a missed exhibit

I'm busy working on improving the website for you, but while searching for a lost picture, I stumbled across this sweet blog. It's very nice overall, but here's one thing I missed completely: an Audrey exhibit in Paris last year! To coincide with the auction of still more costumes and personal wardrobe, an exhibit was set up at the end of last year in Paris, and the author of Parisian Party of course went. And took very gorgeous pictures, and knows her stuff. I don't want to swipe any of her pictures, so you'll just have to visit her site for yourself. Link directly to the Audrey exhibit here.

Speaking of things I've missed, when the most famous dress in the world, the long black Breakfast at Tiffany's dress, was auctioned in 2006 it was widely publicised when someone wore it. The model for Christie's, seen out and about modeling on the streets, was published everywhere. When Natalie Portman posed in it for Harper's Bazaar, I bought a copy to carefully cut apart, scan and share with you. But for some reason I heard nothing about model Georgia Frost modeling the gown for ES Magazine! Thankfully, I happened to stumble across Style Bubble, who has pictures and a brief write-up for your viewing pleasure.

Givenchy still has the eye

At the age of 83, Hubert de Givenchy is still very active in the world of fashion. Though he may have sold his couture house to LVMH, he is still only truly at home when he is designing, talking about design - or curating an extraordinary collection of gowns in a French chateau.

Running now through August 17, if you are around the Lorraine region of France, feel free to drop by Château de Haroué, a modest 82 room bungalow (chateau actually means castle in French, and the French do not use that term lightly!). It is there that you will find a carefully chosen bevy of gowns designed by Paris's most renowned designers: Balenciaga, Venet, and Givenchy himself. The surroundings are astounding, the gowns are divine, and as an added bonus, the long black column dress Audrey Hepburn wore in the beginning credits of Breakfast at Tiffany's - Givenchy's own copy, and one of the three originals - will be on display for your pleasure.

Can anyone make this trip? It's about 4 hours outside of Paris, for those in and around the area, and I'm sure your fellow fans are just dying to see some photographs. I'm not sure I'll be able to make it: I'm doing quite a lot of traveling this year and I'm already stretching myself thin as it is! But still, to see that gown in person, finally ...

Special thanks to Kendal, for typing out the original article on this exhibit, as found in the May issue of Vanity Fair (with Grace Kelly as cover girl).

The It Dress

Hello strangers! I have not forgotten you, never fear. Instead, I've been busy. As usual. Amongst this busyness is completely revamping the website from the ground up, so rest assured that this is for your benefit. :)

Anyway, my friend Natalia sent me a fantastic little article this morning, and I just had to share. A recent survey was taken out on the most iconic female screen outfit of all time, and Holly Golightly's long black evening gown beat out some stiff competition to come out on top. The long little black dress even beat Marilyn Monroe's unforgettable halter neck dress from The Seven Year Itch and Keira Knightley's stunning green gown from Atonement. You can read the article, courtesy of The Daily Mail, here, and see who else rounded out the top ten.

It's nice to see that 50 years on, Breakfast at Tiffany's, Audrey and Givenchy are still as influential as ever. As Coco Chanel once said: "Fashion fades, only style remains the same."

Audrey Auctions

Now that I'm laid up in bed for a day, I have time to share some auction news with you! (Before I must finish some homework, that is.) First, Lyon & Turnbull on London just had a rather large Modern and Contemporary Art auction yesterday, and featured a few pictures of Audrey photographed by Bob Willoughby and a couple other photographers. From what I can tell, two of the five prints were sold, and went for £400 and £600, not a bad price! If you're curious to see which photographs were up on the block you can go here and scroll down to Lot 131. The entire auction was quite diverse, with everything from fashion prints to Picasso sketches.

