Living

Ahead of its upcoming auction, Hubert de Givenchy’s exceptional collection of furniture and artworks from his two homes displays the meticulous eye and impeccable taste of the French couturier.
Hubert de Givenchy. Photo: Victor Skrebneski
“Fashion changes, but the 18th century style will endure, as it is of exceptional quality,” Hubert de Givenchy (1927-2018) once said, adding that it be kept light and fresh with contemporary art. The French couturier, who opened his fashion house in 1952, in Paris, and dressed the most elegant women of the late 20th century – among them Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Audrey Hepburn, Mona von Bismarck, and the Duchess of Windsor – had always been fascinated by art. He considered it an extension of his own work while also expressing himself through the decor of his own interiors. “I try to achieve harmony between architecture, decoration, and color,” he said. The exceptional furniture and art collection of Monsieur de Givenchy will now be auctioned by Christie’s next month, coinciding with the 70th anniversary of Monsieur de Givenchy’s first haute couture collection, presented in the French capital in 1952. The auction proceeds will go to the family.
At 17, de Givenchy – who was born in Beauvais into an aristocratic family of Venetian origin – moved to the capital, where he studied at the Beaux-Arts de Paris. Throughout his life, he was influenced by the creative legacy of his great-grandfather, who designed stage sets for the Paris Opera, and his grandfather, who was the administrator of the Beauvais Tapestry Factory as well as an avid collector. “My uncle started his collection as soon as he started making money from his fashion company,” explains James de Givenchy. “He was a true collector. He loved acquiring and surrounding himself with objects, furniture, and artworks. It was when he was the happiest.”
Hôtel d’Orrouer. Photo: François Halard. Courtesy of Christie’s
Representing more than 1 200 lots, the fine arts and decorative pieces are drawn from two of Monsieur de Givenchy’s most elegant homes: the Hôtel d’Orrouer in Paris and the Château du Jonchet in the Loire Valley that the family still treasures. “Jonchet is our uncle’s most important chef d’oeuvre,” says James de Givenchy. “It is an enormous endeavor we are taking on. Hubert used to say, ‘It is not all to like a house, the house has to like you back.’ Le Jonchet loved him, and it was reciprocal. We hope we can continue being lovely to her.”
A broad variety of periods and styles characterize the pieces on sale, reflecting Hubert de Givenchy’s personal interests. Among them is the bronze Woman Walking (estimate on request) by the couturier’s friend and collaborator Alberto Giacometti, which was a gift to de Givenchy from the great American collector Bunny Mellon – a client who became a very close friend. Also included are Passage of the Migratory Bird (€2 500 000-3 500 000) by Joan Miró and Faun with a Spear (€1 500 000-2 000 000) by Pablo Picasso, as well as Bacchus (€1 500 000-2 500 000) attributed to François Girardon and a gilt bronze center table (€400 000-600 000) by Martin-Guillaume Biennais. Other objects and furniture that celebrate the golden age of French design in the 18th century are also available.
Château du Jonchet. Photo: François Halard. Courtesy of Christie’s
“Hubert de Givenchy was fascinated by chairs of any sort and there must be over 100 in the sale,” notes Cécile Verdier, president of Christie’s France. “For Hubert de Givenchy, the chair is also a formidable medium for expressing himself through the choice of fabrics used to dress them. The finest leathers are said to have been embroidered by Monsieur de Givenchy’s glove makers, as on a series of Louis XV period armchairs à la Reine with leather and suede upholstery in three colors.” (Estimate €100 000-200 000 for the six armchairs). As part of a worldwide tour that offers a glimpse of the fashion designer’s world, some highlights from the collection were exhibited in Palm Beach in March and in New York and Los Angeles in April, followed by Hong Kong from May 21-26, before returning to Paris in June.
Monsieur de Givenchy never reached out to advisors to purchase art. He knew exactly what he wanted and gave priority to the Parisian antiquaires, such as Galerie Kugel, Marcel Bissey, Segoura, Alexander & Berendt, Galerie Didier, Aaron Aveline, and Galerie Michel Meyer. “He was a passionate ambassador for all the great French ateliers and craftsmen who have continued the spirit of creative excellence into our time,” adds Verdier. “In the decoration of his homes, Monsieur de Givenchy always considered the furniture in constant dialogue with the works of art, both ancient and modern. I believe this can be considered the common thread between all these fantastic pieces, chosen with a collector’s eye.”
Hôtel d’Orrouer. Photo: François Halard. Courtesy of Christie’s
A jewelry designer, James de Givenchy has always considered his uncle to be his hero, describing him as handsome and elegant, soft-spoken and powerful. “With [my brother] Olivier, we would go and visit the couture house on Avenue George V with our mother to see him,” he remembers. “He would come out of the atelier and give us a kiss. The models would run through the hallways to the fitting room laughing and the music would be playing in the background. There were moments of bliss I will never forget.”
Throughout his adult life, James de Givenchy maintained a great relationship with his uncle, constantly learning from his love of beauty and knowledge of history, which imbues this unique collection. Every piece reveals a little bit more about who the couturier was, how he created, and the environments in which he evolved – including his homes. “This summer, the auctions are an opportunity to celebrate Hubert de Givenchy as one of the greatest ambassadors of French taste,” offers Charles Cator, deputy chairman of Christie’s international. “To tell his story of the art of living, collecting, and the elegance he sought to capture in all things.”
Check out some more of the remarkable pieces from Hubert de Givenchy’s collection below.
A first floor lounge in the Hôtel d’Orrouer in Paris. Photo: François Halard. Courtesy of Christie’s
The Bunny Mellon bedroom at Château du Jonchet. Photo: François Halard. Courtesy of Christie’s
The courtyard lounge in the Hôtel, featuring The Woman Walking by Alberto Giacometti. Photo: François Halard. Courtesy of Christie’s
Photo: François Halard. Courtesy of Christie’s
The Château’s Tree of Life bedroom. Photo: François Halard. Courtesy of Christie’s
The Red bedroom in the Hôtel. Photo: François Halard. Courtesy of Christie’s
François-Xavier Lalanne’s Oiseau de jardin II at the Château. Photo: François Halard. Courtesy of Christie’s
A door knocker by Diego Giacometti. Photo: François Halard. Courtesy of Christie’s
Read Next: Remembering Hubert de Givenchy’s Best Looks
Originally published in the May 2022 issue of Vogue Arabia

