Audrey Hepburn և Uber de Givenchy were inseparable for 40 years. They could be on opposite sides of the ocean, but feel very close to each other.
What united the talented actress, the brilliant model, for several decades? Why, after the death of Audrey Hepburn Uber de Givenchy did not continue to create?
A fateful meeting
Audrey Hepburn was already famous in America during her first visit to the model house of Uber de Givenchy.
The young actress had already played her first starring role in ‘Roman Holiday’, but the rising star was still unknown in France, and the film also appeared in French cinemas for rent a little later.
Audrey was in Paris to buy some costumes for her character in the movie ‘Sabrina’. The actress was in search for a long time, experimenting with models of different French couturiers, hoping to find clothes that she would fall in love with at first sight.
The young fashion designer, who opened fashion house just a year before Audrey arrived in Paris, caught the girl’s attention with the freshness and originality of his outfits.
Audrey thought that the models of this couture would really suit her. Time has shown that she was not wrong.
However, during the first meeting, the future trendsetter was very disappointed. He was expecting to see a completely different actress, who starred in ‘Adam’s Rib’, whose name was Katherine, whose last name is the same as Audrey.
There was no talk of sewing a new outfit for a stranger, Givenchy offered her to choose dresses from ready-made models.
The actress liked the dresses offered, and she chose a few. The dresses perfectly matched not only the image of the heroine created by Audrey, but also perfectly emphasized the personality of the actress.
The film ‘Sabrina’ won the Oscar for Best Costume Design, and the prestigious award went to the film’s official costume designer Edith Head.
Audrey Hepburn, however, has repeatedly mentioned in her interviews that her dresses are from the new collection of Parisian fashion designer Uber de Givenchy.
As a result, the young fashion designer gained many new clients, quickly becoming known in the world of fashion.
And just when Audrey left for Paris to apologize to Givenchy, the latter thanked the girl for his own glory. And that very day began their lifelong friendship.
A friendship that is stronger than love
During the signing of the shooting contracts, Audrey Hepburn set a separate point.
According to which only Givenchy should create all the costumes for herself. In life she also wore the clothes of her favorite designer and always follows his advices.
Audrey always looked stylish and elegant, her jewelry matched perfectly with the costumes she wore. And she even agreed to change her hairstyle only after consulting with Givenchy.
In ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’ Funny ‘Funny Face’, ‘How to Steal a Million’ and ‘Charade’, Audrey shone in Uber dresses, and millions of women tried to imitate her image and style.
Givenchy had many wealthy clients, including Jacqueline Kennedy, but her muse, inspiration, and friend was Audrey.
A year after meeting the fashion designer and actress, Audrey’s model appeared in Givenchy’s studio. The mannequin has never been transformed, as the actress has maintained her figure throughout her life.
Givenchy was next to the actress in moments of joy and sadness. When she divorced her first husband, she married Andrea Dotti, sewing a wedding dress.
Audrey mourned the death of her newborn baby in Uber’s arms, and the latter became the godfather of Audrey’s son Shawn.
When the actress told Uber about her dream of having her own unique fragrance, she invited Francis Farbon, one of the best perfumers, to create a unique perfume for Audrey. A year later, L’Interdit went on sale, becoming a real bestseller.
The end of the era
Givenchy has always been close to Audrey. He did not even leave her when she was sick. Seeing Audrey in pain, Uber could not hold back his tears.
It was obvious that Audrey was leaving, he could not keep her in this world. But he was still ready to do whatever she wanted.
When Audrey wanted to visit Switzerland before her death, Uber personally sent a private plane for her, taking care of the actress’s comfort.
Audrey Hepburn died in January 1993. After the departure of his muse, Uber de Givenchy could not create at all. It seems that Audrey took all the inspiration from the model with her.
In 1995, Uber handed over control of the fashion house to his successor, leaving the country house alone. It was not until 2015 that he broke his long silence by publishing a book of costume sketches created by Couture for his muse.
Givenchy died in March 2018 after living without his muse for 25 years.