The next auction in question will happen sometime in December through Kerry Taylor Auctions, and will feature quite a lot of Audrey's wardrobe, over 30 pieces. This alone is pretty exciting, but it also seems that most of the clothing in this auction is Givenchy, which is even better. There are a few film wardrobe pieces, including that divine black lace dress from How to Steal a Million (right) and a black dress worn for Paris When It Sizzles promo shots, and even some accessories and personal letters from the very early days of her career. It looks to be an exciting auction that will most likely drum up a fair amount of press, so keep an eye out on the newsstands for some neat articles and pictures. You can read more about the auction via the Telegraph (and thanks to Kendal for sending the link!), and keep checking Kerry Taylor's website for more information as the date gets closer. I'm sure the lot will be featured in the Passion For Fashion auction beginning December 8, and you can order a catalogue if you'd like through the site.

Vote for Audrey!

I received an email today from the UK InStyle magazine, and they've just started a fun new survey about the most stylish costume on film. Our dear Audrey is mentioned not once, but twice! You can vote for Holly Golightly's immortal little black dress from the opening scenes of Breakfast at Tiffany's, or the equally iconic black and white dress from the Ascot races in My Fair Lady. Simply go here, to InStyle's website, and vote for your favourite. They've asked for our help, Audrey fans, now let's give it to 'em!

This survey is in conjunction with Sky Movies' Fabulous Film Costume Season, which starts on January first with The English Patient and ends on January 13th with Marie Antoinette. You can read more about Sky's costume season and the films they'll be airing during those two weeks here, if you're interested. You can also vote for Audrey again through their website, though don't tell them I told you that. ;)

stars of today channeling the stars of yesterday

Us Weekly's website has a new article up about the celebrities of today channeling the stars of yesterday. Thankfully, there's no mention of Lindsay Lohan or Britney Spears here! And, not surprisingly, Natalie Portman is considered yet again to be our generation's answer to Audrey Hepburn, not just for her looks, but for her humanitarian work helping third world women with FINCA International. Don't forget the fact that Natalie donned the most famous little black dress in the world (left) before it was sold at auction, too.

What do you think?

Audrey Hepburn sewing patterns: Fall 2007

It seems I've been remiss in my duties again. A lot of women have been searching for Audrey Hepburn, Holly Golightly, or Breakfast at Tiffany's sewing patterns so they can make their own costumes for Halloween (or everyday life, because Audrey Hepburn is year-round!), and I just left you to your own devices. I've felt guilty, though, and all day yesterday I scoured the Internet for suitable patterns to make you dream Audrey costume. Be prepared and take notes, because there's a lot here! I'm also going to make this a regular theme, updating once a season for any new patterns, so check back once in a while for new goodies.

If you want to go all out and be ultra-glam Audrey Hepburn, you might want to try this look from Roman Holiday. Using Vintage Vogue V2239 (below), you can almost exactly recreate Princess Ann's ballgown. I actually bought this pattern for just that purpose, and though I haven't used it yet, all I'm going to do is eliminate the sash and attach a small bit of fabric crosswise on the bodice.


If you are going for a Sabrina look, there are two patterns worth looking at.
1) Vogue Easy Options V8020, is an oversimplified version of the cocktail dress shown to the left. It has a flared, pleated skirt and would look very cute in black (see picture below, left).
2) Retro Butterick '57 B4513, is a much closer copy of the Sabrina dress and my personal favourite. I've been wanting to make a copy of that dress for years, and this pattern is the closest copy I've ever found! See for yourself (below, right).

If you're going for a more dainty, Love in the Afternoon type look, there are a few options for you as well.
1) Vintage Vogue V2960 (below, left) has a deep, scooped neck, fitted bodice, and flared skirt that's quintessential 50s.
2) Vintage Vogue V2267 (below, center) is actually a pattern I own and bought just to be Audrey as Ariane in Love for Halloween one year. It's a very comfy dress, easy to make, with a light tulle underskirt to give the skirt more body without being cumbersome. And it has pockets!
3) Retro Butterick '52 B5032 (below, right) is more of an all-purpose 50s pattern, but still works because it's still in Audrey's line of style. Comes in a more fitted skirt or a wide, flared skirt.

