Saturday, February 5, 2011

Givenchy HC

Oh Givenchy how you've captured my Haute Couture lovin' heart! From trawling through the Spring/Summer 2011 style.com archives my Givenchy appreciation has grown as big as a chanel advertisement campaign (yes that's right).
So why just a feature on Givenchy HC? Simply because I feel out of all the designers who are keeping Haute Couture alive by dividing their ample workload between S/S and A/W ready-to-wear collections to delve into the intricate time consuming world of HC, Givenchy is the fashion house who've stayed true to the meaning of Haute Couture AND delivered an amazing collection. (Obviously just my opinion)
From the select amount of looks, inspiration (Japan, Robots, say no more..) and colour story, right down to the presentation (which is so important) it captured perfection. The setting is antique-like and simple; bare and architecturally strong to back the construction of the pieces and not too over-bearing or busy to take away from the delicate femininity of some of the fabrics. (Oh sheerness will you marry me?)
Theres a feeling of intimacy with the Givenchy collection, like you're lucky to be involved in the Givenchy experience. A feeling of exclusivity even, which is ultimately what Haute Couture is all about.
Dior, Gaultier, Valentino and the rest left me a little..eh. The shows didn't feel special, it looked like it could've been another ready to wear collection. I mean Chanel had 67 looks?! (I felt a little tired half-way through. Made myself a sandwich.)
For me, Givenchy S/S HC collection is more about quality rather than quantity.
The attention to detail is insane! Robot-inspired applique contrasted with layering, folds and endless hours of craftsmanship (one outfit taking 4,000 hours of sewing apparently) in a delicious soft colour palette (which to my delight had flashes of lime green and yellow) and then topped off with Philip Treacy millinery. Love!
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Style.com described the up-close experience with the pieces "like examining works of art in a gallery" which I imagine is pretty spot-on.
(Images from style.com)

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