Fashion Savvy Films #1

Fashion Savvy Films?

I love films that have great costume designs like Wes Anderson’s, Moonrise Kingdom or The Royal Tenenbaums. Psstt! Let’s not forget “Clueless” classic yellow plaid and chokers which made a comeback. So from now on, I'm going to write blog post about films that I have most knowledge about thus in which I can relate to my sense of style. Drum roll please!

#1 Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961)

Hollywood sweetheart Audrey Hepburn reached the pinnacle of her career when she played Holly Golightly in the delightful film Breakfast at Tiffany's. Hepburn is very much an icon to most women till this day. “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” is certainly one of my favourite Audrey Hepburn classic that is close to my heart and I would watch this film just to look and stare at all the outfits.

Hubert de Givenchy, French fashion designer who founded “The House of Givenchy” was Hepburn’s closest friend. According to Givenchy, “My relationship with Audrey Hepburn was 'a kind of marriage”. They began to work together while filming “Sabrina” back in 1953. The Sabrina experience was the beginning of a relationship between the movie star and the couturier that was both personal and professional and lasted until Hepburn’s death.

“I always respected Audrey’s taste. She was not like other movie stars in that she liked simplicity” says Givenchy.

After Hepburn’s film “Funny Face”, it was agreed that if she was making a film, Givenchy would design the clothes. Givenchy had helped her a lot in choosing the perfect outfit and with the vision that Hepburn had, Givenchy was the only person who understands her passion. Givenchy even dedicated a book of all his drawings for Hepburn.

Fun Fact: Truman Capote, the novelist of “Breakfast at Tiffany’s wanted Marilyn Monroe to play the role of Holly Golightly. Unfortunately, Monroe’s acting coach felt that playing a call girl was not good for Marilyn’s image and Paramount Pictures cast Hepburn instead.

My personal favourite is the “Hot Pink Silk Cocktail Dress” that she wore only for a few minutes in the film and the dress stood out among others because it illustrate Holly Golighty’s belief in free spirit and it showcase her vibrant character.

Another popular and iconic dress in this film is obviously, the black dress which Audrey wore with a wide-brimmed hat with an enormous cream silk bow and low-heeled alligator shoes, long gloves and again, oversized sunglasses. Hepburn styles the dress in different ways in the film, either with a fabulous lampshade hat and brooch, or with a maxi necklace. Audrey Hepburn idealize what Coco Chanel envision in every women and that the "little black dress" is essential part of a women. Not to forget the beige trench coat, another style item that has been immortalized by “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” in the final scene which she paired with a head scarf,

polo t-shirt and herringbone skirt.

I absolutely love the idea of simplicity and every outfit worn in this film is effortless. I also adore how Hepburn added little details to her dress for instance, the string of pearls, tiaras and enormous hats. I don’t think there is any other actress whose roles have emulated her personal style to such an extent, as in the case of Audrey Hepburn. Breakfast at Tiffany’s gave a good glimpse on how fashion is like back in the 60’s and that every woman wanted to dress as elegant as the “Parisians”. It has been 56 years and women are still awed by Holly Golightly’s impeccable style and glamour.

Thank you Audrey! Auf Wiedersehen.