Cristobal Balenciaga, Philippe Venet, Hubert de Givenchy: Grand Traditions of French Couture

Description

The publication of this book coincides with an exceptional exhibition that brings together creations from three of the greatest designers of our time-Cristobal Balenciaga, Philippe Venet, and Hubert de Givenchy-at the Chateau de Haroue, the sumptuous eighteenth-century palace built by the Princes of Beauvau-Craon. The collection of evening dresses, presented in this architectural jewel and paragon of art de vivre showcases Hubert de Givenchy's passion for elegance and the heritage of France. The extraordinary gowns were selected by Hubert de Givenchy, President of the Cristobal Balenciaga Foundation, along with Philippe Venet, and the Princess of Beauvau-Craon. Not only did the great Spanish designer Cristobal Balenciaga create a style, but he also invented a technique. He was an architect of haute couture and has had a prevailing influence upon the international world of fashion. His trademarks were his astounding creativity, exceptional command of tailoring, and timeless style. Philippe Venet has experience and respect for the traditions of haute couture, but distinguishes himself with his use of colors, and his innovative and imaginative tailoring. Hubert de Givenchy, the aristocrat of haute couture, still inspires the fashion world with his sense of perfection. He initiated and was actively involved in the creation of this luxurious work, which is a tribute to the subtle harmony between haute couture creations and exceptional locations. Christiane de Nicolay-Mazery, author and friend of Hubert de Givenchy and Philippe Venet, presents these legendary dresses displayed at the Chateau de Haroue, such as Queen Fabiola of Belgium's wedding dress created by Balenciaga and the unforgettable black dress created by Givenchy for Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's.

Christiane de Nicolay-Mazery, creative director at Christie's France, is the author of many books on French elegance, notably French Interiors (2009) and of The Yves Saint Laurent - Pierre Berge Collection: The Sale of the Century (2009), both published by Flammarion. Hubert de Givenchy began his career with Jacques Fath, Robert Piguet, and Lucien Lelong, before moving to Schiaparelli in 1947, where he spent four years of total creative freedom and happiness. The elegant and sophisticated women he met there would become his faithful clients, including Daisy Fellowes, Babe Paley, the duchess of Windsor, Lady Abdy, Countess Gazzoni Frascara, Barbara Hutton, Patricia Lopez, and Gloria Guinness. Regarded as one of the world's finest haute couture designers of all time, Givenchy created signature waredrobes for the world's most elegant women such as Audrey Hepburn, Lauren Bacall, Elizabeth Taylor, Jean Seberg, Marlene Dietrich, Jacqueline Kennedy, Grace Kelly, and Maria Callas. The dress he designed for Audrey Hepburn's role in Breakfast at Tiffany's is a great classic in the history of fashion.

"Bringing together the history of an ancesteral chatueau, the legends of the three celebrated designers and the beauty of the gowns they created, Cristoval Belenciaga, Philippe Venet, Hubert De Givenchy is a treasure trove of history, fashion, interior design and beauty. The gowns of these three famous designers are displayed to praise their legendary designs and their impact on haute couture today." ~Vidcat "...offers a rare look at the unrivaled works of the three designers set against the rarely seen interiors of Haroue. All elelments of the book are part of a visual feast, serving as a reminder that there was a time when designers were great 'createurs'..." ~NY Journal of Books "This charming, gift-sized book delivers a photo essay on 43 timeless dresses by Cristobal Balenciaga, Philippe Venet and Hubert de Givenchy, deftly staged against the backdrop of a majestic 18th-century chatueau." ~Veranda