Creator of the “little black dress” dies

Described as “a man of elegance and impeccable manners”, French couturier Hubert de Givenchy died this month aged 91.

Givenchy along with other Paris-based designer contemporaries including Christian Dior, Yves Saint Laurent redefined women’s fashion after World War II.

He formed close friendships with some of his most famous clientele, the likes of Elizabeth Taylor, Lauren Bacall, Jacqueline Kennedy and Princess Grace of Monaco. Other famous clients included Marlene Dietrich, Maria Callas, Ingrid Bergman and the Duchess of Windsor.

Undoubtedly his most famous model was actress Audrey Hepburn who wore his designs devotedly for more than 40 years. They met in the early 1950’s when she was filming in Europe. But their creative collaboration was cemented into popular culture in 1961 with the release of “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”.

The full length, sleeveless black evening gown, topped with tiara and rows of pearls, elbow-length gloves and oversized sunglasses, eventually became iconic chic and Givenchy’s signature look. I think we can trace the popularity of the “little black dress” back to this moment in cinema history. 

The Givenchy brand is now part of LVMH, a European multinational luxury goods conglomerate of French origins based in Paris.