A biography for Hubert de Givenchyhasn’t been written yet.
“To change just because of change, that is not my idea at all.”
“My mother was a beautiful lady, elegant, chic, and that was the biggest inspiration to me.”
“If I had to start over, I'll do the same thing: street clothes are the future; the client can choose two or three things and combine them as she wants.”
“I don't think I am avant-garde. I made a lot of creations and created harmony with my fabrics, but I was not like Balenciaga, for example, although he was, of course, a great inspiration.”
“As a student, I was more gifted in history and geography. Things like arithmetic were not my strength.”
“You never finish learning.”
“It's a fabulous thing to give life to fabric, to make something move well, the harmony of colour.”
“American and Italian women stimulate designers to do new things.”
“I haven't really got a green thumb, but I love gardens and their architecture.”
“If you want to express yourself, it is difficult to be by yourself. You must have people around you who understand the same music. It is like being the chef d'orchestra. They need you, but you need them desperately.”
“You have to know when to stop - that's wisdom.”
“I didn't do any designs for 'My Fair Lady.'”
“When you are a designer, what's important is to be aware of things. Everything should lead to an idea, a line to follow, a movement.”
“I think all beautiful women have a clean look. They like things that are simple.”
“Fabric is the most extraordinary thing; it has life. You must respect the fabric.”
“To have lived your dream is very rare in life. I am a very happy man. I have been so fortunate.”
“It's the most beautiful job in the world to give happiness to people.”
“People say I am a classic designer. I don't try to be classic, but I do try to be simple and elegant.”
“Fashion should evolve slowly, without any revolution.”
“Clients become very attached to the fitter who they feel understands them.”