March 12, 2018 |
News reaches us today that Hubert de Givenchy sadly passed away over the weekend, at the age of 91. Givenchy was as rarified as the little black dress he is credited with immortalising, for longtime muse Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Count Hubert James Marcel Taffin de Givenchy, to give him his full aristocratic title, founded his house in 1952. Since, the historic address of No.3 Avenue George V, complete with its dramatic balcony and golden lettering has become mythic in Paris haute couture – just over the road from the famous salons of his canon-like mentor, Cristobal Balenciaga in fact. Known for his tailoring, cocktail dresses, Bettina blouse and use of black, Givenchy’s clients read as a who’s who of the 20th century – from Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Lee Radziwill, Maria Callas and Marlene Dietrich to Rothschilds, Guinnesses, Baronesses and Countesses.Givenchy retired from fashion design in 1995, bowing out with a couture show that was attended by Valentino Garavani, Yves Saint Laurent and Oscar de la Renta. The design talent that has graced the hallowed premises since includes John Galliano, Julien McDonald, Alexander McQueen, current Artistic Director Clare Waight Keller and Riccardo Tisci, who introduced the house to a whole new generation, mixing streetwear with haute finery to spirited effect.
