Happy Birthday Givenchy

Hubert de Givenchy at work.  Image: museudelperfum.com

Happy Birthday Hubert de Givenchy! 

Givenchy was born this day in 1927. He is a fashion designer who has dressed some of the most iconic stars of the 20th century including Grace Kelly, Elizabeth Taylor, Jackie Kennedy, Wallis Simpson and of course his muse, Audrey Hepburn. 

Givenchy had a long friendship with Hepburn which began on the movie set of "Sabrina" in 1953 and continued until her death in 1993. Givenchy created Hepburn's wardrobes for almost all of the movies she made after Sabrina. He also designed clothing for Hepburn's personal wardrobe and was responsible for creating her signture look.

Audrey Hepburn and Givenchy in the 1970's.

Elizabeth Taylor's Collections at Christie's

I have been drooooooling over the Christie's Auction catalogs for the upcoming four day sale of Elizabeth Taylor's iconic collections of jewelry and clothing. All of you NYC gals should run not walk to Christie's to check it out. It is one of the most amazing collections of fine jewelry, costume jewelry,  haute couture, pret-a-porter, handbags, and shoes to ever be assembled in one place. It was collected by Elizabeth Taylor for over five decades and truly reflects Taylor's personal style. It is as as Marc Porter (Chairman and President of Christie's Americas) says, "not a red carpet wardrobe edited by stylists but a treasure trove of looks chosen by the last of the great movie stars."

Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany circa 1964. Also called "The Night of the Iguana Brooch".

A gold and multi-gem charm bracelet

Taylor has long been known for her world renowned collection of fine jewelry but her clothing is equally as impressive.  Gathered for the sale are nearly 400 items which include one of a kind haute couture pieces. Many of the outfits include the jewelry, shoes, and handbags that Taylor originally wore with them.

Tizani Roma chiffon and multi colored rhinestone adorned evening
gown 1960s.

Christian Dior Evening Ensemble 1968. Worn by Taylor to the New York City Premiere of 'Doctor Faustus' on February 6, 1968.

Emilio Pucci two piece silk ensemble with two beaded sautoir necklaces 1959.

Christian Dior taffeta evening sheath and coat 1965.

Gina Fratini wedding dress worn at Taylor's 2nd wedding to
Richard Burton 1975.

Valentino Couture pink and purple evening gowns together with a necklace.  1970s. 

Taylor's handbag closet.

Minaudiere by Judith Leiber