Hubert de Givenchy
Fashion Designer, French, 1927 - 2018
French fashion designer who founded The House of Givenchy in 1952. He is famous for having designed much of the personal and professional wardrobe of Audrey Hepburn, as well as clothing for clients such as Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy. He was named to the International Best Dressed List Hall of Fame in 1970.
In 1952, he opened his own design house at the Plaine Monceau in Paris. Later, he named his first collection "Bettina Graziani" for Paris's top model at the time. His style was marked by innovation, contrary to the more conservative designs by Dior. At 25, he was the youngest designer of the progressive Paris fashion scene. His first collections were characterized by the use of rather cheap fabrics for financial reasons, but they always piqued curiosity through their design. In 1954, Givenchy's prêt-à-porter collection debuted. He created the iconic 'Balloon coat' and the 'Baby Doll' dress in 1958. By the 1960s, Givenchy, setting new trends and embracing aspects of youth culture, had begun to favor shorter hemlines and straighter silhouettes in his designs.
First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy wore a Givenchy gown during an official visit to the Palace of Versailles in 1961.
In 1952, he opened his own design house at the Plaine Monceau in Paris. Later, he named his first collection "Bettina Graziani" for Paris's top model at the time. His style was marked by innovation, contrary to the more conservative designs by Dior. At 25, he was the youngest designer of the progressive Paris fashion scene. His first collections were characterized by the use of rather cheap fabrics for financial reasons, but they always piqued curiosity through their design. In 1954, Givenchy's prêt-à-porter collection debuted. He created the iconic 'Balloon coat' and the 'Baby Doll' dress in 1958. By the 1960s, Givenchy, setting new trends and embracing aspects of youth culture, had begun to favor shorter hemlines and straighter silhouettes in his designs.
First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy wore a Givenchy gown during an official visit to the Palace of Versailles in 1961.