Today, we’ll peek at the Parisian Home of the iconic French aristocrat, fashion designer, and collector—”le grand Hubert,” or Hubert de Givenchy. What does his nickname mean? Givenchy was six-foot-six tall, metaphorically and physically towering over his gifted contemporaries. He is considered one of the most significant postwar couturiers, and his debut haute couture collection impressed Paris in 1952. A 25-year-old Hubert had to stick to a small budget, but it hadn’t prevented him from showing innovative, unexpected silhouettes.
After opening his fashion house in February 1952, Hubert de Givenchy dressed Jackie Kennedy, the Duchesses of Windsor and Devonshire, Marella Agnelli, and his close friend and lifetime muse, Audrey Hepburn. The iconic little black dress in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” was the creation of Givenchy. We have also reviewed Hepburn’s houses, so if you want to watch this video, we’ll leave the link in the description.
Hubert de Givenchy’s work and lifestyle reflected the same sense of innovation and impeccable eye for detail. Subsequently, he purchased several spectacular residences: the Hôtel d’Orrouer on rue de Grenelle in Paris, the Manoir du Jonchet in the Loire Valley, a chalet in Megève with a view of Mont Blanc, and an apartment at the Carlyle Hotel in New York.
The Hôtel d’Orrouer was one of his two most famous homes (the Château du Jonchet was the second one). This elegant residence was built for a marquise Marguerite-Paule de Grivel d’Orrouer in 1731. The building on Rue de Grenelle was designed in the high Regency style by the French architect Pierre Boscry.
The Hôtel d’Orrouer, also known as the Hôtel de Bauffremont, became a French national monument in 1926. Its massive garden, cobblestone courtyard, and oversized, double, lacquered dark green door make it one of the most magnificent private homes in Paris.
The acclaimed couturier had long had his eye on it before he finally bought it. His close friend and collector, Susan Gutfreund, offered Givenchy to sell him the second floor in 1986, and the designer accepted the deal. He spent seven years on The Hôtel d’Orrouer renovations. ‘What I try to achieve is principally a harmony between architecture, decoration, and color,’ explained the couturier. Hubert purchased the ground floor when it became available. To collect the needed sum, Hubert even placed various key pieces from his collection at the Christie’s auction in 1993.
The exterior of Hôtel d’Orrouer is spectacular. It’s hidden from the street by a solid carved limestone wall, adding privacy to the inhabitants.
For more details, please check our video about Hubert de Givenchy