Givenchy and his muse: how his friendship with Audrey Hepburn changed fashion
French designer Hubert de Givenchy revolutionised international fashion with the timelessly stylish looks he created for Audrey Hepburn, house of Givenchy says of its founder, who has died aged 91
French couturier Hubert de Givenchy, who has died at the age of 91, will be remembered for many things, but none more than that little black dress he designed for his muse, actress Audrey Hepburn, for the classic 1961 film Breakfast at Tiffany’s.
The black sheath dress Givenchy created for the opening scenes of Breakfast at Tiffany’s was perhaps the most famous “little black dress” of all time.
“His are the only clothes in which I am myself. He is far more than a couturier, he is a creator of personality,” Hepburn once said of him.
Hubert de Givenchy, designer of the ‘little black dress’ and stylist to Audrey Hepburn, dies aged 91
The actress also wore his designs in other films, including Sabrina, in which she starred opposite Humphrey Bogart and William Holden and wore a Givenchy ivory ball gown with black embroidered flowers. In 1954 she wore a Givenchy dress to the Oscars, where she won the Academy Award for best actress for her role in Roman Holiday.
“He revolutionised 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.”
