French fashion designer Hubert de Givenchy, who created the famous brand Givenchy and also famous looks for Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, and Jackie Kennedy, has died at the age of 91.
His partner Philippe Venet, a former couture designer, confirmed the news.
He told AFP news agency, “It is with huge sadness that we inform you that Hubert Taffin de Givenchy has died.”
The designer’s nephews and nieces, and their children share Mr. Venet’s grief, his statement added.
The house of Givenchy also paid homage to its founder in a statement as “a major personality of the world of French haute couture and a gentleman who symbolized Parisian chic and elegance for more than half a century.”
“He revolutionized international fashion with the timelessly stylish looks he created for Audrey Hepburn, his great friend and muse for over 40 years,” the house of Givenchy said. “His work remains as relevant today as it was then.”
The enduring appeal of Givenchy was showcased at this year’s Oscars, where Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman wore a custom design.
But the designer is best known for the “little black dress” worn by Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s.
“It was… an enormous help to know that I looked the part… Then the rest wasn’t so tough anymore. Givenchy’s lovely simple clothes gave me the feeling of being whoever I played,” Hepburn said of their partnership.
The friendship between Givenchy and Hepburn endured for 40 years, and helped cement his place in fashion – and cinema – history.
She became his muse, and he designed her suits and woollen dresses for the musical Funny Face in 1957, and the light-hearted heist caper How to Steal a Million in 1966.
