Which French fashion designer was a protégé of Cristóbal Balenciaga?

Hubert de Givenchy was the French fashion designer who became a protégé of Cristóbal Balenciaga. Givenchy encountered Balenciaga in New York in 1953, shortly after opening his own Paris couture house, and regarded the older Spanish designer as his principal mentor.

Their relationship was influential even though they never worked as colleagues in the same fashion house. Balenciaga advised and encouraged Givenchy, supported his development, and introduced him to important professional opportunities. Givenchy absorbed Balenciaga’s disciplined construction, elegant simplicity, and sculptural approach to clothing.

Givenchy had already trained with major Parisian couturiers, including Jacques Fath, Robert Piguet, Lucien Lelong, and Elsa Schiaparelli. He founded the House of Givenchy in 1952, then became internationally famous through his designs for Audrey Hepburn, including the wardrobe associated with Breakfast at Tiffany’s.

A common mix-up is to confuse Givenchy’s professional connections with Christian Dior, whose recommendations helped him find early work. Dior was an important influence, but Balenciaga was the mentor described in this question. Givenchy later helped preserve and promote Balenciaga’s legacy.