Designer and fragrance maker Hubert James Taffin de Givenchy was born in Beauvais, France in 1927. Givenchy's passion for fashion began at a very young age. He joined Jacques Fath in 1944, and worked with him while studying at the Ecole de Beaux Arts part time. In 1945, Givenchy joined Robert Piguet. In 1952 Givenchy opened his own design house at 8, rue Alfred de Vigny, near the Parc Monceau. He became an instant success. One year later, Givenchy meets movie star Audrey Hepburn who is his vision of ideal femininity. Audrey Hepburn soon becomes his brand ambassador conveying his image of refined elegance in movie classics such as Breakfast at Tiffany's.

Givenchy's classic fragrances are a result of his passion for elegance and style. Ysatis, launched in 1985, with its blend of flowers and aromatic woods, remains a classic today. Very Irresistible Givenchy combines a sense of unique femininity and boldness. In 1959, Monsieur de Givenchy was introduced, the first cologne in the men's fragrance line. Many men's fragrances have followed, including Givenchy's Gentleman, a manly scent of woods and spices and Blue Label, a fresh dynamic scent intended for the active man.