Fashion designer Hubert de Givenchy dies

French fashion designer Hubert de Givenchy has died aged 91, according to a statement released by his partner Philippe Venet on Monday.

The designer was perhaps best known for styling the likes of former First Lady Jackie Kennedy and actress Audrey Hepburn.

The latter's "little black dress" for the film "Breakfast at Tiffany's" became an iconic piece of 20th-century fashion. Givenchy met Hepburn on the set of the Billy Wilder's Oscar-winning comedy "Sabrina" in 1953. The star remained his friend and muse for more than 40 years.

With her shift dresses, pillbox hats and low-heeled pumps, former US First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy also adopted the Givenchy look during her White House years.

Read more: Audrey Hepburn's personal collection goes on sale at auction

In 1952 Givenchy launched his eponymous luxury fashion house, which became part of the LVMH group in 1988. After his retirement in 1995, Givenchy was succeeded by John Galliano as head designer.

'Parisian elegance'

"Hubert de Givenchy was a symbol of Parisian elegance for more than half a century," his label said in a statement.

"He was the first creator to launch a luxury ready-to-wear range. He revolutionized international fashion in creating the timeless looks for Audrey Hepburn, his friend and muse for more than 40 years."

Clare Waight Keller, artistic director at Givenchy, said on Instagram: "I am deeply saddened by the loss of a great man and artist I have had the honor to meet and get to know."

She referred to the late designer as both "one of the most influential fashion figures of our time" and "the definition of a true gentleman."

rls/eg (AFP, dpa)