Givenchy’s secret retreat: a look back at the couturier’s country escape
A sprawling 16th-century château, nestled along the Aigre River in France, offered Hubert de Givenchy a refuge from the relentless demands of Parisian haute couture.
A bastion of simplicity
The Château du Jonchet, acquired in the 1970s, wasn’t a place for ostentation. Caroline Englefield, House Beautiful’s editor at the time, captured the essence of Givenchy’s vision: a deliberate rejection of the showy trappings of his design world. He described weekends as a chance to ‘never even go into the village,’ preferring sketching, fireside contemplation, and quiet walks with his dogs.
Echoes of the past, touches of now
Givenchy, a master of borrowing from history rather than blindly following trends, infused the manor with a timeless elegance. He favored traditional bedroom arrangements – layers of cotton, reminiscent of his mother and aunt’s styles – yet tempered them with a considered restraint. ‘One doesn’t need the same intimacy in a salon,’ he explained, opting for a soothing absence of pattern and color.
Details that matter
The house was a testament to his meticulous eye. The Giacometti table in the salon, perpetually stocked with fresh books, pillows, and blankets, spoke to his belief in creating a welcoming atmosphere. Even the lanterns, a maquette crafted by Diego Giacometti during the designer’s work on the Picasso Museum, served as a poignant reminder of his creative process.
Fabrics and family tradition
A defining feature was the consistent use of a single fabric throughout the guest rooms – a practice rooted in his family’s aesthetic. His latest sheet collection, inspired by a 17th-century damask and the opera Mano Lescaut, showcased this enduring commitment to comfort and continuity. Givenchy’s legacy isn’t about fleeting trends; it’s about crafting enduring spaces.
A legacy of refined taste
Ultimately, de Givenchy’s country house stood as a counterpoint to the frenetic pace of his career, a space where he could truly be himself – a testament to a life lived with intention and, remarkably, a profound appreciation for simplicity.