Hubert de Givenchy opened his couture house in Paris in 1952, and his debut collection, Separates, was an immediate success. It introduced the now-iconic Bettina blouse, named after his favourite model, Bettina Graziani. In 1953, Givenchy began his celebrated collaboration with Audrey Hepburn, who approached him to design the costumes for her film Sabrina. Their professional partnership developed into a lifelong friendship, and Givenchy went on to create many of Hepburn’s most memorable film costumes, including the little black dress she wore in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Givenchy’s work was defined by a belief in simplicity and elegance, expressed through clean lines, refined silhouettes, and understated sophistication. Among his most recognisable designs are the Balloon Coat and the Baby Doll dress, both introduced in 1958. Following Givenchy’s retirement in 1995, John Galliano succeeded him for two seasons before moving to Dior. He was followed by Alexander McQueen, who served as creative director from Spring 1997 to Spring 2001.