Reviews
"Bringing together the history of an ancesteral chtueau, the legends of the three celebrated designers and the beauty of the gowns they created, Cristoval Belenciaga, Philippe Venet, Hubert De Givenchy is a treasure trove of history, fashion, interior design and beauty. The gowns of these three famous designers are displayed to praise their legendary designs and their impact on haute couture today." ~Vidcat "...offers a rare look at the unrivaled works of the three designers set against the rarely seen interiors of Haroue. All elelments of the book are part of a visual feast, serving as a reminder that there was a time when designers were great 'createurs'..." ~ NY Journal of Books "This charming, gift-sized book delivers a photo essay on 43 timeless dresses by Cristbal Balenciaga, Philippe Venet and Hubert de Givenchy, deftly staged against the backdrop of a majestic 18th-century chtueau." ~ Veranda, “Bringing together the history of an ancesteral ch tueau, the legends of the three celebrated designers and the beauty of the gowns they created, Cristoval Belenciaga, Philippe Venet, Hubert De Givenchy is a treasure trove of history, fashion, interior design and beauty. The gowns of these three famous designers are displayed to praise their legendary designs and their impact on haute couture today.� ~Vidcat “&offers a rare look at the unrivaled works of the three designers set against the rarely seen interiors of Haroue. All elelments of the book are part of a visual feast, serving as a reminder that there was a time when designers were great ‘createurs’� ~ NY Journal of Books “This charming, gift-sized book delivers a photo essay on 43 timeless dresses by Crist bal Balenciaga, Philippe Venet and Hubert de Givenchy, deftly staged against the backdrop of a majestic 18th-century ch tueau.� ~ Veranda, "Bringing together the history of an ancesteral ch'tueau, the legends of the three celebrated designers and the beauty of the gowns they created, Cristoval Belenciaga, Philippe Venet, Hubert De Givenchy is a treasure trove of history, fashion, interior design and beauty. The gowns of these three famous designers are displayed to praise their legendary designs and their impact on haute couture today." ~Vidcat "…offers a rare look at the unrivaled works of the three designers set against the rarely seen interiors of Haroue. All elelments of the book are part of a visual feast, serving as a reminder that there was a time when designers were great 'createurs'…" ~ NY Journal of Books "This charming, gift-sized book delivers a photo essay on 43 timeless dresses by Cristóbal Balenciaga, Philippe Venet and Hubert de Givenchy, deftly staged against the backdrop of a majestic 18th-century ch'tueau." ~ Veranda
Synopsis
Exquisite dresses from three masters of the grand tradition of French fashion whose contributions have set the standard for haute couture. Cristóbal Balenciaga, Philippe Venet, and Hubert de Givenchy are unparalleled masters, and their individual contributions have set the standard for haute couture. Not only did the great Spanish designer Cristóbal Balenciaga create a style, but he also invented a technique. He was an architect of haute couture and has had a prevailing influence upon the international world of fashion. His trademarks were his astounding creativity, exceptional command of tailoring, and timeless elegance. Philippe Venet has experience and respect for the traditions of haute couture, but distinguishes himself with his use of colors, and his innovative and imaginative tailoring. The 1960s were marked by his "kite" coats whereas his designs of the 1980s and 1990s with their fresh, lively colors maintain a youthful appeal. Hubert de Givenchy, the aristocrat of haute couture, still inspires the fashion world with his sense of perfection. The Givenchy style was an alliance between pure, classic lines and high quality fabrics, whether lavish or light, black or colorful. His designs--often exhibiting floral and foliate themes--reveal his deep-rooted love for nature. Givenchy initiated and was actively involved in the creation of this handsome work, which recalls the precious "compacts" of centuries past--miniature gift cases of gold, enamel, or mother-of-pearl that were offered as a sign of friendship. These extraordinary evening gowns were selected by Hubert de Givenchy, President of the Cristóbal Balenciaga Foundation, along with Philippe Venet, and the Princess of Ch'teau Beauvau Craon. Highlights include Queen Fabiola of Belgium's wedding dress created by Balenciaga and the unforgettable black dress created by Givenchy for Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's., The publication of this book coincides with an exceptional exhibition that brings together creations from three of the greatest designers of our time-Cristóbal Balenciaga, Philippe Venet, and Hubert de Givenchy-at the Ch'teau de Haroué, the sumptuous eighteenth-century palace built by the Princes of Beauvau-Craon. The collection of evening dresses, presented in this architectural jewel and paragon of art de vivre showcases Hubert de Givenchy's passion for elegance and the heritage of France. The extraordinary gowns were selected by Hubert de Givenchy, President of the Cristóbal Balenciaga Foundation, along with Philippe Venet, and the Princess of Beauvau-Craon. Not only did the great Spanish designer Cristóbal Balenciaga create a style, but he also invented a technique. He was an architect of haute couture and has had a prevailing influence upon the international world of fashion. His trademarks were his astounding creativity, exceptional command of tailoring, and timeless style. Philippe Venet has experience and respect for the traditions of haute couture, but distinguishes himself with his use of colors, and his innovative and imaginative tailoring. Hubert de Givenchy, the aristocrat of haute couture, still inspires the fashion world with his sense of perfection. He initiated and was actively involved in the creation of this luxurious work, which is a tribute to the subtle harmony between haute couture creations and exceptional locations. Christiane de Nicolay-Mazery, author and friend of Hubert de Givenchy and Philippe Venet, presents these legendary dresses displayed at the Ch'teau de Haroué, such as Queen Fabiola of Belgium's wedding dress created by Balenciaga and the unforgettable black dress created by Givenchy for Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's., Exquisite dresses from three masters of the grand tradition of French fashion whose contributions have set the standard for haute couture. Crist bal Balenciaga, Philippe Venet, and Hubert de Givenchy are unparalleled masters, and their individual contributions have set the standard for haute couture. Not only did the great Spanish designer Crist bal Balenciaga create a style, but he also invented a technique. He was an architect of haute couture and has had a prevailing influence upon the international world of fashion. His trademarks were his astounding creativity, exceptional command of tailoring, and timeless elegance. Philippe Venet has experience and respect for the traditions of haute couture, but distinguishes himself with his use of colors, and his innovative and imaginative tailoring. The 1960s were marked by his "kite" coats whereas his designs of the 1980s and 1990s with their fresh, lively colors maintain a youthful appeal. Hubert de Givenchy, the aristocrat of haute couture, still inspires the fashion world with his sense of perfection. The Givenchy style was an alliance between pure, classic lines and high quality fabrics, whether lavish or light, black or colorful. His designs--often exhibiting floral and foliate themes--reveal his deep-rooted love for nature. Givenchy initiated and was actively involved in the creation of this handsome work, which recalls the precious "compacts" of centuries past--miniature gift cases of gold, enamel, or mother-of-pearl that were offered as a sign of friendship. These extraordinary evening gowns were selected by Hubert de Givenchy, President of the Crist bal Balenciaga Foundation, along with Philippe Venet, and the Princess of Ch teau Beauvau Craon. Highlights include Queen Fabiola of Belgium's wedding dress created by Balenciaga and the unforgettable black dress created by Givenchy for Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's.
