Hubert de Givenchy Dies At 91
Hubert de Givenchy, the French fashion designer and founder of Givenchy, has died in his sleep on Saturday at the age of 91. This is according a statement released by his partner, Philippe Venet, through the Givenchy couture house.
The French aristocrat founded his namesake label in 1952, where he specialized in Haute Couture and ready-to-wear fashion. Givenchy's elegant, lady-like designs were popularized by style icons of the 1950s and 1960s, such as Elizabeth Taylor, Grace Kelly and the former US first lady, Jacqueline Kennedy.
However, it was his muse, Audrey Hepburn, who cemented his legendary status. The two struck up a 40-year friendship in 1953 after the Hollywood actress asked Givenchy to design her dresses for the film "Sabrina". The ivory ballgown that Hepburn wore in the film was just the first of many creations by the French couturier that would go down in both film and fashion history.
"His are the only clothes in which I am myself. He is far more than a couturier, he is a creator of personality." - Audrey Hepburn
Upon her insistence, Givenchy later went on to design Hepburn's wardrobes for her other other films, such as "Funny Face" and "How to Steal a Million". Hepburn's opening look of a black sheath dress for "Breakfast at Tiffany's" is perhaps the most iconic Givenchy creation of all: it set the template for the classic "little black dress", which is now a staple in women's wardrobes today.
"Hubert de Givenchy was a symbol of Parisian elegance for more than half a century," said his label on Monday. Clare Waight Keller, the current Artistic Director of Givenchy, wrote on Instagram, "Not only was he one of the most influential fashion figures of our time, whose legacy still influences modern day dressing, but he also was one of the chicest most charming men I have ever met."
photo credits: Getty Images, Vogue Magazine
