Givenchy is opening its first London flagship store today, a move which comes at the end of a very big year for the house.
In May, it was revealed that the label's creative director Clare Waight Keller was responsible for designing Meghan Markle's wedding gown, a dress that will go down in British royal history.
Since the big reveal, Waight Keller has gone on to win various accolades, including Designer of the Year at our Harper's Bazaar Women of the Year Awards in October. She is also nominated for British Designer of the Year at the British Fashion Awards, which will take place next week.
The decision to open a store in London makes sense for the house, which is run by Birmingham-born designer Waight Keller, a fact which Givenchy chief executive, Philippe Fortunato, said was important: "She is very passionate about bringing the couture savoir-faire to her home country."
There are other reasons though, of course.
"London is one of these international cities where you want to have a strong statement because it’s a fashion capital of the world... where the trendy, fashion savvy customers are gravitating," he told Business of Fashion. "Brexit or no Brexit, it’s a must-have as a retail destination."
The London store – which is located on New Bond Street – is a mash-up of the original 18th century features of the building and more modern touches, including a pink tiled room and a patent red staircase. It opens today.
