2003 Givenchy Fall Haute Couture Green Velvet Skirt Suit

About the Item

This is an an exceptional green velvet cocktail suit by Julien Macdonald for Givenchy's Fall/Winter Haute Couture 2003 presentation and is look number 2. The jacket features unusual gathered puff shoulders and a tapered sleeve with a zip detail at each cuff, creating a romantic, almost Victorian silhouette. The front fastens up the left hand side with a zip closure and a long row of velvet covered buttons which lead up to the high asymmetrical pointed collar. The inside of the jacket is lined with a luxuriously soft green grey silk, and the velvet itself is lovely and thick - a deep forest green shade, and of the highest quality. The skirt is made from the same velvet and cut in a classic pencil shape, with a left hand side zip fastening and hook and eye at the top. The front has four front seams which elongate the lower body, and the back is shaped beautifully in an almost fishtail-like design. Julien Macdonald joined Givenchy in 2001, replacing Alexander McQueen as artistic director. That same year he was also named British Fashion Designer of the year - an accolade which reflected the high quality and craftsmanship of his work. Vogue said of the collection that Julien Macdonald chose to go back to basics at Givenchy Couture. Working with the two mainstays of the house’s heritage—the memory of Audrey Hepburn and a reputation for suits—the designer emphasized daywear (something that has evaporated from many couture collections) and made overt references to Sabrina and Breakfast at Tiffany’s in the program notes. Both the skirt and the jacket are in pristine vintage condition, with no flaws or marks and the design is identical to the show sample save for the sleeves; the runway version was shown with tulle cuffs and a ruff neckline but this subtle adaptation is eminently more practical for a formal dinner or soiree. The couture client's measurements best correspond to a UK size 10 UK, or 6 US. MEASUREMENTS: SKIRT: WAIST: 28 in. ( 71.12 cm ) HIP: 37 in. ( 93.98 cm ) LENGTH: 28 in. ( 71.12 cm ) JACKET: BUST: 39 in. ( 99.06 cm ) SHOULDER: 17 in. ( 43.18 cm ) WAIST: 31 in. ( 78.74 cm ) LENGTH: 20 in. ( 50.8 cm )

Designer:

Julien Macdonald

Brand:

Givenchy

Dimensions:

Marked Size: 4-6 (US)Bust: 39 in (99.06 cm)Waist: 28 in (71.12 cm)Hip: 37 in (93.98 cm)

Style:

Victoriana (In the Style Of)

Place of Origin:

France

Period:

2000-2009

Condition:

Wear consistent with age and use.

Seller Location:

London, GB

Reference Number:

1stDibs: LU55016987292

View Invoice

Shop All Givenchy

Givenchy

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.