It has been announced that Riccardo Tisci will leave Givenchy after 12 years as creative director of the brand. Spring Haute Couture 2017, shown in January in Paris, was his last collection for the brand. It is not yet confirmed who his successor will be, or what Tisci will go on to do next, although rumours are circulating that he is to join Versace in Milan.
Givenchy released a statement saying ‘The House of Givenchy applauds Riccardo Tisci’s vision that led to a very successful twelve-year partnership. We warmly thank him for his outstanding contribution to our beautiful ongoing story.’
Tisci has given his thanks through Instagram, saying ‘a giant heartfelt thank you to Givenchy, LVMH, my incredible team, the magical atelier and everyone who made these 93 collections possible and all the other crazy adventures. You love and support, in the day and in the night, will forever remain in my heart.’
When Riccardo Tisci joined as creative director in 2005, Givenchy had been struggling since the brand’s eponymous creator had stepped down in 1995. It was a very tough task to undertake, but Tisci slowly started to turn things around and began a new era in the brand’s history.
From left to right: Couture Fall ’10, Couture Spring ’12, Couture Spring ‘17
Pre-Riccardo, Givenchy’s main muse was Audrey Hepburn who was the first to wear Givenchy’s ‘little black dress.’ From that point, there was always an association to a feminine, classic yet cool feel. Tisci continued incorporating very feminine detailing in his designs, however, he began to use them to communicate strength and power in his creations for women. This new direction began to gain momentum and created a new course of success for the brand.
From left to right: Ready to Wear AW15, Ready to Wear SS16, Ready to Wear SS17
Tisci’s re-invention of Givenchy’s muse as a fiery, sensual, and strong woman has gained a loyal celebrity following. Bella Hadid and the Kardashians are all seen in his creations on a regular basis. The designer was also specially commissioned to create the costumes for Rihanna’s world tour ‘Diamonds’ in 2013. Beyoncé has also played a part increasing the brand’s popularity. Givenchy designs appear in her music videos, she references thebrand name in song lyrics and she has chosen to wear Givenchy for the last five Met Gala balls.
From left to right: Beyoncé at the Met Gala in 2012, 2016 and 2014
By Natalie Hanson
