Givenchy Spring 2017 - Runway Review

Riccardo Tisci channeled naturally occurring crystal and stones for a vivid spring Givenchy show that evoked lattices and vivid color in the myriad styles. In a marked departure from love and religion, Egypt and the origins of civilization, tight silhouettes featured overlaid layers and swirling, interlocking shapes—with huge quartz pendants on large chains that hung down boldly to define the aesthetic.

Funky stripes met contrasting dotted patterns that evoked—in bold multicolor—the formation of crystals at the molecular level. This was one of the quirkiest collections from Givenchy in years and atypical of Tisci who seems to be moving away from a more aggressive, combative aesthetic.

Models walking a mirrored runway set in a square around the venue, initiated by a trip of slipdresses in blown-up geode prints in shades of pink, purple and orange. The wild kaleidoscope of color and pattern hit a precipice when Tisci began pairing down to something more elegant. This was followed by a group of tailored black jackets with puffy utility pockets over bell-bottom pants. Increasing his deft of hand, Tisci progressed from tight jersey dresses cut with portrait necklines to shirtdresses with exaggerated collar points.

A trio of black suits with convertible zipper details closed the show. Embellished with crystals embroidered into floral motifs that brought to mind stained glass, it sparkled.