French fashion designer Hubert de Givenchy dies aged 91

PARIS: Hubert de Givenchy, the aristocratic French fashion designer famous for the "Little black dress" and styling Audrey Hepburn and Jackie Kennedy, has died aged 91, his partner said Monday.



Givenchy set the template for ladylike chic in the 1950s and 1960s, and his restrained style still informs the way Britain's Queen Elizabeth II and older American and Chinese socialites dress.

In this file photo taken on October 21, 1991 French designer Hubert de Givenchy (L) and American actress Audrey Hepburn talk together at the Galliera Museum in Paris during a reception honoring Givenchy for his 40 years in fashion. PHOTO: AFP

His partner, the former haute couture designer Philippe Venet, announced his death through the Givenchy fashion house, saying he had died in his sleep on Saturday.

 

In this file photo taken on May 24, 2002 French fashion designer Hubert de Givenchy and Somalian-born model Iman pose for photographers as they arrive at the amFar benefit party in Mougins, near Cannes. PHOTO: AFP

The pair lived in a Renaissance chateau near Paris.

In this file photo taken on October 3, 1997 French fashion designer Hubert de Givenchy (C) poses for photographers together with ballet artists in Bolshoy theatre in Moscow. PHOTO: AFP



"It is with huge sadness that we inform you that Hubert Taffin de Givenchy has died," it said in a statement to said.

The designer's "nephews and nieces share Mr Venet's grief," it added.