Fashion focus: Riccardo Tisci for Givenchy

December 7th, 2011 § Leave a Comment

Since 2005, Riccardo Tisci has held the position of creative director for Givenchy, the French label founded in 1952 by Hubert de Givenchy and originally known for its contemporary and ladylike style and its famous clients like Audrey Hepburn and the Kennedy family.

Ready-to-wear Spring/Summer 2012 Collection

Mr. Tisci graduated from London’s Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design in 1999 and, after having worked for a few companies like Puma and Ruffo Research, he decided to focus on his own fashion line which he exhibited in Milan in 2004. It was at this time, Givenchy discovered him and offered him a position as chief designer. At first, he hesitated but a phone call from his mother saying that she was about to sell the family house because of a lack of money made him change his mind. Always known to be a very religious man, he believed this opportunity was a sign of god and he took it to save his family from poverty.

Since then, he has been working his magic on Givenchy’s haute couture and ready-to-wear lines. He draws his inspiration from his religious roots, and his collections strongly reflect his beliefs which feature some gothic and romantic themes. Mr. Tisci also has a very specific sense of scenography and space. For example, on the runway, he likes to give a theatrical presentation of his designs. He says “My way of showing is very melancholic… I love romanticism and sensuality.” Considered as a genius by the fashion scene, Riccardo Tisci’s work has been greatly appreciated over the past years, bringing both financial success and excellent reputation to the house of Givenchy.

Ready-to-wear Spring/Summer 2012 Collection

Some other interesting tidbits about Mr. Tisci include being the first designer to feature a transsexual model on the runway, his former personal assistant Lea T, as well as a recent rumor following the Galliano scandal in Paris that Mr. Tisci is on the top of the list as a potential replacement at Dior. The future of fashion looks very promising in the luxury sector as Ricardo Tisci’s avant-gaude style looks to continue to seduce the fashion sphere into the 21st century.

2011 Haute Couture Collection modeled by Lea T