The inspiring 55-year-old shares how she became an icon of representation through dedication and self-acceptance.

PHOTOGRAPHER MATTHIEU DELBREUVE

STYLIST JUDIT MELIS

INTERVIEWER JANE ZHENG

“As a young woman, I think it’s important to see older women be models or being happy in whatever career they do. It makes me know that when I’m older, I can forge a career at any age and be what makes me happy.” This is one of the comments on YouTube under Vogue France’s Une ﬁlle, Un style interview featuring Suzi de Givenchy. What we see in fashion constantly surrounds topics of youth and its connotations to beauty. Age has been treated as something that should be concealed and camouflaged at all costs. Anxious of ageing, we turn to skincare products and makeup to try and cover every wrinkle that’s found on our face. Givenchy’s interview is an antidote to this stigma. By embracing her true self, she reassures all young women of the capabilities and energy that live in an ageing body.

“It’s not a secret. I’m 55 years old, and I love being my age”. Entering the fashion industry as a model a little over two years ago, Givenchy is now a frequent guest strolling down the runway of shows including Balenciaga and Lemaire. Recently featured on the covers of SSAW magazine and Vogue China, she has become the new groundbreaking muse for many industry insiders, sparking conversation on the lack of age representation in fashion.

Still, like everyone else, there was a period of struggle during her teenage years: “I didn’t feel that I ﬁtted in. I was too tall, I was too skinny, I was too whatever.” The insecurity about her own body is the culprit that undesirably dragged her into self-doubt. What follows after stepping into puberty is the desire to change our appearance to please others. Clothing is used as a method to hide the body, and the skin that envelops the exterior acts as a form of protection. The only way to erase this anxiety is love – self-love. “Once you stop caring about what other people think of you, you start to learn to love yourself for who you are”, she shares.

To describe her approach to age in more detail, Givenchy recalls a recent anecdote. She travelled to work one day in the Parisian metro to see a touching scene of tenderness and vitality. “I saw this older couple in their early 70s. They were so in love, holding hands, dressed up in everyday sneakers and jeans, and so young in their spirit.” Pedestrians in day-to-day routines are a kind reminder of the real world outside social media – it is a proof that spirit resides in everyone’s soul.

The French expression “bien dans sa peau” describes the naturally comfortable state of one’s body. Literally translating to “well in one’s skin”, this moment of being at ease with oneself is the mindset which Givenchy uses to embrace different stages of her life with. When society appraises youth, we often forget specific passages in life that only the elderly engage with. Is ageing not admirable or is it us that are oblivious to the charm that accompanies experience? Givenchy’s observations demonstrate to us that age is chic, and that this feared aspect of life can be appreciated too.

Fashion enthusiasts are sure to recognise Givenchy’s last name and it will come as no surprise that she has a connection to the legendary French couturier Hubert de Givenchy. She is the wife of Hubert de Givenchy, the designer’s nephew of the same name. Her undeniable attachment to fashion from her family transformed into a career in 2019 during a casual dinner. Versae Vanni, the booking director of Next Management, persuaded her into modelling with a foresight that she would be a trailblazing addition to the fashion scene. Proven to be right by Demna Gvasalia, Givenchy is now one of Balenciaga’s favourites, following the paths of Hubert de Givenchy who started his career at Balenciaga too.

*Coat MARIE ADAM-LEENAERDT,*
*earrings LUTZ HUELLE*

*Dress MARIE ADAM-LEENAERDT,*
*shoes FERRARI.*

“My most memorable show is Balenciaga Couture Fall 2021. It was emotional and beautiful and brought memories of my husband and his uncle back”, Givenchy recalls. This was Balenciaga’s first couture presentation in 53 years. Located in the original showrooms, it was a moment where she witnessed and experienced fashion’s past and present come to life as one. “Fashion can be a powerful tool to pass a message”, she concludes. On a personal level, she sensed a fated connection with Balenciaga – a memento that she will forever treasure and honour. On a professional level, working with clients that are pioneers of age and ethnic diversity, she sees the power that she holds to change perceptions. Modelling might be seen as something frivolous that lacks purpose, but to Givenchy, it’s a vehicle that allows her creative expression in a broader and more exposed way, empowering her to move forward in steps that are within her reach. “I want to do what I can with the medium for however long it’s meant to last. If it was only meant to last for a while, it would’ve been a wonderful experience. If it lasts longer, it will be a wonderful journey.”

