Hubert de Givenchy, founder of the house of Givenchy, has Died at 91 at his home.
The French fashion house confirmed the news on social media on Monday morning, remembering the late designer as a "major personality of the world of French Haute Couture and a gentleman who symbolized Parisian chic elegance."
With his perfect manners and old-school discipline, Givenchy had a distinguished presence that colored the fashion industry for over fifty years. A consummate collector with an impeccable eye for objects as well as the interior decoration of houses, he leaves behind a fashion house that defined the very notions of refinement and elegance.
Givenchy championed the concept of separates with his first couture collection in 1952 at age 25, and two years later became the first designer to launch a high-end ready-to-wear line. Early in his career, he garnered attention stateside for his artist-muse relationship with Audrey Hepburn, with whom he also developed a close personal relationship, forging a bond between Hollywood and haute couture that still thrives today.
In addition to Hepburn, Givenchy also dressed screen darlings of the '50s and '60s, including Marlene Dietrich, Elizabeth Taylor, Greta Garbo and Grace Kelly, as well as Jackie Kennedy. During that time, his name was synonymous with ladylike luxury. He made the simple crisp white shirt chic and was a master of the little black dress.
Givenchy is survived by his partner, Philippe Venet, his nieces and nephews, and their children. His family plans a private funeral and requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to UNICEP in his name.
