Hubert de Givenchy, founder of the eponymous French fashion house, passed away on Saturday, as announced by his family.

The French fashion designer worked alongside Pierre Balmain, Christian Dior and Elsa Schiaparelli before launching an independent design house in Paris in 1952. Just a year after the opening, he met his lifelong muse, Audrey Hepburn. Enlisting the Breakfast at Tiffany’s star as the brand ambassador during her most famous years brought the brand worldwide attention, particularly when it came to its little black dresses. Givenchy then started to dress British Aristocracy and the likes of Princess Grace of Monaco, Marlene Dietrich, Ingrid Bergman and Greta Garbo. In 1954, Givenchy became the first couturier to present a ready-to-wear line and the rest is history.

The House of Givenchy is sad to report the passing of its founder Hubert de Givenchy, a major personality of the world of French Haute Couture and a gentleman who symbolized Parisian chic and elegance for more than half a century. His enduring influence and his approach to style reverberates to this day. He will be greatly missed.

A post shared by GIVENCHY (@givenchyofficial) on Mar 12, 2018 at 6:45am PDT

Givenchy sold his label to LVMH in 1988 and remained its head of creative design until 1995. Following his departure, names such as John Galliano, Alexander McQueen, Julien Macdonald, Riccardo Tisci exchanged he coveted position, eventually giving way to Clare Waight Keller, former creative director at Chloé, who is now creative director of the house.

Our condolences go out to Givenchy’s family and friends.