Hubert de Givenchy, 1927-2018

The French designer Hubert de Givenchy has died aged 91. He founded the House of Givenchy in 1952, aged just 24, and quickly became renowned for his refined elegance in the world of haute couture and, subsequently, ready-to-wear.

He trained under fashion legends Jacques Fath and Elsa Schiaparelli, and alongside Pierre Balmain and Christian Dior, before launching his own label in Paris. A year later, he met Audrey Hepburn on the set of Sabrina, after he had designed several costumes for the movie. They formed a firm friendship, which would define both their careers, and collaborated both on screen and off for some of her most significant movies, including the famous Little Black Dress worn by Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. The black sleeveless satin sheath is considered to be one of the most iconic pieces of clothing in film history, and sold at auction in 2006 for almost £500,000. Hepburn also became the face of de Givenchy’s first fragrance campaign, and the scent, L’Interdit, was developed for her. Additionally, de Givenchy worked closely with Lauren Bacall, Grace Kelly and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.

When PORTER’s editor in chief, Lucy Yeomans, interviewed de Givenchy at the very beginning of her career, she was struck by his natural charm, profound intelligence and old-school politesse. “He showed the same elegance to me that he did to everyone in his life. He brought that spirit of elegance to everything he did, from the way he created his collections to the way he lived, as well as, of course, to his close relationships with family and friends.”

De Givenchy retired in 1995, and was succeeded by John Galliano, followed by Alexander McQueen, Julien Macdonald and Riccardo Tisci, who headed up both ready-to-wear and Couture from 2005 until 2017. Clare Waight Keller, who was appointed artistic director of Givenchy early last year, said today in a statement: “I am deeply saddened by the loss of a great man and artist I have had the honor to meet and get to know since my appointment at Givenchy. 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. The definition of a true gentleman, who will stay with me forever. My deepest thoughts are with his loved ones in this difficult time.”

His partner, Philippe Venet, said today that de Givenchy passed away in his sleep on Saturday.