Givenchy, Hubert de

Givenchy, Hubert de (James Marcel Taffin) (über' du zhēväNshē') [key], 1927–, French fashion designer. He established his house of couture in Paris. A disciple of Balenciaga and assistant designer to Schiaparelli, he opened his own house in 1952, selling it to Moët Hennessy–Louis Vuitton in 1988. He remained under contract with them until 1995, when he retired and was replaced by British designer John Galliano. Givenchy's elegant and classic style is noted for its separate skirts and tops; unusual embroidered and printed fabrics; tubular evening dresses; sumptuous ball gowns; jeweled headbands; shawls; the princess silhouette; sleeveless coats; funnel necklines; and his perfumes. He was the designer of Audrey Hepburn's clothes and film costumes.

The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2007, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.

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