Givenchy’s fashion shows, from Ibert de Givenchy’s debut in 1952 to current head designer Matthew M. Williams’ Fall 2023 collection, are chronicled in the volume ‘Givenchy Catwalk, the Complete Collections’.

Fashion historian Alexander Samson and fashion critic Anders Christian Madsen are the authors of the book.

The first documents Givenchy collections up to the handover of the reins of the house to Galliano and the second analyzes the visions of the contemporary creative directors of the house.

The book reveals how the French couturier pushed fashion forward in the second half of the 20th century. He was the first to designate a celebrity as his muse, dressing actress Audrey Hepburn in his creations for decades, and the first to recognize the value of a logo, creating the iconic ‘4G’ insignia with artist Pierre Dinan in 1970.

The volume “Givenchy Catwalk, the Complete Collections” is more than just a book. It is a journey through images in the illustrious history of the house of Givenchy, highlighting the genius of its designers.

“The house founded by the daring Ibert de Givenchy in 1952, symbolized the pinnacle of effortless elegance, as embodied by Audrey Hepburn’s muse (and close friend). After the retirement of its founder in 1995, John Galliano first took the reins of the house, before being succeeded by a young Alexander McQueen, who created the first (and only) haute couture collections for Givenchy. More recently, Italian designer Riccardo Tisci steered the brand in a decidedly contemporary direction when he took the reins in 2005, followed by Claire Waight Keller and Matthew M. Williams,” the book’s synopsis reads.

Each new era in Givenchy’s history begins with a brief overview and biography of the new designer, while the collections are introduced with a short text revealing their influences and highlights, illustrated with carefully curated images from the shows. A rich reference section and an extensive index are included in the book, published by Thames & Hudson Ltd.