The unexpected encounter between designer Hubert de Givenchy and actress Audrey Hepburn in 1953 changed the fashion industry forever, culminating in timeless designs that continue to captivate audiences.
In 1953, a meeting that would ultimately reshape the fashion landscape and establish a legendary partnership took place in Paris. At just 26 years of age, designer Hubert Taffin de Givenchy was on the cusp of building his career when an unexpected visitor arrived at his salon. He had been anticipating the arrival of the renowned actress Katharine Hepburn. Instead, a petite, unknown girl named Audrey Hepburn stepped through the doors.
At the time, Audrey Hepburn was not yet a household name as her breakout film, Roman Holiday, was awaiting its European premiere. Seeking to create costumes for her new work, Sabrina, she requested Givenchy to design the attire, a task initially assigned to acclaimed costume designer Edith Head. Director Billy Wilder had chosen to send Hepburn to Paris for the film in search of a distinguished Parisian flair.
According to reports, Givenchy initially dismissed her at first, providing her with just three sketches from his forthcoming collection. While he received no official credit for the designs in the film’s closing credits, the dresses he created for Sabrina would go on to become far more famous than the film itself, emerging as timeless symbols of elegance and style.
The dresses, characterized by their rich embroidery, silk organza, and tulle, featured a corset design paired with wide skirts that captured the essence of Hepburn’s transformation from a naïve girl to a sophisticated woman. This imagery resonated with audiences, leading to widespread admiration and demand for similar designs among women of all ages.
Once the film garnered acclaim and took home an Academy Award for Best Costume Design, it was Edith Head who received the recognition, having been called upon to finalize the production. Despite this, Givenchy found his name being linked to Hepburn’s burgeoning celebrity status; she became not just a client but a close friend and lifelong muse. Their collaboration extended to many subsequent films, including the iconic Breakfast at Tiffany’s.
Fast forward to 2017, when an astonishing discovery was made that would reignite interest in one of Givenchy’s most famous creations. Following the passing of actress Debbie Reynolds and her daughter Carrie Fisher, an auction was planned for their collection. During the preparations, three unmarked suitcases were uncovered, containing a dress that was later identified as the original gown worn by Audrey Hepburn in Sabrina.
The dress’s condition had deteriorated over the years, with visible fading and yellowing, and unfinished seams suggested that it was indeed the original garment. It had likely been preserved in the suitcases without the owner fully grasping its historical value. When it was auctioned in 2017, it fetched an impressive $217,000, significantly higher than anticipated.
The dress continued to be in the spotlight when Ivanka Trump made headlines for wearing a copy of it to her father’s presidential inaugural ball, an homage to the style icon that Audrey Hepburn epitomized.
Givenchy’s designs have left an indelible mark on fashion history, and the serendipitous meeting between the legendary designer and actress continues to inspire admiration and intrigue in the world of cinema and fashion.
Source: Noah Wire Services
