Remembering Hubert de Givenchy: 5 Iconic Looks

 Yesterday we learned that world renowned designer Hubert de Givenchy died at the age of 91. In reaction, there are many articles (much more detailed and eloquently written than this) taking about his life and legacy. But for my small corner of the internet, I decided to write about what came to mind when I thought of de Givenchy, his friendships, forward thinking and admiration of women, and in turn 5 of his iconic looks, from the start of his career to the end.



                                                     The Bettina Blouse in 1952

 Bettina Grazioni was Givenchy's original muse, so much so that when he opened his business in 1952 he named the now famous 'Bettina Blouse' after her. Givenchy's craftsmanship and design immediately caught the eye of the press and Parisian people, soon making him a household name.


                                                           Myrtle Crawford in 1953

 It was not long that Givenchy was put on the same pedestal as houses such as Dior and Chanel. His couture pieces were unequivocally romantic and captured the golden age of Hollywood in the 50s and early 60s. It would soon be discovered that Givenchy knew glamour in whatever decade, ballgowns with elbow length silk gloves or an LBD in later years.


                                               Pleated blouse in 1953

When times changed, so did the house, he, like a few other designers, were adopting the 'New Look' (think Dior Bar Jacket and skirt) presenting women as powerful and feminine, moving away from the Chanel box suit and boyish figure to full skirts and small waists. Givenchy once said, "The dress must follow the body of a woman, not the body following the shape of a dress".


    Final look from 1995-96 Fall/Winter Collection

 The house of Givenchy has had many creative directors and great collections, from Alexander McQueen (who died on the same day 8 years ago), Ricardo Tisci and Clare Waight Keller, but today we are focusing on the founder's last collection, in '95.


                                   Breakfast at Tiffany's 1961

 Last, but certainly not least, the Tiffany's LBD, worn by his lifelong friend Audrey Hepburn in '61. Worn with layered pearls, sunglasses and a top-bun, it is one of the most recognizable looks in films history. It was not the first or last Givenchy look she would wear. (It was later sold for $923,187 in 2006)

 
           Givenchy with his secretary Jeanette being flanked by applause at the end of a show

 There was so much more to Givenchy than his designs, from the outside looking in, he was a man who was kind, respected the people around him and gave recognition to those around him.

Until next time,

Gabrielle x