Givenchy shakes up calendar with NYFW show, possible couture renewal

French fashion house Givenchy may be reviving its couture collection after its creative director alluded to the restart in an interview.

While speaking to John Koblin, style reporter for the New York Times, Riccardo Tisci said that Givenchy “would do couture again.” In 2012, Mr. Tisci discontinued Givenchy’s couture collection, a move that many in the industry assumed was temporary, as he worked to further develop the brand’s ready-to-wear line.

Crashing the calendar
Since 2012, Mr. Tisci has only worked on “special projects” such as reality star Kim Kardashian’s wedding dress and the tour outfits of pop stars Beyonce and Rihanna (see story). While creating couture pieces on a regular basis, Mr. Tisci often dressed Hollywood stars for awards ceremonies.

The return of couture would be welcomed, and the rumors are being fed by “couture-esque one-off dresses” presented last week during Givenchy’s menswear show worn by models such as Kendall Jenner and Naomi Campbell.

Kendall Jenner with male models for Givenchy mens spring/summer 2016

British Vogue suggests that if Givenchy does return to the couture circuit, the revenues generated will benefit the brand, which is currently the fifth most profitable brand for LVMH after Louis Vuitton, Dior, Fendi and Marc Jacobs.

Givenchy is also shaking up the fashion calendar by participating in New York Fashion Week on Sept. 11. The brand will present its spring/summer 2016 women’s wear collection and is using the hashtag #GRTNYC17 to keep enthusiasts informed as more details emerge.