ART PORTFOLIO PROJECT: RESEARCH: HUBERT DE GIVENCHY

 Hubert De Givenchy

Hubert De Givenchy

Hubert James Marcel Taffin de Givenchy was born in northern France in 1927. His parents, Lucien and Béatrice, gave him and his brother, Jean-Claude, an aristocratic heritage. He was handsome, very tall (6'6") and said to be rather shy. His interest in women's fashion had its roots in childhood curiosity that turned into a career that gave him fame and complete fulfilment as one of the most influential, outstanding masters of couturiers in post-war Paris and history of fashion. 

Givenchy left his hometown at the age of 17 for Paris. He studied art at the École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts. He entered the world of fashion starting at Jacques Fath and several important fashion designers. In 1952, he founded his namesake house and was immediately praised for his chic, feminine designs. 'For his first collection, he presented “Separates”, looks composed of elegant blouses and breezy skirts that blended architectural lines with the simplicity of the materials. This original point of view marked the resounding debut of a four-decade career at his own house' (Givenchy, n.d.). 1953 was the year Givenchy's friendship and collaboration with Audrey Hepburn started. In the same year, he met Balenciaga, his forever inspiration and idol, with whom he became close friends.

Audrey Hepburn in the Givenchy's dress

In 1954, during the 26th annual Academy Award, Hepburn won the award for Best Actress for her performance in Roman Holiday. She showed up in a white high-necked Givenchy gown. The floral white organdy fit and flare dress was simply utter perfection. The boat neckline and cinched waist perfectly emphasized Audrey's petite features and delicate frame. It is still remembered as one of the best Oscar dresses of all time.

Besides this gown, Givenchy designer a couple of other outfits for Hepburn. 'He designed her attire for Funny Face (1957) and Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961) along with fellow costumier Edith Head, who'd previously handled wardrobe for Hepburn in Sabrina' (Biography, 2018), and many more. 

In 1988 Givenchy sold his business to the luxury conglomerate Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessey. He designed for seven more years and presented his final collection in 1995.

In his later years, Givenchy lived in the countryside. His work was exhibited at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York and the Musée Galliera in Paris, and in 1966 he received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Council of Fashion Designers of America.

Givenchy died at the age of 91, on the 10th of March in 2018.

Reference:

Beyfus, D. (2015) Vogue on Hubert de Givenchy, New York: Abrams

Biography (2018) Hubert de Givenchy. [Online] Biography.com. Available from: https://www.biography.com/fashion-designer/hubert-de-givenchy [Accessed 03.02.21].

Givenchy official site. [Online] Givenchy.com. Available from: https://www.givenchy.com/us/en-US/maison-history-hubert-de-givenchy-biography.html [Accessed 03.02.21]

Fisher, L.A. (2018) A look back at Hubert de Givenchy and Audrey Hepburn's greatest moments. [Online] Harpersbazaar.com. Available from: https://www.harpersbazaar.com/fashion/designers/g19405875/audrey-hepburn-hubert-de-givenchy/?slide=3 [Accessed 03.02.21]

de Klerk, A. (2018) Audrey Hepburn and Hubert de Givenchy’s very stylish friendship in pictures. [Online] Harpersbazaar.com. Available from: https://www.harpersbazaar.com/uk/fashion/style-files/g19408154/audrey-hepburn-hubert-de-givenchys-pictures/?slide=2 [Accessed 03.02.21]