Shoes

House of Givenchy|André Perugia|Hubert de Givenchy

1952 · straw · Costume Institute

A designer's early work tends to be scarce, as he has not yet built the reputation and significant following necessary to assure distribution and preservation of his work. Early pieces are often highly prized for their capacity to show the freshness and unfettered spirit of young talent, qualities that are difficult to maintain throughout a career. Unusual in both material and toe treatment, this pair of shoes comes from the year after Givenchy opened his house. The design is playful but sophisticated, and as Givenchy was known for his chic and colorful designs which focused on line rather than decoration, fits easily in to the designer's aesthetic. Givenchy shoes were made by Perugia at this time.

Artist

House of Givenchy|André Perugia|Hubert de Givenchy

Date

1952

Medium

straw

Culture

French

Department

Costume Institute

Credit line

Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of the Brooklyn Museum, 2009; Gift of Mrs. Lewis Iselin Jr., 1960