Hubert de Givenchy, the iconic French courtier, and the one powerhouse designer who in every right may be considered the giant of haute couture, breathed his last on Saturday at the age of 91.
The announcement of his death came from the Givenchy fashion house, one of the world’s leading fashion houses in Paris in the 1950s, which paid homage to its founder calling him “a gentleman who symbolised Parisian chic and elegance for more than half a century.”
A towering man of elegance, impeccable manners and old-school charm, Givenchy earned his stature being qualified to the likes of a ‘fashion legend’ following his 40-year friendship with his muse Hepburn, whom he met while she was being casted in Billy Wilder’s Oscar-winning comedy “Sabrina” in 1953. Hepburn also accepted her 1954 Academy Award while wearing a Givenchy gown.
In honour of the aristocratic French designer’s stunning career, here we take a look back at some of his most iconic designs and the beautiful women who wore them:
Audrey Hepburn
The black sheath dress Givenchy created for the opening scenes of “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” was not just “the most famous little black dress of all time” that he simply invented out of nowehere; he infused it with meaning beyond the practical and the versatile. The dress represented a lifestyle in all its splendour: glamorous, urbane, defiant, and reckless. Hepburn in the dress was not ‘every woman’. She was exceptional, confounding, charming.
Bettina Graziani
In 1952, Hubert de Givenchy presented his very first collection to the public eye, as he surrounded himself with the best models of the day, who also happened to be his friends. Bettina, also serving as his head of public relations, opened the show with what would soon become known as the “Bettina blouse”. This white linen blouse brimmed with youth and freshness and of course, with flounced sleeves, that served as a major fashion statement of the season.
Jacqueline Kennedy
On a state visit to Versailles, France in 1961, along with President John F. Kennedy, the First Lady welcomed the heritage of the country that they were visiting by wearing a couture look given by the aching patriarch of fashion. Underneath a chicly simple white coat, Kennedy adorned herself with an ivory silk gown embellished with lilies of the valley and roses, looking as regal as ever.
“I am the man who accompanied Jacqueline Kennedy to Paris,” said the President after the joyous reception he received with his stylish wife and the lady of the evening.
Katharina Sarnitz
Model Katharina Sarnitz sported this glamorous vintage creation by Givenchy, against the historical backdrop of Milan, in 1969.
Princess Grace
When Princess Grace of Monaco visited the White House in 1961, she graced the occasion wearing an emerald green ensemble by Givenchy, nipped elegantly at the waist with a ribbon.
Givenchy remains part of the elite cadre of Paris-based designers who redefined fashion in the wake of the Second World War. His work remains as relevant today as it has always and ever been.
The writer is Editor Lifestyle and Culture at dailytimes.com.pk. She tweets @EeshahOmer and instagrams @eeshaww