As the news of Hubert de Givenchy’s passing broke this week, the world was left mourning the death of a fashion icon.
Hubert James Taffin de Givenchy was born in 1927 in northern France. At the age of 17, he left home to work for the famous avant-garde designer Elsa Schiaparelli.
The house of Givenchy was later established in the 1950s when Givenchy was just 24 years old. In 1952 he was able to showcase his first Spring Collection.
Givenchy was known for his friendships with almost every prominent woman of the 20th century, but the most famous relationship was with Aubrey Hepburn – which spanned a lengthy 40 years!
Their friendship paved the way for his career to blossom in fashion, film and history.
The iconic “little black dress” worn by Aubrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s put his name in lights. The black sheath dress became a byword for elegant simplicity.
Givenchy continued to design even after he sold his business in 1988 to Moet Hennessy-Louis Vuitton. In 1995 he retired, having built a lasting empire. A series of world-famous designers like John Galliano, Alexander McQueen and Riccardo Tisci took the reins after he moved on.
Hubert De Givenchy will be remembered as an innovator like no other and this made him one of the most iconic couture designers of the century.
Have a look at the latest collections from Givenchy
Featured image courtesy of the official Givenchy Instagram account. Click here to follow @givenchyofficial
By w&h Fashion Assistant, Tiamara Naidoo
