Tuesday, March 13, 2018

A STAR DEPARTS




Hello
Sad news today with the passing of French Couturier Hubert de Givenchy..

His beautiful fashions were timeless..



He designed this wonderful and elegant ensemble for Jackie Kennedy to wear during the famous 1961 Kennedy visit to Paris.  So chic..


Jackie in Givenchy at a later date.


Givenchy was always associated with Audrey Hepburn, and became her personal designer for many of her movies.  





'Sabrina' and 'Funny Face' in the 1950s...
Givenchy was born in 1927, and in 1952 established his own Fashion House, aged only 25.


Who could forget the 1961 film 'Breakfast at Tiffany's'?
Givenchy designed the iconic Little Black Dress for Audrey.  


For clothes watching alone, I always liked 'Charade' (1963)



The gorgeous Audrey would look lovely in anything, but as Givenchy's muse she was stunning...


Back in the day, Vogue patterns released many Givenchy designs.
The instructions were perfect, down to the last detail.



How I wish I had kept my Givenchy patterns - but over time, and many house moves, such things are given (or thrown!) away.

Sadly, I do not find the dressmaking patterns of today as beautiful in their construction or detail.  Some even have mistakes!! 
The horror of it....


And here's a little salute to Her Majesty, at the Commonwealth Day Service in Westminster Abbey...


wearing the Australian Hibiscus diamond and ruby brooch.
It is a serious gathering of beautiful gems.

Looking happy, a tiny little figure in the Abbey - but 
at times I think she must miss having The Duke of Edinburgh by her side.

What is happening at your Place?
Any interesting plans for Easter?

We have been enjoying some cooler weather, and quite a lot of rainy days.
This is always remarkable and good for our Hot Dry Land.

Have a good week

XXXXX











23 comments:

  1. I don't think that I have ever seen the Queen in that rich burgundy colour before, and it really suits her. She should wear it more often.
    It is amazing how Givenchy has outlived the notable people that he dressed by many, many, years.
    I do love that first outfit that he designed for Jackie Kennedy.

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    1. Yes, I thought the same about the burgundy colour, unusual for the Queen, but very flattering for her.
      It was a treat to find those pictures of Jackie's Paris gown, having only seen the black and white film of it over the years. The embroidery is so beautiful, and she must have looked wonder in it.

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  2. I'm with Rosemary, I love that first outfit Givenchy designed for Jackie Kennedy, could it be more gorgeous? He was truly an incredible talent.
    Happy to hear you're having rain and some cooler temps!
    I'm behind on my holiday planning, I normally decorate for St. Patrick's Day and I haven't even done that... moving on to Easter, which is a lovely weekend for us because all of our kids will be home. I bought some potted pink hydrangeas today so that's a start! xxx

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    1. Yes, a happy find on Google, that gorgeous Givenchy dress, usually only seen in b/w film. It must be preserved in a Givenchy archive. Such a gorgeous gown. What fun to decorate for St Patrick's Day - there is not enough holiday decorating in Australia! I am doing my bit with the Easter theming, putting out a few bunnies. Pink hydrangeas are lovely, I hope they do well for you.

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  3. I never knew Givenchy was Audrey Hepburn’s designer. They were a match made in the stars, both of them lovely tribute, Patricia!

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    1. Two stars destined to meet, and a wonderful creative partnership. Glad you enjoyed my post Val.

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  4. Genius, absolutely. Ha, if only I still had my patterns from back then...I have been looking for a modern pattern like V2372, alas, no luck to date :(

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  5. Great look through Givinchy's art. It makes me aware of how women (me included) rarely look elegant anymore. Except the Queen. Lovely photo of her.

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    1. Hi Darla, yes we were all so elegant back then. Little gloves and hats, smart and elegant dresses. And that was just for going to work! Yes, the Queen looks lovely in that outfit.

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  6. The little black dress, how can we live without? Thanks to Givenchy. Lovely tribute. Groetjes Hetty

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    1. Hello Hetty, love my little black dresses too. Always so chic, and thank you to Givenchy. Thank you for visiting my blog.

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  7. Hi Trish! I love these tidbits about Givenchy - truly talented!! I adore vintage fashion and I'm with you about how amazing it was compared to today. I gobble up old movies anyway...but especially to see the fasions and hairstyles. ;) Audrey Hepburn was so gorgeous, and from what I've read she was that way inside and out.
    Hoping to have both my FIL and MIL over, along with my MOm, for our Easter meal. My MIL (with Alzheimers) has been weaker after the flu this winter and has been in a wheelchair now - so not sure about logistics yet. I will make a ham dinner for all (my Mom helps too) and some desserts. We'll go to mass first. My kiddos are old enough they knnow about the bunny - so I do a scavenger hunt for them to make finding their goodies more fun. ;)
    Do you have Easter traditions you folks do?

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    1. Hi Carrie, vintage fashion is great! Vale Givenchy.
      How lovely to have the family for your Easter meal. A scavenger hunt is so much fun, we did it here last year for our grandson. This year he will be off travelling, so I gave him an Easter hunt kit to take home. Now our family is scattered, and the old folks all sadly departed, we two are going to the beach for a few days of rest and sunshine. And Easter Mass in a different location :)

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  8. I enjoyed this. No one wore fashion better than Audrey Hepburn, she was special.
    Amalia
    xo

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    1. I always loved Audrey Hepburn, just like the rest of the world! She certainly was special, and her memory lives on. Glad you enjoyed my post Amalia. xx

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  9. The Queen is my favorite. She has a timeless and modern quality.

    So the dress patterns too leave something to be desired. Sometimes it's difficult for me to find a nice dress. don't want to wear long grannies nor anything too revealing. Sometimes it's too short or shows too much cleavage. I like above the knee, just not at the thighs! Where have the just right, classic dresses all gone? And who are buying the ones on the racks?

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    1. So true, Debra. What happened to the classic dresses? They are difficult to find here also. As you say, the alternate to the too tight/short seems to be unattractive and I think, poor quality. There is a large market out there not being served.

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  11. Hi Patricia great post my friend,great fashion read,hope you have a lovely Sunday xx

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    1. Thank you, I hope you enjoyed the fashion. Have a good week. xx

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  12. I always love to see high couture. Paris has a wonderful fashion museum and I've seen a few lovely shows about famous designers there, although it is not always open. When you compare it with the things produced elsewhere, there is no comparison. I love that dark maroon on the Queen, I don't believe I have seen her in that shade before but it looks better than the paler colours she used to favour. I saw that Jewel somewhere, maybe it's usually kept in the Tower of London.... Lovely post.

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    1. Thank you Jenny, How wonderful to see the Paris fashion museum, just a quick jump across the Channel.
      We occasionally get such a show here, and I love them so much, the beautiful designs, and construction detail. Yes, the Queen looks very well in that colour, and the brooch is a real stunner!

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