Through Sept. 17, three museums in Morges, Switzerland, on the shores of Lake Geneva, are honoring designer Hubert de Givenchy and his longtime muse, actress Audrey Hepburn. The retrospective, titled “Audrey Hepburn and Hubert de Givenchy: An Elegant Friendship,” examines the four-decade relationship between the couturier and the film star, a partnership that began by chance when Givenchy, expecting to meet Katharine Hepburn—whom he admired—met Audrey instead.
The unexpected encounter proved pivotal. Over the years Hepburn frequently credited Givenchy with shaping the refined, timeless look that became her signature. Visitors can explore different facets of their collaboration across the three participating venues, each presenting its own thematic focus and selection of objects.
At the Fondation Bolle, the display includes a documentary film alongside sketches, haute couture pieces, and photography that trace Givenchy’s creative process and his working relationship with Hepburn. Morges Castle showcases a curated selection of garments, accessories, and design pieces that highlight the elegance and craftsmanship of Givenchy’s work. The Musée Alexis-Forel centers on Hepburn, presenting original sketches, magazine covers, and photographs, together with dresses drawn from both her personal and professional wardrobes.
Taken together, the three-site exhibition offers a layered portrait of a remarkable artistic friendship: the designer’s refined aesthetic and technical skill, and the actress’s enduring influence on fashion and public image. The objects on display reveal how a shared sensibility—simplicity, grace, and impeccable tailoring—produced some of the most iconic looks of mid-20th-century style. For visitors interested in fashion history, cinema, or cultural collaborations, the exhibition provides both context and close-up encounters with garments and archival material that document this singular partnership.
Beyond the garments themselves, the retrospective emphasizes the human side of their connection: mutual respect, trust, and an intuitive understanding of silhouette and movement. The film and photographs at Fondation Bolle capture moments from fittings and public appearances, while sketches and finished pieces on view at Morges Castle and Musée Alexis-Forel illustrate the translation from concept to couture. Together, these elements allow viewers to appreciate not only the aesthetic outcomes but also the collaborative process that sustained their friendship for decades.
The exhibition runs through Sept. 17 and is an opportunity to see rare and thoughtfully presented material from both Hepburn’s and Givenchy’s archives. Whether you come for the fashion, the film history, or the personal story behind it, the three museums in Morges offer complementary perspectives that together tell the full story of an elegant friendship that shaped modern style.