Riccardo Tisci has shown a talent for taking the utilitarian and making it fashionable. In this case it’s a laynard key chain. Shown on the men’s runway for Spring 2012, it’s now available for purchase. See a print version on the next page.

The Givenchy couture “Birds of Paradise” collection by Riccardo Tisci and his atelier of genius craftsmanship is one of those presentations that nearly takes our breath away. While the images convey the grandiose appeal of the apparel, the above video brings us closer to couture and why it still exists. It’s not about obsession as Tim Blanks offers, but about emotion according to Tisci, who says, “Very experimental while keeping the tradition of the house,” hence his reason for not presenting couture on a catwalk, adding, “Couture  should be something that stays forever in your wardrobe.” On the next page his favorite dress, enjoy.

Givenchy gets the “Swag Or No Swag?” treatment, and natch, comes out on top in poll results. Not suprising because these days head designer Riccardo (oops) Roberto Tisci very much has that “it” aura floating all around him. 

The dress above is from Givenchy’s Autumn/Winter 2011 collection. It seems like back interest and half exposed butts are quite the theme thus far in the couture presentations. Is that inspired by all the pop stars–especially Lady Gaga, who have been exposing their bums as of late?

The entire collection at Fgr. The front of the dress featured here on the next page.

All sorts of fashion sites have said it’s been “confirmed” that Riccardo Tisci, currently the head designer for Givenchy, will be replacing John Galliano at Christian Dior. At this point the confirmation seems to be a lot of people repeating the same rumor on Twitter, making it far from official news. If it is him, just to get up to speed, Tisci was born in Italy, is 35 and began designing for Givenchy in February 2005. Christian Dior is publically traded and thus very numbers minded so if it is indeed looking at Tisci, it’s in part because Givenchy has grown since Tisci landed there, with an added plus that over his past few collections he’s begun to really hit his stride creatively. Another plus is that Givenchy, like Christian Dior, is a couture label so there would be less of a adjustment period in that respect.

Still, while he may be a great candidate and the only one on Dior’s short list, given the intense level of scandal it just experienced, you’d have to guess that its doing a very, very thorough background check of Tisci so even if he’s the company’s No. 1 nominee, it could be a minute before the announcement is made official.

Riccardo Tisci of Givenchy gives us yet again another reason to want black sandals, please note, red nail poslish is de rigeur in this case. Fabulous! Via JakandJil .