Anna Cleveland in Assaad Khalaf for Flexform. Photographed by Pierpaolo Ferrari
Flexform has unveiled a surreal new campaign and it features model Anna Cleveland wearing a Syrian designer. The daughter of supermodel Pat Cleveland stars in a series of visuals for the Italian luxury furniture brand, dressed in an upcycled haute couture dress from Assaad Khalaf’s namesake label.
Flexform’s Gregory XL sofa. Photographed by Pierpaolo Ferrari
Directed by Christoph Radl and photographed by Pierpaolo Ferrari, Cleveland stands on a ladder in front of a bookshelf and towering what takes the spotlight in the campaign — Flexform’s Gregory XL sofa. The statement piece is designed by Antonio Citterio, and as the name suggests, boasts large seating cushions for maximum comfort. What’s more, the sofa is modular in nature which means its sections can be arranged to suit your living space. The design features a metal structure and cast aluminum feet in various finishes contrasting with sophisticated color pairings of cowhide webbing in neutral shades. As for the cushions, they are outlined by grosgrain piping with couture tailoring and offered in a range of materials from velvet to linen and cashmere in earthy colors.

This combination of design and style is echoed throughout the campaign as designer Khalaf was enlisted to lend his couture creation. “The main idea and concept of this dress was, upcycling fashion. That is, to take what is old and transform it into new; to save from waste, pollution and to turn the old into useful and beautiful things,” shares the Damascus-born creative. “This skirt you see belonged to a wedding dress that I made 10 years ago,” he adds. “It was smaller and white, but I was working on the idea of my new collection, and had many ruffles in my mind. I changed the gown which was taffeta at the time and I reattached all the flounces on a cloud of tulle. I also added other flounces and we dyed everything in a salmon shade.” The Academy of Costume and Fashion in Rome graduate created the dress in Damascus with a purpose. “I want to emphasize this fact because for almost 10 years nothing has been heard in the media other than news of war,” he says. “I and many other Syrians work in our country and we would like to underline there isn’t just war in Syria. Here, we produce and create modern beauty by respecting and thinking about the environment that surrounds us.”
Read Next: Syrian Couturier Rami Al Ali on Celebrating 20 Years of His Eponymous Fashion House

