Hepburn’s look defi ned couturier’s elegance
PARIS — French couturier Hubert de Givenchy, a pioneer of ready-to-wear who designed Audrey Hepburn’s little black dress in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” has died at age 91.
The house of Givenchy called its founder “a major personality of the world of French haute couture and a gentleman who symbolized Parisian chic and elegance for more than half a century.”
“He revolutionized international fashion with the timelessly stylish looks he created for Audrey Hepburn, his great friend and muse for over 40 years,” the house of Givenchy said in a statement. “His work remains as relevant today as it was then.”
Along with Christian Dior, Yves Saint Laurent and Cristobal Balenciaga, Givenchy was part of the cadre of Paris-based designers who redefined fashion in the wake of World War II. He forged close friendships with his famous clients, from Hollywood screen sirens of the likes of Liz Taylor and Lauren Bacall to women of state, including Jackie Kennedy and Princess Grace of Monaco.
But the client whose name would become almost synonymous with the house was Audrey Hepburn, whom he met in 1953, when he dressed her for the film “Sabrina.”
Legend has it that Givenchy — told that Mademoiselle Hepburn would be coming in — was expecting the grand Katherine Hepburn. Instead, the diminutive Audrey showed up, dressed in cigarette pants, a T-shirt and sandals.
Thus began a decades-long friendship that saw Givenchy dress the star in nearly a dozen films, including the 1961 hit “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.” The sleeveless black evening gown she wore, complete with rows of pearls, elbow-length gloves and oversized shades, would end up becoming Givenchy’s most-famous look.
Givenchy sold the house to French luxury conglomerate LVMH in 1988, and he retired in 1995.
Givenchy is survived by his companion, French couturier Philippe Venet.