Each item has been chosen with the meticulous eye of Hubert de Givenchy and reflects his exquisite taste. Taken from two of de Givenchy's most iconic and elegant mansions, the Hôtel d'Orrouer in Paris and the Château du Jonchet in the Loire Valley, the collection includes many exceptional objects that have not been seen on the market for decades, as well as more recent works acquired for the purpose of his collecting journey. Christie's will offer this extraordinary collection for auction at Paris June 14-17 (live sales) and June 8-23, 2022 in a dedicated online sale. The timing of the announcement of the sale coincides with the 70th anniversary of the first Hubert de Givenchy haute couture collection presented in Paris on February 2, 1952, which was a resounding international success.
Givenchy, A leading figure in the world of haute couture and fashion, the name of Hubert de Givenchy embodies the quintessence of elegance and Grand Gôut français. Over his lifetime, he assembled an outstanding collection of classical and modern art and furniture, which he arranged in his homes according to the same exacting standards, exquisitely refined sensibility, and passionate creativity that he applied to his work as a couturier. On June 8, Christie's invites the public to enter the world of Hubert de Givenchy through a pre-sale exhibition curated by Christie's in Paris, just before the start of the auctions. Highlights from the collection will be announced this spring and showcased as part of a world tour in key cities, including Palm Beach, New York and Hong Kong, before returning to Paris.
Born in Beauvais in 1927 into an aristocratic family of Venetian origin, Hubert Taffin de Givenchy moved to Paris at the age of 17 to study at the Beaux-Arts. He rigorously assembled his collection with great care and a lifelong quest for excellence. His eye was sharpened from an early age, growing up with a great-grandfather who designed sets for the Paris Opera and a grandfather who was the administrator of the Beauvais tapestry factory, as well as a major collector in his own right. Hubert de Givenchy's family and cultural heritage fueled his creativity, taste for materials, colors and furnishings. He was passionate about artists and crafts, and the interiors he created were infused with a purified classicism that celebrated his passion for the 18th century. He once remarked: “Fashion changes, but 18th century style will endure, for it is of exceptional quality. [Such a style will last] provided it's not held up in a completely period vibe… given a breath of fresh air by Delaunay, Arp and Giacometti, and most importantly, not weighed down with pompoms and trimmings. In 1952 Hubert de Givenchy opened his couture house on rue Alfred de Vigny in Paris. He immediately stood out for his innovative style, creating the "Bettina blouse", a simple white cotton blouse named after the model Bettina Graziani. He went on to dress the most elegant and iconic women of the late XNUMXth century, including Jacqueline "Jackie" Kennedy Onassis and Audrey Hepburn, Countess Mona Bismarck, the Duchess of Windsor, the Duchess of Devonshire and Marella Agnelli.
