Who is Riccardo Tisci? From Givenchy to Burberry, the story of a fashion myth

Who is Riccardo Tisci: the curiosities, the private life and the career of the creative director of Givenchy and from 2018 of Burberry.

Originally from the province of Taranto, Riccardo Tisci is considered one of the Italian excellences in the fashion world. One of the most talented fashion designers in the world, he has brought the fashion house Givenchy back to its former glory and, after twelve years at the service of the French brand, has changed course by taking on the creative direction of Burberry . Named best international designer , he boasts friendships with the likes of Madonna, Gigi Hadid, Cate Blanchet and Justin Bieber.

The biography of Riccardo Tisci

Born under the sign of Leo on 1 August 1974, Riccardo Tisci is the ninth son of Francesco and Elmerilda Tisci. Originally from the province of Taranto – the family resided in Palagianello – he left his native land when, very young, he prematurely lost his father. Riccardo Tisci's mother and eight sisters therefore decide to leave Southern Italy to move to Lombardy.

Having settled in Cermenate, in the province of Como, Tisci attended and brilliantly completed his studies at the Cantù Art Institute, winning an internship in the Faro textile company.

At 17 the turning point arrives: the promising young designer leaves Italy, flies to London and, thanks to a scholarship, enrolls at Central Saint Martins, the most prestigious fashion school.

From here begins the long career of Riccardo Tisci, one of the most famous Italian names in the world.

Riccardo Tisci's career

It was 1999 when the fashion designer graduated from Central Saint Martins presenting a fashion show entitled "8 e mezzo, the procession", a fashion show totally inspired by Apulian origins and family (his mother and sisters will always be a source of inspiration for him) which achieved great success.

After returning to Italy and the creation of a small collection signed with his name, the doors of Puma, then of Coccapani and Ruffo Research, are opened for Riccardo Tisci.

Meanwhile, his talent does not go unnoticed and, thanks also to important friendships with top models Maria Carla Boscono and Karen Elson, Riccardo Tisci is appointed creative director of Givenchy, assuming control of the haute couture, prêt-à-porter and accessories.

From 2005 to 2017 he devoted himself completely to the French high fashion brand, bringing it back to the glories of the past and achieving unexpected gains .

His collections refer to what are the characteristics of the Italian designer: gothic, religious, futuristic themes together with pop prints and vintage references, which are mixed with materials such as tulle, leather and neoprene.

Tisci's success is unstoppable and the fashion magazines do nothing but talk about him thanks also to the intuition that made him a real revolutionary in the sector: the choice of the transgender model , Lea T, as testimonial of his campaign.

After 12 years of success, the designer unexpectedly leaves the creative direction of Givenchy and returns to Italy for a sabbatical after which he decides to take over the reins of the British fashion house Burberry.

Fly to London and the first collection designed for the English brand is inspired by the diversity and celebration of England: the designer amazes everyone by mixing punk and refined style.

The revolution at Burberry began, then, with the launch of the B series line, dedicated to those who want to buy a designer garment but do not have the opportunity to spend too many zeros.

The private life of Riccardo Tisci

Very close to his family of origin, Riccardo Tisci has created all his fashion collections inspired by his mother and sisters.

Extremely reserved about his private life, so much so as to keep the house where he lives hidden from the spotlights, the designer has become famous also thanks to his famous friendships with supermodels and international personalities.

In addition to his friendship with Maria Carla Boscono and Karen Elson, who walked the runway for him for free, Tisci has cultivated a fraternal friendship with Lea T, who has collaborated in numerous campaigns signed by the designer.

The designer's talent also led him to work with stars of the caliber of Rihanna, Justin Bieber, Madonna, Beyoncé, Bella Hadid, Cate Blanchette and Julia Roberts (to name a few of the most famous names).

Also famous is the great friendship that binds him Kim Kardashian and Kanye West , and the one that saw him join forces with Donatella Versace . Affection and esteem bind him to the latter, so much so that he proposes to become the face of Givenchy's 2016/2017 advertising campaign.

Who is Riccardo Tisci's companion

If we know everything, or almost everything, about Riccardo Tisci's friendships, much less than his sentimental acquaintances. The designer of Apulian origins has always been very careful not to leak anything about his life partner , but a social shot made a lot of talk about the possible flirtation with rapper Frank Ocean .

In addition, the name of Tisci was joined by that of Mahmood, who chose his clothes for the Sanremo 2021 Festival and who walked the runway for Burberry's fall / winter 2022/2023 collection during London fashion week.

Among them, it is rumored, that in addition to a professional partnership there is also a sentimental bond .

6 curiosities about Riccardo Tisci

– He made a silk mantle with crystal and gold thread embroidery for the Madonna delle Grazie in Palagianello, a town in the province of Taranto. The mantle was also exhibited at the MoMA in New York.

– Kanye West, his great friend, surprised him on his 40th birthday by singing on his birthday.

– The American fashion chamber elected him the best international designer in 2013.

– In 2016, Time included him among the 100 most influential personalities in the world for “having been able to condition the fashion of the 21st century and relaunch the concept of haute couture with mastery”.

– Passionate about Nike, he owns about 200 pairs.

– His Instagram profile has almost 3 million followers and, through social media, Riccardo Tisci aims to launch messages against violence against women, racism, and calls for the recognition of diversity and the rights of transsexuals.

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