Mourning a Miracle in the Design World
By: Hope Wilkos, Writer
March 10, 2018 will forever be regarded as a very sad day in the design world. On that historic date, we lost one of the most influential designers of all time, Hubert de Givenchy.
Hubert de Givenchy was known as one of the great pioneers of French Haute Couture, his fashion creations symbolizing royal chic style and a magical timeless elegance. Givenchy was only 17 years old when he put his talent to the test in 1944, allowing famed Parisian designer, Jacques Fath, to become his mentor. He also trained under design legends, Christian Dior and Pierre Balmain before taking the next logical step in his career.
No challenge was ever too large, no risks would ever stand in his way, and, by the time Givenchy was in his mid-20’s, he decided to launch his own fashion label. The year was 1952 and the very first designs associated with the Givenchy label were very well received. Givenchy’s first fashion collection included gorgeous ball gowns, silk separates, detailed embroidered pieces and the introduction of the high fashion tailored shirts.
The rich and famous all enjoyed the designer’s creations. With a mutual admiration for each other, Givenchy was forever inspired by the lovely Audrey Hepburn. Givenchy soon became revered for his quintessential little black dress that made its debut on Audrey Hepburn in the film “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.” Not only did the designer continue to dress his muse, but, word of his talent and skills spread, and soon, another legend in the world of celebrity, Jacqueline Kennedy, was knocking on his door requesting him to design for her as well. Over the life of his career, he dressed other great stars such as Elizabeth Taylor, Princess Grace of Monaco and Lauren Bacall.
Givenchy became known for the ‘shirtdress’ with many of his creations being shaped by swan-like necklines and lantern silhouettes. Since success was at the designer’s fingertips immediately following the release of his women’s collections in 1952, he took his chances with the “Givenchy Gentleman” line in 1969, a line that became difficult for men to resist.
Givenchy continued to design for decades, retiring in 1995, a strong namesake in the fashion world. He was a man of stature, with a frame that towered 6 feet and 5 inches. Designing was his dream and creating was his passion, and, even though he sold his fashion house to luxury conglomerate, LVMH, in 1988, he continued with the house in a design capacity until his retirement in 1995.
The name Givenchy continues to hold prestige in the eyes of fashion connoisseurs and stars such as Madonna and Beyonce hold the Givenchy name close to their heart. A Givenchy classic is always present at some point on the Red Carpet in current day. In more recent times, the Givenchy fashion house has been led by fashion greats such as John Galliano and Alexander McQueen. Bernard Arnault, chairman and CEO of the LVMH Group, issued a statement of sadness as soon as he learned of the death of Hubert de Givenchy at the age of 91. “I am deeply saddened by the death of Hubert de Givenchy. He was among those designers who placed Paris firmly at the heart of world fashion post 1950 while creating a unique personality for his own fashion label.” He continued to praise Givenchy by saying, “In both prestigious long dresses and daywear, Hubert de Givenchy has brought together two rare qualities; to be innovative and timeless.”
Condolences continue to pour over social media and Givenchy will forever be remembered for his iconic fashions that graced the runway, brought life to the motion picture screen, created awe at red carpet events and his designs that bring the pages of magazines alive with extraordinary beauty. Many museums continue to show exhibitions devoted to the exceptional work of Hubert de Givenchy. We are all mourning this design genius whose legacy will last a lifetime.
Photo Credit: ABC News, AP
