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© HENRY WILKINSON

"THE GIVENCHY BOY"

Dubbed “The Givenchy Boy” by the brand's archive, Henry specialises in research surrounding the work and legacy of French couturier Hubert de Givenchy (1927–2018) and his enduring creative partnership with Audrey Hepburn. At 19, he discovered the first Givenchy piece in his archive - a dress once worn by Audrey Hepburn - and at 21, he was invited to France to work with the Givenchy Archives while completing his studies.

His expertise has led to commissions for written work, lectures, events, and consultancy projects with some of the world’s most respected public and private institutions, including the Victoria and Albert Museum, Thames & Hudson, Kerry Taylor Auctions, and Sotheby's.

Alongside his research practice, Henry has built a significant private collection of Givenchy haute couture and maintains an archive of original photographs, publications, and primary source material. Henry’s passion for the work of Hubert de Givenchy has developed into an ongoing commitment to preserving the couturier’s legacy.

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SERVICES
PUBLICATIONS
TALKS & EVENTS

RESEARCH SERVICES

Henry is able to offer various services in relation to the world of vintage Givenchy heritage and couture, including:

COUTURE

IDENTIFICATION 

  • Givenchy couture identification, dating and documentation.

  • Advice on authenticity; anomalies in construction, labels & design.

GIVENCHY & HEPBURN CONSULTANCY

  • Consultancy on Hubert de Givenchy & Audrey Hepburn projects & artifacts, inc. film productions, books, auctions, research, exhibitions etc.

PRESERVATION & PRESENTATION

  • Advice on storage and preservation of couture pieces.

Knowing when and how your piece was made and how to present it can breathe new life into couture, revealing its heritage, story and sentimental value. But it can also make all the difference to it's market value both pre and post-sale, influencing auctions before they have even begun.

If you need assistance identifying a Givenchy piece (from 1952 to 1995, when Hubert was at the helm of the house), or require any other related research, Henry would be delighted to try and help! ​For quotes & enquiries, please feel free to get in touch.

Developed over the last 15 years, Henry has developed an extensive library and expertise around Givenchy's iconic designs. Alongside an archive of his pieces - which includes gems worn by the likes of Audrey Hepburn, Lee Radziwill and Elizabeth Taylor - is an extensive historic image archive of original photographs, sketches, video footage and newspaper clippings.  

 

The jewel in the crown remains a Givenchy dress worn by Audrey Hepburn herself: this was one of the first pieces obtained by Henry aged 19, and it ignited a lifelong mission to find, preserve and celebrate iconic pieces of fashion history.

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BUILDING AN ARCHIVE

The Archival Edit - Substack by Henry Wilkinson

DISCOVER MORE ON SUBSTACK

Support Henry by subscribing to his own newsletter on Substack: 'THE ARCHIVAL EDIT'' by Henry shares regular articles and exclusive insights into his collection, the world of Givenchy couture and Audrey Hepburn.

Henry's Substack offers monthly articles to free subscribers, while paid subscribers receive exclusive content and first access to new articles.

          henryjjwilkinson.substack.com

  • SUBSTACK

PUBLICATIONS

Explore some of the many articles written by or featuring Henry...

Givenchy Couture Label

 

When Audrey Hepburn Met Hubert de Givenchy:

 

Fashion historian and collector Henry Wilkinson revisits (...) one of fashion’s greatest duos.

By Henry Wilkinson | 9th Jun 2025

Fashion History

 

The Mystery of Lee Radziwill's Missing Givenchy Gown:

 

How a London costume designer discovered one of fashion's lost treasures...

By David Nash | 7th Feb 2021

Bridgerton Scene

 

Bridgerton’s Costume Designer Answers Our Burning Season 4 Questions 

                                                             

By Radhika Seth | 20th Jan 2026

TALKS & EVENTS

Henry has delivered talks and lectures on subjects ranging from Audrey Hepburn’s sartorial influence to the creative legacy of Hubert de Givenchy. His expertise has led to commissions from leading cultural and academic institutions, including the Victoria and Albert Museum, the House of Givenchy, Goodwood Revival, and Nottingham Trent University.

 

Commission Henry for writing, events, talks, project consultancy, research services and more. Please feel free to get in touch with any enquiries, using the contact form or by reaching out on socials.

HENRY WILKINSON AT GOODWOOD FESTIVAL - Talks & Events
AS FEATURED IN:

"He's the Givenchy Boy"
- The Givenchy Archives

© 2026 HENRY WILKINSON

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