Hubert de Givenchy : Early Life

Hubert de Givenchy was a French fashion designer who founded the luxury fashion and perfume house of Givenchy in 1952. He was known for his elegant and innovative creations.

Givenchy was born on February 20, 1927 in Beauvais, France, into a noble Protestant family.
He was the younger son of Lucien Taffin de Givenchy, Marquis of Givenchy (1888–1930), and his wife, the former Béatrice (“Sissi”) Badin (1888–1976). Givenchy’s family roots originated in Venice, Italy.
At the age of three, Givenchy’s father died from influenza in 1930. Due to this, he was raised by his mother and maternal grandmother, Marguerite Dieterle Badin. By the time Givenchy was 17, he moved to Paris to study at École des Beaux-Arts.

Education and Career Beginnings

Givenchy had a passion for art and design since childhood, and studied at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris.
He decided to pursue his dream of becoming a fashion designer and worked for several prominent Parisian designers, such as Jacques Fath, Robert Piguet, Lucien Lelong, and Elsa Schiaparelli, before opening his own house at the age of 25.

Fashion Breakthrough

Givenchy’s first collection, featuring separates, coats, and ball gowns, was an instant success. He introduced the “Bettina Graziani”, named after a popular model, which revived the tailored shirt in high fashion.
He also collaborated with the Spanish designer Cristóbal Balenciaga, who influenced his style and technique. Together, they launched the “sack/sac dress” in 1957, which was a loose-fitting shape that contrasted with the fitted designs of Christian Dior.

Collaboration with Audrey Hepburn

Givenchy’s most famous client was Audrey Hepburn, whom he met in 1953 when he designed her costumes for the film Sabrina. He continued to dress her for many of her films, such as Funny Face, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Charade, and How to Steal a Million.
He also created her personal wardrobe and perfume. He also designed for other celebrities, such as Jacqueline Kennedy, Grace Kelly, Duchess of Windsor, and Marlene Dietrich.

Retirement and Legacy

Givenchy retired in 1995, after selling his company to the luxury conglomerate LVMH.

Givenchy was not married but he was in a longtime friendship with partner, Philippe Venet.

Givenchy died in 2018 at the age of 91.