The French designer, Hubert de Givenchy, who was the unrivalled master of chic, all-black looks, passed away at 91. The designer died on Saturday. He was born into an aristocratic family in Beauvais, France on February 21, 1927.
The designer founded the house of Givenchy in the 1950s. He presented his first collection in Paris at the age of 24 and his work symbolised Parisian chic and elegance. Many times, he has forged a timeless style for a golden age. As we pay homage to his work and life, here are a few of his achievements and facts of his life we would love to celebrate.
1. He was closely associated with the actress Audrey Hepburn. He also wrote a book as a tribute to Hepburn, To Audrey With Love. He had designed many iconic costumes for her and US First Lady, Jackie Kennedy.
2. At the Calais exhibition opening, the designer recalled being charmed by the beauty and youthful energy of Jackie Kennedy. It might come as a surprise but Givenchy initially studied law before entering the Ecole des Beaux Arts in Paris.
3. Givenchy was best-known for his elegant tailoring and his eye for a perfect line.
4. Before opening his house in 1952, the designer worked alongside well-known designers, Pierre Balmain, Christian Dior and Elsa Schiaparelli.
5. He met Hepburn a year later and designed the iconic little black dress she wore in Breakfast at Tiffany’s.
6. Once Audrey Hepburn said, “His are the only clothes in which I am myself. He is far more than a couturier, he is a creator of personality.”
7. He has designed timeless garments for a range of admired women including the Duchess of Windsor, Grace Kelly, Countess Mona von Bismarck, Marlene Dietrich, Ingrid Bergman and Greta Garbo, among others.
8. In 1969, Givenchy started designing menswear and a year later he branched out into furnishing fabrics.
9. In 1983, Givenchy received one of France’s most prestigious accolades, the Legion of Honour and in 1995, he won a lifetime achievement award from the Council of Fashion Designers of America. He retired in the same year.
10. In 1988, after owning it for more than 30 years, he sold his label to LVMH, a French luxury goods group.
11. His successor was John Galliano, who was followed by Alexander McQueen.
12. After a stint by Julien Macdonald, Riccardo Tisci took over the creative seat at the brand from 2005 and 2017.
13. Tisci’s leadership brought the fashion house to raise the revenue by more than sixfold.
14. Although Tisci is now heading to Burberry but with designer’s dark and subliminal collections, social media grab and strong celebrity support, at Givenchy, he made the brand more contemporary and memorable.
15. After spending last six years at Chloé, Clare Waight Keller is now artistic director of Givenchy. She recently posted on her official Instagram account that she is “deeply saddened by the loss of a great man and artist I have had the honour to meet.”
R.I.P. fashion master!
Featured Image: Magnum Photos on Instagram