To celebrate International Friendship Day on July 30, four sets of friends talk about the importance of female bonds.
Alexandra d’Ursel and Deborah Najar
Alexandra d’Ursel wears Cape, Céline; top, Marni; skirt, Fendi; belt, Bottega Veneta; shoes, Christian Louboutin. Deborah Najar wears Jacket, top, skirt, belt, Bottega Veneta; shoes, Hilfiger Collection; necklace, Marni. Photographed by Mann 
“We both come from musical families, which has always given us a strong bond. Deborah is extremely intelligent and intellectual and a wonderful friend. She’s very headstrong and always positive.”
– Alexandra d’Ursel, founder of White Linen Interiors 
“Alex never fails to inject great spirit, fun, and humor into every situation. More importantly, she is incredibly humble, always challenges herself, and never takes her incredible achievements for granted. She’s been a pillar of strength and friendship for me through thick and thin.”
– Deborah Najar, director of the Jean-Paul Najar Foundation
Nadine Kanso and Khulood Thani
Nadine Kanso wears Coat, pants, Fendi; shirt, stylist’s own. Khulood Thani wears Coat, Fendi; shirt, pants, turban, Bint Thani; shoes, Christian Louboutin. Photographed by Mann 
“I met Khulood through a mutual friend a few years back and since then we see each other nearly every day. She is very focused – she knows what she wants and she goes for it, but in a subtle way. She is elegant in so many ways and has a certain kind of calmness that is amazing. I want to be more like her. We complete each other.”
– Nadine Kanso, jewelry designer
“Nadine is a powerful woman and is very knowledgeable in her field. She is also generous in supporting her friends. When I have some doubts, she always gives me honest feedback – that is the kind of friendship I enjoy. Nadine is very direct and honest. She’s just being herself and that is something I love about her.”
– Khulood Thani, fashion designer
Shayma Fawwaz and Noora Fawwaz
Noora Fawwaz wears Top, skirt, Givenchy. Shayma Fawwaz wears Top, skirt, 3.1 Phillip Lim at Bloomingdale’s; shoes, Christian Louboutin; abaya, Mounay. Photographed by Mann for the July/August 2018
“I received an award while traveling and had to send someone on my behalf to collect it, and I chose Noora. She did a fabulous job, taking photos with everyone and speaking to members of the royal family. That was one of the moments I realized I could always rely on her. She has Down’s syndrome – people are lucky if they have the chance to meet her.”
– Shayma Fawwaz, founder and CEO of Gossip the Brand
“It’s fun working with Shayma. We also go to the gym together. We are so lucky to have each other and I wish for us to always be close.”
– Noora Fawwaz, happiness officer of Gossip the Brand
Sara Al Tamimi and Hamda Al Hosani
Sara Al Tamimi wears Abaya, Epiphany; Suit, Helmut Lang at Bloomingdale’s; turban, Sara Tamimi; shoes, Saint Laurent. Hamda Al Hosani wears Abaya, Epiphany; suit, Helmut Lang at Harvey Nichols; shoes Saint Laurent. Photographed by Mann
“Things changed a bit when we started working. We used to be spontaneous and saw each other all the time. Although we are more responsible now, I can always feel Hamda’s love from afar. I admire her as a person. She is incredibly forgiving and extremely determined.”
– Sara Al Tamimi, creative director
“Sara forces me go out of my comfort zone and pushes me to wear things that make me nervous by assuring me it will look good. I don’t know any person who has met Sara and didn’t love her. As we get older, I see Sara speaking up more and more, and that makes me very proud.”
– Hamda Al Hosani, marketer Aldar Properties
Now Read: These Celebrity Pairings Are Total #FriendshipGoals
Photography: MannStyling: Katie TrotterHair: Annesofie Begtrup using Oribe HaircareHair assistants: Jesus Courtuna, Julie UledalMakeup: Toni MaltMakeup Assistant: Kasia Domanska

Courtesy of Nike

For those trips to the shops and walks around the park, there’s a new trainer in town and it’s here to spice things up a bit. Nike’s new GO FlyEase (£ 104.95, available from 15 February) is a “hands-free” trainer that means you no longer have to worry about tying up your shoelaces – rather, just slip on and go.
Courtesy of Nike

Aimed at anyone who lives an on-the-go lifestyle, the Go FlyEase also makes life a lot easier for everyone from expectant mothers in the late stages of pregnancy to those with disabilities: “For some, these shoes are simply easier to put on,” says Kathy Gomez, Nike vice president’s of NXT footwear. “But for others, they are the reason it’s possible.” David Wagner, a wheelchair tennis athlete, will be wearing the trainers to compete in the Australian Open later this month.
To create a shoe that genuinely doesn’t need to be pulled on or off (all you have to do is slip your foot in, and exit the shoe by using the opposite foot against the heel) Nike created a bi-stable hinge that “keeps the shoe securely open upon entry and exit and closed when in use”, explains Gomez. The beauty of it is that it works with human intuition, making getting your shoe on and off, using just your feet, a breeze.
Courtesy of Nike

Starting as little more than a Nike “internal competition” to find a completely hands-free shoe, the new trainer has been five years in the making, and its birth has uncovered technology that might well be used for high-performance trainers in future: “The initial winning prototype [of the competition] was a modified Nike Roshe [trainer] split down the middle, but it sparked a larger idea that a dedicated team of people has been working to refine ever since. Ultimately, this patent-pending shoe reinvents how you put on and take off your shoes, which is no small feat,” says Gomez.
As you might expect from a Nike trainer, they’re ultra comfortable too. With a “diving board” design, the footbed is cushiony soft and envelopes your foot when you slide into it. “We engineered pattern and materials to maintain a continuous footbed for comfort,” explains Gomez. “Our team were obsessed with comfort and convenience.”
Read Next: Exclusive: Haute Hijab Launches Sustainable Sports Collection
Originally published on Vogue.co.uk

Aside from being a successful entrepreneur, beauty mogul and mental health activist, Sheikha Majda Al Sabah is a burgeoning style icon. The Kuwaiti Vogue Living cover star has a bold and eclectic style, one that combines sharp tailoring with bohemian elegance. Here, we list her best fashion moments and cement her status as one of the […]
The post Vogue Living Arabia Cover Star: 7 of Sheikha Majda Al Sabah’s Best Looks appeared first on Vogue Arabia.