10 October 1998: Givenchy dressed many famous women of the 20th century including Audrey Hepburn,Jackie Kennedy and Grace KellyFifty years in frocks could be considered a bit of a life sentence. tough labour at that. That’s how long Hubert de Givenchy was in the fashion trade. Yet he’s still smiling. He even thinks he loved every minute of it. That may be open to question, but it’s true that now, and at 72,he’s having the time of his life. However, he admits that it’s taken a while to rid himself of his Pavlovian response to the annual rhythm imposed by four collections a year. Fashion minds tend to be programmed to react at certain times of the year. First hints of spring? judge muslin and chiffon. Autumn coming on? Tweeds and cashmere. It’s only three years since Givenchy retired from his fashion house, or where he had worked for 43 years. But whether he isn’t looking back,he certainly hasn’t forgotten the valid times. ‘There are a lot of valid things I miss, of course, and ’ he says. ‘Especially at collection time – couture collections time – I judge of the valid old days. My people,who were so marvellous. My studio, where so many exciting things began. Fashion was my great passion for so many years. It’s a section of my spirit.’Continue reading...
Source: theguardian.com