Givenchy’s evening show had to compete with swirling winds and rain as Paris was dramatically plunged into autumn, but within the confines of the Garde Républicaine, spring blossom-bedecked gowns and summer denim ruled. Entitled “NY Paris 1993”, Clare Waight Keller’s collection aimed to blend “Paris’s sophisticated essence with the raw spirit of New York City”. Here are five things to know about the Givenchy spring/summer 2020 show.
Denim was front and centre – and it came with a sustainable caveat
Givenchy’s invitations comprised card seating allocations mounted on a square of acid wash denim – a hint as to the predominant theme. As the models filed out it was quickly apparent that denim was the main update here: the show notes prompted that love-worn Nineties styles had been upcycled to comprise crisp tailoring. Meanwhile baggy, acid wash, distressed jeans and shorts had been paired with streamlined silk high-necked blouses, neatly tucked in. Backstage, dressed in ripped denim, strappy sandals and a bourgeois blouse, Clare Waight Keller said the inspiration had come from her own experience: in 1993, she moved from London to New York having landed a plum job at Calvin Klein straight out of art school.
The Bermuda suit is your new workwear staple
As Princess Nokia’s bass-heavy “Tomboy” thudded through the sound system, models strutted out in boyish short suits. Jackets were cut with a strong shoulder, then left to hang loose from the body and paired with sleek tailored knee-length shorts and chunky slip-ons, worn with nothing underneath.
Leather got a louche update How will you take your leather next season?
Whether your predilection is for mannish oversized trench coats or cropped corset tops, there’s something for you at Givenchy. Standouts included emerald green and petrol blue pencil skirts and a mushroom-hued foulard-neck top.
There’s a new pouch clutch to get your hands on
Secured at the wrist with a kind of wraparound surfer’s leash, strung on a chunky strap, or tucked under the armpit, Givenchy’s new slouchy pouch bag ran with the “relaxed elegance” theme. It came in raffia (inescapable for SS20), pillarbox red, and monochrome chequer board – but it was particularly delectable in mimosa yellow.
The boho dress is well and truly back
Wear-anywhere dresses with in-built “good time state of minds” are everywhere for spring, and Givenchy’s energising floral numbers – balloon sleeves, bows and scarf necklines abounded – will wend their way into many a holiday wardrobe. How to wear them now? With a pair of optic white heeled mules – the chunkier the heel, the better.
Editor
Ellie Pithers