Description:

Hubert de Givenchy
Beverly Hills, CA, ca. October 28,1988
Givenchy Signed Sketch for Audrey Hepburn's Awards Show Gown! Gorgeous Colors! Very Rare!
Art

Exquisite original fashion illustration by legendary French couturier Hubert de Givenchy, depicting his longtime muse Audrey Hepburn in one of her most striking late-career ensembles: a red couture gown adorned with opulent feather embellishment. The artwork is boldly signed "Givenchy" in bold ink at the lower right. This specific gown was worn by Audrey Hepburn at the California Lifetime Achievement Awards, held at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel, October 28, 1988, a night in which her dear friend and designer Hubert de Givenchy was the honoree. Executed in ink and colored pencil on artist's paper, the sketch presents Hepburn in a sleek, floor-length silhouette featuring a feathered neckline, cinched waist with intricate detailing, and a dramatically sweeping feather boa. The look is completed with red evening gloves and matching pumps, a visual symphony of glamour and theatrical couture. The piece remains in excellent condition, with vivid color and minimal signs of wear or age. Measures 12.75" x 19.75." Accompanied by a COA from Heritage Auctions.

This original illustration was gifted to Franca Price, a close friend of Hepburn and a key figure in preserving her legacy. Franca Price served on the board of The Audrey Hepburn Foundation and was director of the Audrey Hepburn Pavilion in Switzerland, curating the cultural memory of Hepburn's life, films, and humanitarian mission.

In February of 2023, RR Auction sold a Givenchy sketch completed for Hepburn for $19,456.

Hubert de Givenchy, born in 1927 in Beauvais, France, rose to prominence in the golden age of haute couture with the founding of his eponymous fashion house in 1952. Renowned for his architectural silhouettes, refined elegance, and understated innovation, Givenchy brought a fresh, youthful energy to postwar Parisian fashion. His designs blended tradition with modernity, marked by crisp tailoring, flowing lines, and a signature sense of restraint. Over the decades, he dressed the world's most stylish women, from Jacqueline Kennedy to Grace Kelly. But it was his muse Audrey Hepburn who became the ultimate embodiment of his aesthetic vision.

Audrey Hepburn, one of the most beloved icons of the twentieth century, captivated audiences not only through her award-winning performances in films like Roman Holiday, Breakfast at Tiffany's, and My Fair Lady, but also through her humanitarian work with UNICEF later in life. Known for her grace, humility, and innate sense of style, Hepburn redefined the image of the modern woman. At once elegant, strong, and compassionate, her timeless look became inseparable from the designs she wore, many of which were created by Givenchy himself. She remains an enduring symbol of cinematic and sartorial sophistication.

Together, Hepburn and Givenchy forged one of the most enduring and influential partnerships in fashion history. From their first collaboration on Sabrina in 1954 to decades of red carpet appearances and personal tributes, their relationship was built on mutual admiration and creative synergy. Hepburn once said, "Givenchy's clothes are the only ones I feel myself in," while Givenchy referred to her as a sister. Their friendship transcended trends and seasons, shaping not just what women wore but how elegance was defined. The gowns they created together and the sketches that envisioned them remain timeless artifacts of a shared legacy rooted in beauty, loyalty, and artistic grace.

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: 12.75" x 19.75."
  • Medium: Art

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August 27, 2025 10:00 AM EDT
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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000