Flashback: Hubert de Givenchy haute couture retrospective in Madrid, 2014

13/3/2018

R.I.P. MONSIEUR GIVENCHY

EXHIBIT SHOWCASED PARISIAN DESIGNER’S KEY FASHION MOMENTS

Yesterday, one of the fashion world’s giants slipped away to the other side. After Balenciaga, his mentor, Alaïa and Saint Laurent, Hubert de Givenchy’s passing whispers yet another farewell to a fading, glamorous era of haute couture. In the autumn of 2014, I was fortunate to catch a retrospective on Hubert de Givenchy at the Thyssen-Bornemisza museum in Madrid. Givenchy had a special place in my heart because for my very small and intimate wedding about one year earlier, I had chosen to wear a simple Givenchy cocktail dress - in black. (I was a rebel bride.) This LBD is one of my prized possessions and, conveniently, I wear it all the time.

Famous for outfitting royals, be it of Hollywood, politics or actual royalty, Givenchy dressed many of the larger-than-life women of his time, including Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, the Duchess of Windsor, Audrey Hepburn and Princess Caroline of Monaco.

Outfits worn by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis

The "evening tunic" worn by Audrey Hepburn in "Breakfast at Tiffany's", 1961

White organdy dress embroidered with lemons, a gift for Princess Caroline of Monaco for her fifth birthday

Three more exquisite confections made for Audrey Hepburn

A poignant passage of the exhibit juxtaposed select designs by Givenchy alongside artists of the 20th century, some of whom were of great inspiration to the couturier. I thought this provided brilliant commentary on how the French designer crafted clothes that were both modern and timeless.

L to R: Black silk taffeta dress with red, green, blue and florescent pink forms (1970s); an evening coat in violet suede featuring Joan Miró leather motifs (1971); red velvet dress with fringe and black belt (1995)

Two elegant evening dresses from Maison Givenchy

Another duo of evening dresses next to an untitled work by Mark Rothko

HERE COMES THE BRIDE. A Givenchy bridal gown was often a statement-making fantasy dress.

A line-up of select wedding dresses by Hubert de Givenchy

This wedding dress in atypical pink is embroidered with small satin flounces

Close-up of the embroidery work

A fairy-tale wedding dress inspired by lily of the valley bouquets

TIMELESS BEAUTY. A final look at a superb trio of evening dresses each reflecting a different decade, but all encompassing Givenchy's eternal style.

L to R: two-piece evening ensemble composed of a sleek tunic dress and bolero adorned with fuchsia silk rose petals (1952); strapless evening gown in mauve silk crepe (1979); one-shoulder evening dress in black velvet embroidered with pearls (1980s)

Rest in peace, Monsieur Givenchy.

About the Author

I'm a freelance writer and culture reporter living in Paris. You and I will get along if - like me - you enjoy fashion, travel, art and gastronomy. READ MORE