In 1952, Givenchy founded his namesake house on Rue Alfred de Vigny in Paris and quickly rose to fame as one of the grand couturiers. 16 years later for the 1968-69 season, he added a ready-to-wear line of clothing and accessories called 'Givenchy Nouvelle Boutique'. The line was initially sold in the United States exclusively through Bergdorf Goodman and was eventually made available at other retailers. The line was high end and extremely well made and it was made to appeal to his non-couture clients who wanted to be able to purchase a piece of the Givenchy dream. This label continued until 1992 when it was retired and rebranded as the Givenchy Couture label. This dress is also interesting as it seems to be a combination of the silhouette and design elements of the dress shown here from the Pre-Fall 1990 show and the sequin fabric used for the Fall 1990 show. I have included the photos of those two runway shots here and think this is almost certainly form the Fall 1990 collection based on the fabric. The dress is spectacular and I think it is the best possible combination f the two runway examples I have shared here.
I love everything about this dress and especially the way the buttons are laid out on that curved lined down the front. This clever little technique really adds to the hourglass feel the dress has. The shoulders are squared off with padding underneath to hold their shape. The sleeves are long and simple. The body of the dress is cut to skim over you from shoulder to hem. The waist is brought in just a touch and this is done with vertical seaming and that wrap over at the front so that there is no line to break the fabric across the waist. It snaps to close down the one side with decorative buttons set on a slight curve that is so flattering on the body. The buttons themselves are gorgeous. Each is a large flat gold toned metal button with a scattering of coloured rhinestones in them. The fabric is equally as beautiful. The base is a red silk organza and then little abstract rounds of sequins are applied in a mix of gold, pewter and red. Velvet edging that circles each cuff and also runs from the neck to the hem and all the way around is the perfect finishing touch. The dress does not have a single unnecessary seam and is gorgeous. Excellent condition
Fully lined in a red silk chiffon and closes with hidden snaps set under the buttons at the front. The buttons are all functional. Padding in each shoulder. It appears to have been worn very little if at all.
Sleeves: 23.5"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 37" from neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD4448
Reference Photos: (1) Fall 1990 Givenchy Runway. / (2) Pre-Fall 1990 Givenchy Runway.
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.