Hubert de Givenchy Has Died at 91

Hubert de Givenchy, founder of the house of Givenchy, passed away on Saturday at the age of 91 years old. His family confirmed the news this morning.

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The designer worked for Pierre Balmain, Christian Dior and Elsa Schiaparelli before founding his own fashion house in 1952. Soon after starting his own label, he met Audrey Hepburn, who became his lifelong muse and shaped the future of Givenchy’s fashion legacy.

Audrey Hepburn and Hubert de Givenchy in 1988. Getty Images

 Givenchy famously designed the famous little black dress Hepburn wore in the opening scene of Breakfast at Tiffany’s and also created looked for her roles in Funny Face and Sabrina—paving the way for future designers’ role in cinematic fashion.

Audrey Hepburn in a Givenchy look in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Getty Images

Throughout his career, the designer went on to dress a string of elegant, esteemed women including Jacqueline Kennedy, Grace Kelly, Greta Garbo and more.

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After debuting his first couture collection in 1952, Givenchy launched a ready-to-wear label just two years later and then a menswear collection in 1969. The French designer’s work was marked by its Parisian elegance and sophistication that saw its impact in the cinema, on the red carpet, and on the chicest of women.

Givenchy stepped down as the head of design in 1995. Since his departure from the fashion house, an array of designers have taken reins of the label, including Alexander McQueen, John Galliano, Riccardo Tisci and, currently, Clare Waight Keller, the house’s first female creative director.

From: Harper’s BAZAAR US