When Gladiator Meets Nightingale
The Givenchy-style gladiator heels and the large tote is very much sought-after, especially this season for their ultra-chic glam and durability. DAZMAN MANAN writes.
MASTER of his own couture house at a relatively young age of 24, Hubert de Givenchy received rave reviews for his first collection in the 1950’s which in turn attracted Audrey Hepburn, who was still an unknown at the time.
Then later, in films such as Sabrina, Funny Face and Breakfast at Tiffany’s, the couturier and actress came up with the iconic “Audrey Hepburn look” - a chic composition of gamine, simple and linear with sophisticated detailing. Think Hepburn in slim-fit capris paired with ballet flats in Sabrina.
Or, when she wore boatnecks on tops and dresses. It has been said that she first popularised this just-below-the-collarbone look with the Givenchy-designed dresses in Sabrina.
By the early 1960’s, Givenchy had become one of the most successful designers of all time, dressing women like the Duchess of Windsor, Princess Grace, Marlene Dietrich, Gloria Guinness and Barbara Paley.
Today, Givenchy’s creative team is spearheaded by Italian Ricardo Tisci who’s injected a sense of modern, rock star elegance with a cool character and confidence.
Most memorable had to be Hollywood star Christina Ricci who caught the fashion world’s attention in what looked like a scarlet red Wonder Woman corset swathed in sheer coral organza Givenchy fantasy gown she wore to this year’s Metropolitan Museum of Art annual fashion fete in New York.
The fearless, “heroine chic” frock probably even made Madonna notice as it was recently reported that the Material Girl has asked Tisci to design the wardrobe for her upcoming Sticky and Sweet tour.
While Givenchy’s haute couture gowns and ready-to-wear are priced at tags that many don’t even dare to look at, the French brand offers a selection of accessories - to those who want to glam up Givenchy-style - that is not as costly.
Sought-after, especially this season, is its range of gladiator heels.
The currently-hot, strappy soles inspired by the Roman warriors come in patent white, yellow and black with needle-thin killer heels or wedge-style for more ease and comfort when walking.
A large tote made with an exotic blend of beige-coloured straw and black leather weave are just perfect for use in the urban jungle as well as on the beach to store towels, tanning lotion and hat. This comes with matching T-bar sandals that stand on an eye-catching wedge-and-high heels dual design.
Evening drama is captured in metallic bronze and silver leather d’Orsay (strapless, slip-on shoes) heels, each accented with sparkling caviar beads so tiny that they look like gleaming, metal glomesh from afar.
Popular in the local market, probably because of its lightweight and perhaps the less-pricey tag, is Givenchy’s denim collection of bags and shoes.
Trimmed in either black or brown distressed leather, the washed denim blue accessories appear more upmarket than utilitarian with the G insignia apparent.
Multiple pockets and zippered compartments on bags and comfy, low heels on shoes make for better investments for this fabric-and-leather range.
Equally practical is the quilted white carriers made of leather and hardy nylon. Their shapes are in the usual hobo and hand-held totes but the quilt makes each design attractive as it marries the Oriental-like four-G symbol and square as well as diamond-shape padded tufts.
Serious fashionistas would be charmed by the Nightingale. It’s a zippered, roomy carrier that can be hand-held or sling on the shoulder with an effortless look minus screaming logos which has been christened a must-have by major glossies.
It has been seen in the hands of Nicole Richie, Mary Kate Olsen, Sienna Miller and Heidi Klum.
The “bird bag” as baghags call it, is most coveted in the medium size which currently is on waiting-list at the label’s one-and-only store in Starhill Gallery, Kuala Lumpur.
It looks like the Nightingale is really in the top flight of handbags!
New Straits Times