus changed in response to the economic climate? If so, how?

A. For the holidays, we have our "Little Gems" shop that features presents and gifts for under $100. There are also great [inexpensive] items in many of our designer collections. I found a silver stud pyramid ring from Stephen Webster for $275 and a great David Yurman silver infinity ring at $275.

Q. What is your favorite item in The Christmas Book?

A. I cannot help but to smile when I see the customized cupcake car. It's so original and unique. I also cannot wait to get my hands on the sequined leggings from La Rok and the John Hardy cuff bracelet for evening holiday sparkle.

Q. What is the one thing that makes a look?

A. The right accessory. The perfect handbag or shoes can change your look in seconds.

Q. What is the one common fashion mistake people make?

A. The only mistake one can make is not having fun with your wardrobe. Enjoy and translate the trends that work best for you.

Tags: Alexander McQueen, AlexanderMcqueen, David Yurman, DavidYurman, Fendi, Givenchy, Neiman Marcus, NeimanMarcus, Stephen Webster, StephenWebster, The Christmas Book, TheChristmasBook

Givenchy Spring 2008 Couture Collection

by Star Sutherland (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel, Events, Celebrity Shopping

Givenchy dresses have been worn by notably sophisticated ladies for decades, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, and the Duchess of Windsor are among the memorable women who've made Givenchy the fashion legend it is today. Recently joining the list is the always stunning and stylish Natalie Portman who had heads turning when she showed up at a Cannes soiree in this elegant and refreshing Givenchy gown. Easily the best dress seen all week, I think she blew it with the shoes but c'est la vie! If you have any high class events coming up, browse the Givenchy 2008 Collection, it features some fabulous designs that will have people dying to know who "dressed" you!

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Tags: cannes, cannes film festival, CannesFilmFestival, givenchy, givenchy dress, givenchy gowns, givenchy shopper, GivenchyDress, GivenchyGowns, GivenchyShopper, haute couture, HauteCouture, natalie portman, NataliePortman, spring 2008 fashion, Spring2008Fashion