Vogue on Hubert de Givenchy

Vogue on Designers

by Drusilla Beyfus

The handsome, aristocratic Hubert de Givenchy blended the hallowed traditions of haute couture with a modern sensibility. For 40 years he focused always on purity of line, but combined an artist's eye with a keen entrepreneurial mind. His innovative 1952 debut collection made its mark by presenting separates, then a little-known approach to fashion. Givenchy created the most unrepentantly glamorous of evening dresses, developed the influential 'chemise' dress without a waistline, and fielded debonair little daytime suits which have never gone out of fashion. He is also credited with pioneering the princess silhouette, and his name became forever linked with the Sabrina neckline after dressing Hepburn in the eponymous film. Vogue, the international fashion bible, has charted the careers of designers through the decades. Its unique archive of photographs, taken by the leading photographers of the day from Cecil Beaton to Mario Testino, and original illustrations, together with its stable of highly respected fashion writers, make Vogue the most authoritative and prestigious source of reference on fashion. With a circulation of over 160,000 and a readership of over 1,400,000, no brand is better positioned to present a library on the great fashion designers of the modern age.

Genres: Fashion, Nonfiction, Photography

160 pages, Hardcover

First published October 24, 2013

Reviews

[Lulu · Rating 2 out of 5]

Stunning photographs highlighting Givenchy's impeccable taste and, of course, his muse Audrey. But the writing is convoluted so two stars for that. I do like this "Vogue On ..." series about coverage of various designers in the magazine. They're fun little books to collect for fashion/photography lovers. So far the series includes this one, as well as books on Ralph Lauren, Christian Dior, and Yves Saint Laurent. A Chanel one was released in the UK but hasn't been released in the US yet.

[Andrea · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a struggle to get through. The photos were beautiful and I have a newfound respect for Givenchy, but the writing was choppy and boring. I have a better understanding of his style and signature designs, but I would have preferred a more in-depth biography of Givenchy the person, instead of recounting all the times he was mentioned in Vogue.

[Céline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magnifique.