On 10th of March the legendary designer, the classicist of fashion who gave the world an immense number of beautiful gowns that became the definition of French chic, Hubert de Givenchy passed away. He was also known for movie costume design including movies with Audrey Hepburn – his muse and friend.
The beautiful friendship between the designer and actress started when filming Sabrina – the film needed couture gowns. Initially, the choice fell on Balenciaga, but at that particular moment he was occupied by working on his new collection, hence Audrey decided to turn to Givenchy. He was also busy with his collection and was waiting for another Hepburn to visit him – Katharine; however, Audrey managed to convince and charm Givenchy and, therefore, he agreed to cooperate.
Who could imagine that this meeting would mark a beginning for a whole new Givenchy and Hepburn epoch. After costumes for Sabrina followed "Funny Face", "Charade", "How to Steal a Million" and, of course, "Breakfast at Tiffany's" with its legendary back dress. Hubert didn't only create the dress, he also picked complementing accessories that would suit Audrey. The result was a great look that became a part of fashion and cinema history.
Audrey was wearing Givenchy clothes not only on screen but off screen as well. She accepted her Oscar in 1953 and was married for the second time in Givenchy dresses. In addition, she appeared in a Vogue photoshoot where the whole material was dedicated to her friendship with the couturier. At the forefront of Givenchy's creations were sophistication, elegance, charm and harmony – Audrey was the epitome of these traits. She had that unique spirit that had been always inspiring to Givenchy: "There's her heart in every collection, everything is connected to Audrey from sketch to model."
Their pairing was a fashion cure for the post war world. Fragile and delicate Audrey, with her big deer eyes framed by gorgeous thick brows and elegant style, made everyone fall in love with her. Moreover, she fuelled the wish to shake off the weight of war time in women and finally feel feminine again.
Givenchy left an incredible heritage behind. He taught people how to treasure simplicity and elegance, which we're really lacking in days of scandal. His passing marked the end of a whole era, since he was a part of the legendary generation of French designers who had been at the origin of haute couture, those people who were inspired by women and inspired them in return by making sophisticated outfits and dresses and inspiring them for new fashion feats. Hubert de Givenchy and his muse Audrey Hepburn will forever remain fashion icons who embodied grace and elegance.
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