Hubert de Givenchy
1927 - 2018
Count Hubert James Marcel Taffin de Givenchy was a French aristocrat and fashion designer who founded the house of Givenchy in 1952. Born into a noble family in Beauvais, France, he began his fashion career at the age of 17, working for Jacques Fath while studying at the École des Beaux-Arts.
After apprenticing with Robert Piguet, Lucien Lelong, and Elsa Schiaparelli, Givenchy opened his own design house. He gained immediate recognition with his first collection, which introduced the concept of "separates" – elegant blouses and light skirts that could be mixed and matched. This innovative approach to fashion design was revolutionary for its time.
His most famous professional relationship was with Audrey Hepburn, whom he first dressed in 1954 for "Sabrina." Their collaboration became one of fashion's most memorable partnerships, with Givenchy designing her personal and professional wardrobe, including the iconic little black dress in "Breakfast at Tiffany's." He also dressed notable figures like Jackie Kennedy and Grace Kelly.
Givenchy was known for his elegant, sophisticated designs that emphasized clean lines and simplicity. He pioneered the shirt dress and the "sack" silhouette, influences that continue to resonate in contemporary fashion. After retiring in 1995, he remained an influential figure in fashion until his death in 2018, leaving behind a legacy of timeless elegance and refined luxury.
ICONIC DESIGNS
Elegant silhouettes and timeless pieces that defined an era of sophistication and grace.
The Bettina Blouse (1952)
Named after model Bettina Graziani, this white cotton blouse with elaborate ruffled sleeves became an instant hit and helped establish Givenchy's reputation.
Breakfast at Tiffany's Little Black Dress (1961)
The iconic black dress worn in the opening scene of Breakfast at Tiffany's, featuring a minimal, elegant design that became a symbol of timeless style.
Un impact durable
Hubert de Givenchy a défini une nouvelle vision de l'élégance féminine, caractérisée par des lignes épurées, une simplicité raffinée et une attention méticuleuse aux détails.
Sa collaboration avec Audrey Hepburn a créé l'une des relations les plus emblématiques entre un créateur et sa muse, influençant non seulement la mode mais aussi la culture populaire. Son approche de la mode continue d'inspirer les créateurs contemporains.
"L'élégance, c'est l'élimination de tout ce qui est superflu."