Hubert de Givenchy Dies at 91, Fashion Pillar of Romantic Elegance
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French couturier Hubert de Givenchy, a pioneer of ready-to-wear, has died at the age of 91.
Paying homage to its founder, the house of Givenchy says he was “a major personality of the world of French haute couture and a gentleman who symbolised Parisian chic and elegance for more than half a century”.
Givenchy designed Audrey Hepburn’s little black dress in the movie Breakfast at Tiffany’s.
“He revolutionised international fashion with the timelessly stylish looks he created for Audrey Hepburn, his great friend and muse for more than 40 years,” the house says. “His work remains as relevant today as it was then.”
Givenchy was part of the elite cadre of Paris-based designers, including Christian Dior and Yves Saint Laurent, who redefined fashion after World War II. He forged close friendships with his famous clients including Elizabeth Taylor, Jackie Kennedy and Princess Grace of Monaco.
He was born into an aristocratic family in the provincial city of Beauvais on February 21, 1927, and founded his label in 1952, selling it to luxury conglomerate LVMH in 1988. He retired several years later.
Clare Waight Keller, who has been at the helm of the brand since last year, said on her official Instagram account she was “deeply saddened by the loss of a great man and artist I have had the honor to meet”.
LVMH CEO Bernard Arnault says he is “deeply saddened” by Givenchy’s death. “He was among those designers who placed Paris firmly at the heart of world fashion post-1950.”
Questions & Answers
Q.Which of Audrey Hepburn's iconic outfits did Hubert de Givenchy design?
Which of Audrey Hepburn's iconic outfits did Hubert de Givenchy design?
He designed the famous little black dress worn by Audrey Hepburn in the film Breakfast at Tiffany's. She was his close friend and muse for over 40 years, and he created many timelessly stylish looks for her.
Q.When did Hubert de Givenchy establish his own fashion label and to whom did he eventually sell it?
When did Hubert de Givenchy establish his own fashion label and to whom did he eventually sell it?
Hubert de Givenchy founded his label in 1952. He later sold his company to the luxury conglomerate LVMH in 1988, before retiring several years after the sale was completed.
Q.How did Hubert de Givenchy contribute to the global standing of Parisian fashion after World War II?
How did Hubert de Givenchy contribute to the global standing of Parisian fashion after World War II?
He was part of an elite group of designers, including Christian Dior and Yves Saint Laurent, who redefined fashion after World War II. He placed Paris firmly at the heart of world fashion post-1950 with his work.
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