PARIS, Aug 6, 2006/ FW/ --- Last week’s news that the little black dress that Audrey Hepburn worn in the classic film, ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’ will be auctioned at Christie’s on December 5, put the House of Givenchy on the spotlight and on the eyes of the world, once again.

Though there has been at least two generations of fashionistas born since 1961, the year ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’ hit the big screen, the movie still defines up to today the elegance of Givenchy.

With the news about the dress, (which was designed by Hubert de Givenchy) being expected to go for up to £70,000 towards City of Joy Aid, the Calcutta-based non-profit organization that helps children in Calcutta, interest on the House of Givenchy was sparked.

And, with the photo of Audrey Hepburn wearing it shown on print, television and online, it is very hard not to compare the ‘past’ and ‘present’ House of Givenchy, which brings to the haute couture collection shown last month in Paris.

Riccardo Tisci, the current Creative Director of the house is known for his provocative presentations before he came to Givenchy. Elegant and chic, he always put a ‘dark’ aspect to the collection as he mixes philosophy and fashion.

He was back in his creative form last month with feminine gowns where volume meets slim tailoring, bolero jackets with veined stitching, and snug-fitting long coats with sewn-in leather belt.

Beautiful as the collection was, it was upstaged by the models’ makeup and headdresses. Full beards encrusted with jewels and tribal headdresses that looked like they came straight from the movie set of Michael Crichton’s ‘The 13th Warrior’ distracted the audience from seeing the grace and sophistication of the clothes.

Compared with the ‘girl-next-door’ quality of Hepburn’s ‘Holly Golightly’ and the seeming naiveté she portrayed, Riccardo Tisci’s vision of Givenchy is dark, almost gothic.

Under Tisci’s creative helm, Givenchy is proposing new aesthetics to its clientele. The brand has to move forward. After all, it has been 45 years since ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’ made Givenchy a household name.

With Tisci’s bold and unorthodox approach, he is trailblazing a new look for the maison. The only question that remains is that whether he can succeed wooing the existing clients to move over to his camp, and attract new ones with edgy designs.

Givenchy

Givenchy

Givenchy

Givenchy