Description:

Hubert de Givenchy
Paris, France, ca. 1982
(32) Givenchy Photostats w/ Fabric Swatches, Hand-Annotated by an Employee to Philanthropist Mary Lasker
Archive
A collection of 32 photostats of sketches from luxury fashion designer Hubert de Givenchy. Each measuring 8.5" x 11", Paris, France, ca. 1982. Each page has been stapled with a swatch from the respective garment, five of which also feature a photograph showing a model in the design. Also present throughout are handwritten notes from a Givenchy employee named Jackie, all addressed to noted philanthropist Mary Lasker (1900-1994). Stamped throughout in the upper left corner of each is Givenchy's original stamp, with an additional stamp on verso reading: "Reproduction Interdite", or reproduction forbidden. Exhibits varying degrees of moderate creasing, age toning, and staple soiling to all. Expected fraying to perimeter of swatches, otherwise intact. A vibrant and chic grouping!

Excerpts from Jackie's various notes include:

- "This is so good looking & wearable- you would wear it constantly and print A is so gay & pretty."

- "Long evening dress, black lace top with black sequins. The skirt is blue gauze with black velvet designs. Black tulle ruddles sleeves."

- "136.D./ The same shape but in blue silk material… 50.000 F[rancs], Detaxed 43.500 F." [Presumably for purchase in France without export customs.]

Together with two autographed letters from Jackie to Ms. Lasker, including one photocopy and one original. Reading in part:

- [Friday, 6 Août '82]: "Thank you for your cable… I did my very best to send you the sketches as quick as possible… As you can see, not so many light colours… Looking forward to seeing you when you come over in September."

- [Paris, August the 8th]: "We had a letter from Ms. Blair [Lasker's assistant] asking us to send you some sketches… here enclosed. Many short ones [dresses] can be made in long. I didn't send you the ones sleeveless, and we have not yet all the photos with all the other colours it could be made in."

Hubert de Givenchy (1927-2018) was a French aristocrat and fashion designer who founded the luxury fashion and perfume house of Givenchy in 1952. He is famous for having designed much of the personal and professional wardrobe of Audrey Hepburn and clothing for Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy. He was named to the International Best Dressed List Hall of Fame in 1970.

Mary Woodward Lasker was an American health activist and philanthropist. She worked to raise funds for medical research and founded the Lasker Foundation.

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This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 8.5" x 11"
  • Medium: Archive

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