February 4, 2017 |
If you haven’t heard through the fashion grapevine already, SPOILER ALERT: Riccardo Tisci has left the building at Givenchy. And who better to delve deep into some of his best work than I? On the day of his departure (for those of who didn’t see me) I was wearing a fabulous pair of wide leg trousers from his AW14 collection. Apparently it was about basketball. I don’t play, but it sounds cute. Phoebe is also partial to a Givenchy look and was wiping away her tears with the sleeve of a chic, black blazer. Givenchy, no less. So dry your eyes mate and feast upon what are (in my opinion) his best ten looks. And unless you’re wearing more Givenchy than I am, I don’t want to hear otherwise. Scratch that, I don’t want hear anything from anyone else. So you better take it as gospel.
Autumn/Winter 2011
Purple orchids. Panthers. Something else beginning with P. Pleasure. Because that is what the AW11 woman looks like she would give you. Aesthetically and in *ahem* other ways too. Like a sexy secretary. Pencil skirts, specs and pin-ups. Printed on their angora sweaters. In purple. P’ing all over the place. Don’t ask her to pee on you though. Too far.
Spring/Summer 2012
Mermaids were on Tisci’s mind for SS12 and it’s not a stretch to imagine The Little Mermaid’s Ariel wearing one of these sparkling exits. Not Under The Sea though, the latter part of her story. She’s on land and married to Prince Eric and they’re on their honeymoon. Somewhere hot like Cuba, and she’s dancing with him at some sort of fabulous rooftop bar in the pale moonlight, catching the light with every shimmy.
Autumn/Winter 2012
Now we are talking. Givenchy giving me Dominatrix realness. And it hurts oh so good. What I would give to get slapped across the face by Daniela Braga a couple of times. And if the collection didn’t give you equestrian vibes already, the galloping horses on the show’s soundtrack made it clear enough. All you need to accessorise is a riding crop and a willing victim.
Spring/Summer 2013
“I’d like to be a Givenchy nun,” said somebody important after the SS13 show according to the internet. And they were religious girls, perhaps even nun-like, but they weren’t angels. They had a naughty side too. Check the gold lined, clear perspex chokers around their neck. Bonus points if you remember the shoes which sparked a meme of Kim K crying on a pair of Kim K wearing them. Has to be seen to be believed.
Spring/Summer 2014
A burning car crash was the focal point of the set for Givenchy SS14. A literal car crash to represent the metaphorical car crash of two cultures: the fragility of Japan and the draping of Africa. And whilst that was all well and good, it was the make-up that had us all gagged. They really put Pat McGrath to work on those bejewelled faced warriors. Four hours per girl. Not a good idea for a quick pop out to Tesco.
Autumn/Winter 2014
When it comes to Tisci he is known for his elaborate (and often outdoor) sets. Attendees shivering underneath foil blankets waiting for the show to begin. All worth it of course for the fabulous fashions. Beauty pain. He took it indoors for AW14 though, the models parading up and down a carpet catwalk, alien-esque with their temples pulled up by tape. Wonder where the carpet is now…
Autumn/Winter 2014 Menswear
Some might call this cheating, taking a women’s look from a men’s show, but this is my round-up and not yours. And it would be so wrong not to include this Mariacarla in menswear moment. The same look to be worn by Rihanna after the AW14 women’s show a few months later. But who wore it best? Sorry Mariacarla, but everyone knows I’m always slayed by the Bajan babe.
Spring/Summer 2015
Remember the Incredibles? I know it is a gay cliche to reference slash talk about a Disney movie, and I’m not really a fan, but I won’t hear a bad word about the movie. It is hands down the best one. Specifically sassy mom Mrs Incredible AKA Elastigirl. Not only is she one fierce mumma she can also stretch and contort her body into any variety of shape. Which works nicely for this SS15 which also features black elastic straps across the models chest. Stretchy is the new sexy.
Spring/Summer 2016 Menswear
This major moment, was major not only for the look itself, but also for the looks owner. One, Miss Naomi Campbell. A look so major, in fact, that Jack and I had to watch again on Youtube for full impact. “I love how she walks around looking down her nose at everyone,” notes Jack. Quite right though. That face, body, attitude, everything. Tens across the board.
Spring/Summer 2017 Couture
Little did we know, but this look was to be Riccardo’s last at Givenchy. And how beautiful, because this was the cherry on the top of a fabulous sundae of creative couture creations. Like a peachy dessert. So delicious I’m not sure if I want to wear it, or eat it. Probably the latter because I’d never pull it off like Blanca Padilla does. Don’t worry I’ll save you gobble gannets a sliver of the ostrich plumed delight.
