Hubert de Givenchy 1927-2018

French fashion designer Hubert de Givenchy, who dressed stars from Audrey Hepburn to Jackie Kennedy, has died at the age of 91. He passed away on March 10th at the Renaissance Chateau near Paris, a property he shared his partner and fellow designer, Philippe Venet.

Renowned as one of the most talented fashion designers of his time, Givenchy was often considered in his own league of artistry. Audrey Hepburn once said that his clothes are ‘the only ones in which I feel myself. He is more than a designer, he is a creator of personality.’ After creating such iconic looks as the ones found in Breakfast in Tiffany’s, it’s no surprise that millions around the world, including Hepburn herself, held him in such high regard.

Givenchy first developed his love of clothes after discovering his grandfather’s collection as a young boy. Only once he did well in school was he allowed to view this treasured collection, and from there he became obsessed with meeting his idol, Balenciaga, who he later went on to train with.

‘Balenciaga was my religion,’ he once said, ‘and because I am a believer, for me there is Balenciaga and the lord.’ Little did Givenchy know back then that he would go on to become one of the giants of haute couture, making a name for himself as the master of timeless elegance. And it’s due to his timelessness that his designs will continue to live on forever.