The Givenchy Pre-Spring 2019 collection, under the creative direction of Clare Waight Keller, offered a fascinating glimpse into the house's past, drawing inspiration from the relatively untapped archive of Hubert de Givenchy's 1980s sportswear line. This collection, a departure from the house's more recent, often darker and edgier aesthetics, presented a vibrant and optimistic vision, resonating with a nostalgic mood that was further amplified by its accompanying campaign film, directed by Massimiliano. This deep dive into Givenchy's heritage provides a rich context for understanding the broader Givenchy SS19 season, encompassing ready-to-wear, haute couture, and the overall direction of the brand under Waight Keller's leadership.
Givenchy Goes Retro for Pre: A Celebration of Sportswear Heritage
The defining characteristic of the Givenchy Pre-Spring 2019 collection was its overt reference to Hubert de Givenchy's sportswear line from the 1980s. This was a deliberate choice by Clare Waight Keller, signalling a desire to explore different facets of the Givenchy legacy beyond the iconic Audrey Hepburn era. The 80s sportswear aesthetic, typically characterized by bold colors, graphic prints, relaxed silhouettes, and a touch of athleticism, was seamlessly integrated into the collection.
The color palette was a vibrant mix of primary hues – reds, blues, yellows – alongside softer pastels like peach and lavender. These colors were often juxtaposed in unexpected ways, creating a dynamic and energetic feel. Graphic prints, another hallmark of 80s sportswear, were prominent, featuring geometric patterns, bold logos, and abstract designs. These prints were not merely decorative; they served to emphasize the collection's retro inspiration and inject a sense of playfulness.
Silhouettes were relaxed and comfortable, reflecting the inherent nature of sportswear. Think oversized sweatshirts, track pants with statement stripes, bomber jackets with exaggerated shoulders, and flowing dresses that hinted at athletic ease. The collection wasn't solely about recreating 80s trends; it was about reinterpreting them through a contemporary lens. Waight Keller skillfully modernized these retro elements, ensuring they felt relevant and appealing to the modern Givenchy woman.
The use of materials further underscored this blend of retro inspiration and contemporary execution. Classic sportswear fabrics like nylon and jersey were paired with more luxurious materials like silk and leather, creating a sense of elevated comfort. This juxtaposition of textures added depth and sophistication to the collection, preventing it from feeling like a mere imitation of the past.
Accessories played a crucial role in completing the retro sportswear aesthetic. Chunky sneakers, oversized sunglasses, and logo-emblazoned baseball caps were key elements, adding a touch of street style and grounding the collection in the present. These accessories served as a reminder that while the collection drew inspiration from the past, it was firmly rooted in the contemporary fashion landscape.
The decision to focus on Givenchy's sportswear heritage was a strategic one. It allowed Waight Keller to showcase a different side of the brand, one that was less formal and more accessible. This approach broadened the appeal of Givenchy, attracting a younger and more diverse audience while still staying true to the house's core values of elegance and sophistication.
Glass Presents Givenchy’s Spring 2019 Pre: Amplifying the Retro Narrative
Glass Magazine, known for its focus on art, fashion, and culture, played a significant role in presenting and interpreting the Givenchy Pre-Spring 2019 collection to a wider audience. Their coverage likely highlighted the collection's retro inspiration, its contemporary execution, and its overall significance within the context of Givenchy's evolving identity.
Glass's perspective would have likely emphasized the artistic merit of the collection, exploring how Waight Keller successfully translated the 80s sportswear aesthetic into a modern and sophisticated context. They may have also delved into the cultural significance of the 80s, examining how the collection tapped into a sense of nostalgia and resonated with contemporary trends.
The magazine's presentation would have undoubtedly featured stunning visuals, showcasing the collection's vibrant colors, graphic prints, and relaxed silhouettes. These visuals would have been carefully curated to convey the collection's retro-inspired mood and its contemporary appeal.
Furthermore, Glass's coverage might have included interviews with Clare Waight Keller or other members of the Givenchy team, providing insights into the creative process behind the collection and its overall vision. These interviews would have shed light on the inspiration behind the collection, the challenges of reinterpreting retro trends, and the overall direction of the Givenchy brand.
By presenting the Givenchy Pre-Spring 2019 collection through an artistic and cultural lens, Glass Magazine helped to elevate its status and solidify its significance within the fashion world. Their coverage served to amplify the collection's retro narrative and solidify its place within the broader Givenchy SS19 season.
Givenchy Spring 2019 Ready-to-Wear: Building Upon the Foundation
While the Pre-Spring collection set the stage with its retro sportswear theme, the Givenchy Spring 2019 Ready-to-Wear collection expanded upon this foundation, offering a more comprehensive and nuanced exploration of the brand's identity. While echoes of the 80s influence may have lingered, the Ready-to-Wear collection often showcases a wider range of inspirations and techniques, allowing Waight Keller to fully express her creative vision for the season.