Hubert de Givenchy Biography

Vita

• 1927

  Hubert James Marcel Taffin de Givenchy is born into an aristocratic family in Beauvais, France. His early exposure to art and design influences his future career.

• 1930

  After the loss of his father, he is raised mainly by his mother and maternal grandmother, who ignite his passion for fabrics. His grandmother is Marguerite Dieterle Badin, widow of Jules Badin, an artist who owned the Gobelins Manufactory and the Beauvais Tapestry Factory. Artistic professions were common in Badin families. Givenchy's great-grandfather was a set designer for Beauvais, including the Élysée Palace. One of his grandfathers designed sets for the Paris Opera.

• 1944

  Givenchy moves to Paris to study at the École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts, where he develops his love of fashion.

• 1945

  Begins his career as an apprentice to the designer Jacques Fath.

• 1946

  He goes on to work for prestigious fashion houses such as Robert Piguet and Lucien Lelong.

• 1947

  Givenchy works for the avant-garde designer Elsa Schiaparelli, honing his skills in haute couture.

• 1952

  At the age of 24, he opens the House of Givenchy in Paris. His first collection features the Bettina blouse, named after top model Bettina Graziani. His subsequent collections featured feminine hats, elegant evening gowns, and tailored suits. He is immediately recognized for his chic separates and tailored designs.

• 1953

  Givenchy meets Audrey Hepburn, who becomes his muse and close friend. He designs her costumes for the movie Sabrina, marking the beginning of a legendary collaboration.

• 1954

  Becomes the first couturier to present a luxury ready-to-wear line.

• 1955

  He gained acclaim with a sweater style and a sleek, open-sided pump. He also introduces the shift dress.

• 1957

  He designs for Love in the Afternoon and creates the iconic little black dress for Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's. He and renowned Spanish designer Cristóbal Balenciaga are the first to create the "sack" silhouette, cementing his status as a leading couturier and establishing the dress as a symbol of elegance.

• 1958

  Givenchy receives the Legion of Honor from the French government in recognition of his contributions to the fashion industry. Again inspired by Mrs. Hepburn, the Givenchy brand launches the fragrance L'Interdit, which becomes very popular.

• 1959

  He introduces the sack dress, a revolutionary design that eliminates the waistline, reflecting his innovative approach to femininity.

• 1961

  Jackie Kennedy wears a floral embroidered Givenchy gown for an official visit to Versailles.

• 1963

  Givenchy designs the outfit worn by Jacqueline Kennedy at the funeral of her husband John F. Kennedy, further raising his profile in the fashion world. Designs for the Audrey Hepburn film Charade.

• 1964

  Designs for the Audrey Hepburn film Paris When It Sizzles.

• 1966

  Design work for the Audrey Hepburn film How to Steal a Million.

• 1970

  Givenchy is inducted into the International Best Dressed List Hall of Fame in recognition of his influence and contributions to fashion.

• 1988

  Givenchy sells his business to LVMH in 1988 and retired in 1995. He was succeeded by other famous designers, including Alexander McQueen, John Galliano, Julien Macdonald, and Riccardo Tisci. He organizes a retrospective of his work at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills, showcasing his designs and celebrating his career.

• 1995

  After decades of success, Givenchy retires, marking the end of an era in haute couture.

• 2007

  The French Post Office releases a series of stamps designed by Givenchy to celebrate Valentine's Day.

• 2014

  Ninety-five of his designs are featured in a retrospective exhibition at the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum in Madrid, Spain.

• 2018

  Hubert de Givenchy dies on March 10, leaving behind a profound impact on the fashion industry. His designs continue to inspire new generations of designers and fashion enthusiasts.