His Muse, Her Armour
If you follow fashion, you are probably familiar with the classic opening scene from Breakfast at Tiffany's. Fashion icon, Holly Golightly, eats a pastry in front of her favourite diamond store wearing a little black dress and five-strand pearl necklace. For over seven decades, actress Audrey Hepburn has symbolized style and elegance, thanks in part to designer Hubert de Givenchy's ability to capture her essence in his couture. The relationship between Hepburn and Givenchy played a transformative role in merging fashion and film. While other designers had previously attempted to bring haute couture to the film industry, the Hepburn and Givenchy partnership broke barriers and made Audrey Hepburn an enduring fashion idol for generations to come.
Hepburn and Givenchy met in 1953 after she starred in the famous movie, Roman Holiday. Givenchy was an up and coming designer being recognized for his refined pieces. Hepburn admired Givenchy's work and approached him to design her costumes for her upcoming movie, Sabrina. Givenchy initially declined, graciously offering her three of his last season's ensembles to wear in her next film. Hepburn wore the dresses in the film, sparking 40-years of partnership, and friendship, between the actress and designer. While reflecting on their relationship, Givenchy called her his muse, and Hepburn said his clothes were her armour. Audrey Hepburn's charisma and Givenchy's designs were instrumental in incorporating fashion into film. Givenchy designed clothes that were simple but carefully and beautifully constructed. The innovative duo always managed to keep their audiences on their toes. The simplicity and class of Hepburn’s outfits made them timeless and universally appealing. Hepburn once stated that "[her] look is attainable. Women can look like Audrey Hepburn by flipping out their hair, buying large sunglasses, and the little sleeveless dresses."
The most iconic look Givenchy designed for Audrey Hepburn was the aforementioned little black dress from the opening scene in Breakfast at Tiffany's. This dress has become one of the twentieth century's most memorable pieces of clothing, paired with the pearl necklace designed by french jeweler, Roger Scemamam, who was Givenchy's jewelry designer. The “Audrey” look was as much Givenchy’s look as it was hers. His timeless combinations are still emulated in modern-day film and television. What was so alluring about her styling was the attainability and ability for consumers to replicate her looks. We have seen celebrities like Beyonce, Lily Collins, Sarah Jessica Parker, Nicole Kidman, and Blair Waldorf take inspiration from some of Hepburn and Givenchy's most memorable looks.
The success of their partnership was largely due to their mutual admiration for each other's craft and talent; they treated each other as equals. Givenchy's skill showed in his ability to design clothes that complimented Hepburn but never overpowered her. In 1956, Hepburn added a stipulation to all her contracts that only Givenchy would dress her for her films. The famous duo inspired subsequent actress and designer partnerships like Cher with Bob Mackie and Michelle Pfeiffer with Giorgio Armani.
Audrey Hepburn was Givenchy’s brand ambassador at a time when celebrity endorsements were not accessible or prevalent. There was never a written contract or incentive between the two. The duo worked together out of friendship and respect for each other’s craft and became one of the most iconic designer and actor collaborations of all time.