Backstage with Riccardo Tisci at Givenchy’s Spring/Summer 2016 Show in New York
We all knew that Givenchy’s Spring/Summer 2016 show was going to be an unforgettable fashion event the minute we heard the show was going to be presented in New York. You didn’t even have to be at the show to see it live. Givenchy’s open sky seating set along the West Side Hwy at Pier 26 ensured plenty of onlookers got a chance to see it also. In a brilliant move, Riccardo Tisci invited the public in, more or less inventing the concept of bringing the show to the masses. In addition, the show was streamed live with projectors set up for viewing all around the city. It was truly the biggest show of the season and set a new standard for how fashion shows will be presented in the future.
To create this breath taking spectacle, Tisci enlisted makeup artist Pat McGrath, and hair stylist Luigi Murenu who collaborated together on the jaw-dropping over-the-top beauty. Hair was pulled away from the face and twisted into tiny rosettes, whiles faces were stripped almost bare with very little makeup. The show marks Riccardo Tisci’s 10 year anniversary as creative director with the house of Givenchy and the opening of a new Madison Avenue store. The designer said it was a heartfelt tribute to New York, which Tisci describes as “multi-culture, freedom, music, transgression. New York for me is love.”
Of the 60 models in the show (one for each look,) five wore elaborate jeweled face masks created from layers of tulle and pearls, with one formed entirely out of lace. On another model, an ornate gold crown appeared as more of a headband than a mask, with gold studs and Swarovski crystals glued all along the top of the forehead. The embellishments were strikingly feminine, angelic, and romantic all at the same time. “We were told the show was a celebration of love in all its forms. To bring that vision to life, McGrath applied gray-brown shadow around the eyes, bleached the eyebrows, and finished with just a hint of mascara. The only other products used were a natural pink lipstick and Givenchy Mister Light concealer. Only two models, Joan Smalls and Imaan Hammam wore any trace of color sporting deep red lacquered lips.
Givenchy Lace Trim Silk Crepe Dress • Givenchy • $1,590
Givenchy Beauty – Le Soin Noir Lace Face Masks X 4 • $330
Givenchy Beauty – Le Rouge Intense Color Lipstick – Carmin Escarpin 306 – Red • $36
Givenchy Maremma Leather & Lace 90mm Mule, White • Givenchy • $995
Givenchy double crucifix pendant necklace • Givenchy • $795
Givenchy Antigona Small Leather Satchel • Givenchy • $2,280
GIVENCHY Satin shawl lapel cold shoulder jacket • Givenchy • $3,095
Givenchy Beauty – Noir Couture 4 In 1 Mascara – Black Satin • $33
Givenchy Beauty Women’s Ombre Couture Eyeshadow – N. 14 Nude Plumetis- • Givenchy • $26
Givenchy Beauty – Mister Light Stylo Correction Lumiere – Mister Macaroon 4 – Neutral • Givenchy • $36
Givenchy 58mm Sunglasses • Givenchy • $295
Givenchy Logo Rubber Slide Sandal, Black • Givenchy • $295