*Dress SALVATORE FERRAGAMO,*
*boots BY FAR,*
*earrings VALENTINO*

“Once you stop caring about what other people think of you, you start to learn to love yourself for who you are”

— Suzi De Givenchy

Love and family are two keywords that encapsulate Givenchy’s private life and career. On a broader scale, love is a positive emotion that is anchored in her to negate negativity – “it’s the hope and shine in life that keeps us going”, she explains. More intimately, love has fueled her courage to step out of her comfort zone. When asked if the feeling of being an ‘out-sider’ disappears after living in a city for more than 30 years, she replies with an honest answer: “I don’t think it ever disappears, even if Paris is my home, I still have a feeling of not being French.” This consciousness of being ‘the other’ was more apparent when she spent her childhood years in America – an era during which Asian representation was close to non-existent. “But because I knew I was loved by my family, I felt like I belonged somewhere.” Meeting her husband in her early twenties, love has driven her to construct a sense of belonging for herself – “Paris was my choice, and that’s why I feel I belong in Europe.”

Whether it’s personal anxiety towards the virus or a government-based lockdown, memories of conﬁnement are an unforgettable part of this rare yet universal experience labelled Covid-19. In the confines of quarantined lockdowns, we were forced to dissect our own emotions: fear, self-doubt, and loneliness…but there was hope too. “It was a period where I could take the time to slow down, to reﬂect, and to learn my craft.” Although imposed, Givenchy spent her time with optimism. She took videos of herself practicing posing in front of the camera – an exercise not merely for her own benefit, but also a silly everyday gift for her children who were far apart. During the uncertainty of the pandemic, she became the backbone that connected the family ﬁrmly together.

Covid was also a process of self-realisation where she learned to understand herself through a new lens. Unfortunately, life is not simply about the happy memories: we experience loss, anxiety, and trauma too. But Givenchy reassures us that instead of disguising it with fake emotions, we all need a moment to express it. “They’re feelings and we’re all just people. It shows that we’re living, that we’re real. It’s all good.” Embracing life and age with gratitude and honesty, she offers the younger generation a wise approach to obstacles. “Whenever you can, take the opportunities that are presented to you. If they’re not presented, make the opportunities. But if plan A doesn’t work, you still have 25 to go!”

Givenchy’s voyage is a reminder of the beauty of life. When the world undergoes severe turbulence, it is down to thought-provoking icons like her who prove that love will always be the perfect solution. As she continues to cultivate her creative side, she is ready to attend the Beaux-Arts as a candidat libre in 2022 to further understand other aspects of art. “We’re all just citizens of the world who are here for a short time. Appreciate it, and do something that gives you passion, a good smile, and a sunshine in your heart.”

This cover story and interview was published in The WOW N° 6.

Issue6 pre-order available now.

Photographer: MATTHIEU DELBREUVE

Stylist : JUDIT MELIS

Hair: KAZUE DEKI @ CALLISTE AGENCY

Make-up: METHTA GONTHIER

Casting Director: ANGELIKI SOFRONAS

Model: SUZI DE GIVENCHY @ NEXT PARIS

Producer: AGNES BOUILLE, EVELYNE BONNEAU @ FOUDRE PARIS

Set Designer: LAURA O'RORKE

Photography Assistants: ANGELA DI PALO

Styling Assistant: TINA RAVENA

SUZI DE GIVENCHY

CHELLA MAN

FERNANDA LY