While we got a preview of Sarah Burton’s Givenchy on the Oscars red carpet, the runway unfolded an entirely new realm of designs inspired by Hubert de Givenchy’s 1952 debut collection. Staged at the House’s Headquarters, with brown paper packets being the main design element, the minimalistic setting made sure everyone had their eyes on the collection, and the collection only.
The catwalk showcased a parade of imaginative designs, from netted dresses enhanced with voluminous accents (read: tutu-like hems) and lemon-yellow ensembles in the vein of Timothée Chalamet’s Academy Award suit. Even though there were several layers to the collection, Burton aimed to stay true to what has been historically important to the House — cut, silhouette and proportion. The collection had tailored pieces that could easily be incorporated into your work wardrobe, but the statement looks were the higher-than-usual halter-necks and compact mirror-inspired tops apt for the fashion risk-taker.
Leather accents made an appearance in the form of scarves, and floral embroidery embraced dresses and footwear. Metallics, on the other hand, were present throughout the collection with earrings, cuff bracelets and shoes being the primary representation. The designer's debut designs were made to effortlessly cater to the modern woman with bold shoulders and accentuated waists, lending the female gaze to all her creations. Whether it was the mixed-media jewellery or the OTT final look which was drenched in tulle, Burton definitely did not disappoint with her first at Givenchy.
