Vogue on Hubert de Givenchy

Vogue on Designers

by Drusilla Beyfus

The fashion aesthetic of handsome, aristocratic Hubert de Givenchy combined the traditions of haute couture--creative, luxurious, and perfectionist--with a modern entrepreneurial sensibility. In a career spanning 40 years, he created the most glamorous of evening dresses, developed the influential "sack" dress, and produced debonair daytime suits that have never gone out of fashion. He also famously defined the sartorial image of Audrey Hepburn--both onscreen and off--designing the little black dress for Breakfast at Tiffany's. Created by the editors of British Vogue, Vogue on Hubert de Givenchy features biography and history studded with more than 80 images from their unique archive of images taken by leading photographers such as Irving Penn, Patrick Demarchelier, and Cecil Beaton.

Genres: Fashion, Nonfiction, Photography

160 pages, Kindle Edition

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.