Givenchy
Parisian elegance with a rebellious edge
Founded in 1952, Givenchy launched its fragrance division in 1957 with L'Interdit — a scent created exclusively for Audrey Hepburn. The house's Gentleman line (1974) pioneered the modern masculine fragrance category. Today, LVMH-owned Givenchy powers its perfume business through the relaunched L'Interdit (2018) and Irresistible lines.
The Founder's Story
Count Hubert James Marcel Taffin de Givenchy founded his fashion house in 1952 and quickly became Audrey Hepburn's favourite designer — dressing her in Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961). When Givenchy created L'Interdit in 1957, Hepburn was given exclusive rights to wear it before its public release. The name means "The Forbidden" — because Hepburn initially didn't want anyone else to wear it.
Heritage & Timeline
1952: Hubert de Givenchy founds his fashion house in Paris. 1957: L'Interdit launches — created exclusively for Audrey Hepburn. 1974: Givenchy Gentleman launches — pioneering the modern men's fragrance category. 1988: LVMH acquires Givenchy. 2018: L'Interdit relaunches with a modern composition — becomes the house's commercial flagship. 2020: Irresistible launches — positioned as a youthful, playful feminine counterpart. 2025/26: LVMH-owned. L'Interdit is the brand's fragrance pillar. Gentleman continues as a men's staple.
Signature Style
Givenchy's fragrance identity balances Parisian elegance with a streak of rebellious sophistication. The house favours compositions that are simultaneously refined and unexpected — from L'Interdit's white floral-dark patchouli contrast to Gentleman's iris-leather combination.
Iconic Fragrances
Did You Know?
L'Interdit was created exclusively for Audrey Hepburn — she had sole rights to wear it before its 1957 public release.
The name means "The Forbidden" because Hepburn didn't want anyone else to wear her personal scent.
Givenchy Gentleman (1974) was one of the first fragrances to establish the modern men's perfumery category.
Hubert de Givenchy dressed Audrey Hepburn for Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961), cementing a fashion-fragrance partnership that defined both their legacies.
