Hubert de Givenchy (born February 20, 1927, Beauvais, France—died March 10, 2018, near Paris, France) French fashion designer noted for his couture and ready-to-wear designs, especially those he created for the actress Audrey Hepburn.
Givenchy studied art at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris and later studied law. At 17 he was apprenticed to the Parisian designer Jacques Fath, but he did not remain with Fath for long; during the next eight years he designed for the major Parisian fashion houses of Robert Piguet, Lucien Lelong, and Elsa Schiaparelli, in turn. In 1952 he opened his own house and maintained very low overhead costs in order to lower the prices of his designs. Givenchy’s first collection, featuring flawlessly detailed separates, high-style coats, and elegant ball gowns, gained immediate international recognition. His designs used imaginative accessories, silk prints, and embroidered fabrics. His “Bettina blouse,” named for a popular model, reintroduced tailored shirting into high fashion.
In 1957 he, along with the famed Spanish designer Cristóbal Balenciaga, introduced the “sack silhouette.” Givenchy’s designs for Audrey Hepburn in the 1961 film Breakfast at Tiffany’s brought into vogue the high-bosomed princess dress without sleeves or a belt. After Givenchy retired in the 1990s, the English designer John Galliano was hired as lead designer for the couture house; when Galliano moved to the House of Dior, he was replaced by Alexander McQueen, another English designer. Later lead designers include Riccardo Tisci (2005–17), Clare Waight Keller (2017–20), and Matthew M. Williams (2020–24).
Hubert de Givenchy (born February 20, 1927, Beauvais, France—died March 10, 2018, near Paris, France) was a French fashion designer noted for his couture
couture
The term haute couture is French, "haute" meaning "high" or "elegant," and "couture" translating to "sewing" or "dressmaking." The term haute couture generally refers to a specific type of upper garment common in Europe during the 16th to the 18th century, or to the upper portion of a modern dress to distinguish it ...
and ready-to-wear designs, especially those he created for the actress Audrey Hepburn
Audrey Hepburn
Audrey Hepburn was a Belgian-born British actress and humanitarian. She is best known for her roles in films such as Roman Holiday (1953), Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961), and My Fair Lady (1964). Hepburn devoted the final years of her life to humanitarian work. In 1992 she received the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
His iconic garments included the 'sack dress', an unprecedented design which did away with the tight waists and fitted designs favoured in the 1950s and ushered in a looser, more modern silhouette that became de rigeuer over the next decade.
History. Audrey Hepburn was a close friend of French designer Givenchy, referring to the designer as her "best friend" while he considered her his "sister".
Formation and first years. In 1952, Hubert de Givenchy founded his own luxury house and launched a new collection Les Séparables with some floaty skirts and puffy blouses made from raw cotton. Givenchy achieved critical acclaim with Vogue praising his "wonderful first collection" 14.
They first met when Audrey was sent to Paris to pick out her costumes for the 1954 film Sabrina. She paid a visit to the recently established House of Givenchy but was told by Hubert himself that they sadly didn't have the time nor the workforce to supply her with a new wardrobe.
IS GIVENCHY A LUXURY BRAND? Yes, Givenchy is a luxury brand founded in France by Hubert de Givenchy, a French fashion designer known for making clothing for the famous movie star and fashion icon Audrey Hepburn. The brand is known for its high-end and high-quality clothing designs and perfumes.
Elegance and Unique Style: Givenchy is known for its clean and elegant style. Hubert de Givenchy advocated for simplicity and quality, which reflected in his designs. His creations often stood in contrast to the fashion trends of the time, being understated and tasteful.
From 1956, Hepburn's contract stipulated that she would be dressed by Givenchy in all contemporary-set films. Hepburn herself stated that Givenchy "gave me a look, a kind, a silhouette. He has always been the best, and he stayed the best. Because he kept the spare style that I love.
While global in its appeal, Givenchy's roots are undeniably French. The logo's design, especially after its refinement, encapsulates that quintessential French elegance and chic—a nod to the brand's origins, ensuring that no matter how global its reach, its heart remains in the boulevards of Paris.
As Givenchy continued to make a name for themselves in the fashion world, they forged a reputation for eye-catching design with countless designs which garnered the respect of their contemporaries and an envious clientele.
The result was an eclectic, dynamic wardrobe that included designs by Ken Scott, Michèle Rosier, Paco Rabanne, Mary Quant, Foale and Tuffin, Courrèges and many others.
She is best known for her roles in films such as Roman Holiday (1953), Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961), and My Fair Lady (1964). Hepburn devoted the final years of her life to humanitarian work.
After one of her most popular films Breakfast at Tiffany's, she influenced fashion everywhere. Some celebrities who have said that they were influenced by Audrey Hepburn include Taylor Swift, Zooey Deschanel, Mila Kunis, Leighton Meester, Anne Hathaway, and her sons.
Key Takeaways: Hubert de Givenchy's style is characterized by simplicity, elegance, and impeccable tailoring. His designs celebrate the natural beauty and grace of the wearer, emphasizing clean lines and refined silhouettes.
Audrey Hepburn, later the most prominent proponent of Givenchy's fashion, and Givenchy first met in 1953 during the shoot of Sabrina. He went on to design the black dress she wore in Breakfast at Tiffany's. He also developed his first perfume collection for her (L'Interdit and Le de Givenchy).
In 1959 he created one of the first ready-to-wear collections for women presented by a “name” designer and in 1960 introduced the first designer ready-to-wear collection for men. In the mid-1960s his stark, short tunics and his use of vinyl, helmets, and goggles helped launch the so-called Space Age look.
Address: 743 Stoltenberg Center, Genovevaville, NJ 59925-3119
Phone: +2202978377583
Job: Administration Engineer
Hobby: Surfing, Sailing, Listening to music, Web surfing, Kitesurfing, Geocaching, Backpacking
Introduction: My name is Rubie Ullrich, I am a enthusiastic, perfect, tender, vivacious, talented, famous, delightful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
We notice you're using an ad blocker
Without advertising income, we can't keep making this site awesome for you.
