PARIS, Jul 8, 2005/ FW/ --- When a new designer debuts for an established fashion house, everyone expects the show to be elaborate and grand. But Riccardo Tisci, who was initiated last night for Givenchy opted for the exact opposite, choosing to show to a very small crowd and very surrealist surroundings.

Tisci who had wowed the Milan crowd with his provocative presentations did the same thing for his first appearance in Givenchy.

There was no formal runway show. Rather, it was in the big room at the House’s atelier with a makeshift runway and white sheets served as decoration!

In short, Tisci totally demystified the glamour of haute couture choosing starkness instead of opulence. Some journalists were disappointed, while others raved about the show.

Yet, in the end, it is the clothes that count, and under Tisci’s direction, the Givenchy atelier created very exquisite clothes worthy of the legends that haute couture is made of.

Gowns with trains decorated with feather and fur, a backless gown made of luxurious lace made sensuous with cut and style, and chiffon adorned with ethereal embroidery, which might be too light for those cool fall nights, yet with the white fur coat, it will just be warm enough.

The format of the show might have been unexpected, which, by the way, caught a lot of people unaware. Maybe, it was just a marketing tool, because the day after, everyone was talking about the Givenchy show.

Maybe, it was just Riccardo Tisci’s style when it comes to shock tactics, which is of course expected among grand couturiers.

Nevertheless, it will be the couture clients who will decide whether the show was a success or not. After all, they hold the purse strings. And from what was shown, they will not have a hard time opening them up!

Givenchy by Riccardo Tisci

Givenchy by Riccardo Tisci

Givenchy by Riccardo Tisci

Givenchy by Riccardo Tisci