Bonjour fashion lovers,
on a chilly March day in Paris, the heart of fashion beat fast for a historic moment: Sarah Burton’s debut at the helm of Givenchy. I was curious, eager, almost as excited as when you await the release of a book you already know will be unforgettable. After years leading Alexander McQueen, Burton embraced the challenge of carrying on the legacy of Hubert de Givenchy. And she did so with a Fall/Winter 2025-26 collection that masterfully blended respect for tradition with a bold vision for the future.
The show took place in the historic Givenchy headquarters at 3 Avenue George V—a return to the brand’s roots, but with a contemporary edge. And just as fate would have it, during renovations, a hidden wardrobe was discovered, containing pattern drafts from Hubert de Givenchy’s very first 1952 collection. A fashion fairytale twist that made this show even more special in my eyes.

The silhouettes were sculpted, the volumes perfectly balanced. Impeccable tailoring took center stage, with structured shoulders defining a femininity that is confident and self-assured. As I watched each look glide down the runway, I could feel Burton’s signature touch: her ability to craft garments that are true armor of beauty and strength. Draped dresses, inspired by archival designs, gracefully hugged the body, while deep necklines highlighted the allure of a woman who is both sophisticated and timeless.
Sarah Burton has shown a deep understanding of Givenchy’s essence, yet she hasn’t abandoned her own signature style. Black dominated the runway—eternal, elegant, mysterious—and you know how much I love it! Alongside it, metallic fabrics and couture details added a modern and daring twist. Givenchy’s signature bows were reimagined with architectural precision, while leather gloves and oversized coats infused a bold contemporary energy.
And then there was the reinterpreted menswear tailoring for the female body: double-breasted blazers, high-waisted trousers, and silk shirts playing with proportions, turning power dressing into an anthem of refined sensuality. I imagined myself wearing one and could already feel that unique sensation of strength and elegance that only a well-constructed piece can give.

This collection speaks to a woman who is strong, bold, yet profoundly elegant.
Sarah Burton hasn’t disrupted Givenchy, nor has she bent it to her aesthetic. Instead, she has built a bridge between past and present, carrying on the tradition with both mastery and innovation. Givenchy’s future is in excellent hands.
©The Fashion Lover - Emanuela Formoso
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