As the first installment for 2010, we welcome you to to the world of Italian designer Riccardo Tisci, who is the designer behind Givenchy womens’ and mens’ ready-to-wear and haute couture collections, and curator of A#8 in 2008.

Riccardo Tisci was born in 1974 in Taranto Italy, and the only son among eight daughters. Riccardo studied fashion design at London’s Central St Martins, graduating in 1999. After a stint working for Ruffo Research, he was appointed creative director of Givenchy in 2005, after showing his own self-titled collection in Milan.

Tisci has since revived the tired house of Givenchy to its former glory, injecting a much needed energy and drama into all facets of the brand. His designs tell a darkly romantic story – with a sharpness of cut and a harmony of dark and light that renders a regal, contemporary silhouette. A sense of luxury resonates throughout each collection, as Riccardo deftly combines exotic textures with classic shapes, crisp tailoring with unexpected fabrics, and modern draping with high impact, bold accessories. His haute couture collections have become one of the most awaited offerings each season, with his unconventional and dramatic approach to this most contentious domain of fashion allowing fantastical creations to ‘wow’ worldwide audiences.  With a sheer abundance of practically ‘gilted’ garments in lavish fabrics, opulent hardware and impeccable finishing, these pieces manage to border on the realms of mythical costume.

Throughout the month of January, A Blog reflects upon the darkly romantic themes of A#8, an issue that holds an absolute plethora of contributions from names across the globe and across fashion history – from Hubert de Givenchy himself to some of today’s most influential creatives. From a collage by Courtney Love or backstage snapshots by Suzy Menkes, to Amanda Lear’s crying nun or an exploration of Givenchy muses by the likes of Willy Vanderperre or Inez & Vinoodh, the pages turn to reveal Riccardo’s universe of like-minded souls – each with their own thread to weave in his dark tapestry of renaissance, religious and urban aesthetics.

Please click here to see A#8 online at WWW.AMAGAZINECURATEDBY.COM, with another back issue released each month. A#2 by Yohji Yamamoto, A#3 by Haider Ackermann, A#4 by Jun Takahashi, A#5 by Martine Sitbon, A#6 by Veronique Branquinho and A#7 by Kris Van Assche are also all available to view online now.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-o2yyKcjjZg[/youtube]