Hubert de Givenchy, Parisian design pioneer and couturier to the world’s best-dressed, died gracefully this month at the of 91. The Givenchy name became emblematic of a generation of highly skilled designers that opened couture houses across the French capital post-war. Throughout his fabulously elegant life, Givenchy took inspiration from a plethora of stunning women that he delighted in dressing. Here are 5 of his most influential muses.
Bettina Graziani
At just 24, Givenchy wowed Paris audiences with his first show which a tribute to his original muse, Bettina Graziani, the city’s most in-demand model of the time. Graziani had joined his house in its early days as a PR representative, saleswoman and fitting model. She opened the show wearing the bestselling blouse that featured flamenco-inspired styling, long sleeves and ruffles, quickly defining an austere, post-war style of dressing.
Audrey Hepburn
Perhaps his most famous muse on the list, the friendship between Givenchy and Hepburn was as enduring as it was glamorous. In 1961 the duo created one of fashion’s most indelible moments, when Holly Golightly sauntered up to the legendary Fifth Avenue jewellers in her now-legendary black, backless column dress paired with oversized sunglasses and strands of shimmering pearls. The rising starlet was so charmed by the young dressmaker’s designs that she enlisted his help in almost all of her greatest cinematic excursions.
Jackie O
Hailed as Jackie Kennedy’s little secret, the wife of the US President was known to be a huge fan of the designer despite pressure to showcase only homegrown talent. The story goes that Givenchy would fit dresses with the First Lady in complete secrecy to avoid public knowledge that she was to be dressed by a French designer. When Kennedy made an official visit to France with JFK in 1961, Givenchy created an immaculate satin evening ensemble, comprised of a dress with an embroidered bodice and coat.
Grace Kelly
Princess Grace of Monaco was renowned for her stylish ensembles, so it was hardly surprising that she chose the Parisian to dress her for a state visit to the White House in 1961. The emerald-green sleeveless gown with matching fringed bolero was a sure-fire hit. The pair were no strangers, however, with Givenchy having already dressed Kelly for her role in the 1956 film, High Society.
Diana Vreeland
The former Vogue Editor-in-chief, Diana Vreeland was a famous fan of Givenchy and the pair were often spotted together discussing their love for fashion and luxurious fabrications. One of her most famous looks was revealed at a 1977 Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art opening: a shimmering black and gold gown that dripped sequins to the floor.
Written by Thea Carley