And of course there's the Holly Golightly/Breakfast at Tiffany's patterns! There's a lot, so I'm going to break it down to make it as easy as possible for you. If you're going for a very simple Holly dress, like a little black dress, then try these patterns out. Pretty much all of these would look good in any neutral colour or a soft brown tweed, so don't be afraid to experiment!
1) Vogue Easy Options V2218 (below, left) is actually a set of two-piece dress suits, but the one pictured fits together so well it's worth noting. A lot easier to sew, it's good for beginners and you can mix and match with your current wardrobe.
2) Very Easy Vogue 8282 (below, center left)a very nice sheath dress with matching simple jacket. Just forget about the lace appliqués and it's perfect.
3) Very Easy Vogue V8146 (below, center right) is very similar to the one just before, bit with a slightly more elaborate coat. Still a very easy to make sheath dress, if that's all you need from the pattern.
4) Burda Dress 3477 (below, right) is a sheath dress very similar to the one Audrey actually wears (right). If you were to add a tie sash to the waist and some fringe along the bottom, you'd have the dress exactly.

If you want to do more of a Holly Golightly suit, or know that it'll be pretty cold wherever you are and want a nice Audrey-style coat to go with your outfit, you may want to try Vogue Wardrobe V2988. It has a few dress options or separates, and the coat is fantastic (below). If you want a more generic little black dress that still very Holly Golightly, but you don't really care how accurate it is, here are a couple of options for you.
1) Simplicity New Look 6723 (below, left). Still very recognizable and very similar to some readymade dresses I recommended in the More Holly Golightly/Audrey Hepburn Costume Tips post. (Note: since I couldn't directly link to this pattern, you'll have to scroll about halfway down the page I could link to and click on the picture to see more information.)
2) Butterick Chetta B 3863 out of print (below, right). While this pattern is out of print, you can still buy it through Butterick's website. This dress is a very simple set with either a top and skirt or a one-piece dress.

And what would a Holly Golightly dress be without that giant, flying saucer of a hat? I searched through a lot of hat patterns before deciding that Butterick's B4472 (below) would be the best bet for you. It looks to be a lot easier than any of Vogue's patterns, especially the vintage ones, and by just switching the crown of hat A onto the brim of hat C, you have an exact replica of that iconic hat. Just throw on an ivory bit of fabric and you are Holly Golightly! So there's everything you need for Audrey's characters. If you'd like to dress more like Audrey herself did in everyday life, I've thought of that, too. Read on!

A trés chic dress suit is dressy, classy, and versatile. Very Easy Vogue V8319 (below) has a gorgeous pattern with a fitted sheath dress and classy, wide-yoked coat. It could also double as a Jackie O. costume in a pinch.
Skinny pants. I found two very good patterns for skinny pants, surprisingly. They were actually called cigarette pants (or trousers) in the day, and it does sound a bit classier and less spiteful than skinny, doesn't it? Anyway, these would be good for either a Funny Face beatnik type costume, or with a nice top it could be a flirty, casual 50s outfit.
1) Vogue V8330 (below, left) is a more modern pattern, but I like that it has three different lengths so you could have actual long pants, capris, or the cigarette trouser length depending on your preferences. This pattern must be made with a stretchy fabric!
2) McCall's M5273 (below, right) is more of a one-length pattern, but it's a little more classic in design with the flat front for a cleaner line.

A perfect match for those ciggie pants or capris? How about a dress shirt tied at the waist, as Audrey was wont to do. If you have a trim waist like she did, this is your chance to show it off -- modestly, of course. Try Butterick B6768 (below), though please note that it's out of print and only available through their website. A flirty little cocktail dress in any colour of your liking. Don't think Audrey limited herself to black! Feel free to experiment with Butterick B6582 (below). And, not to taunt you or anything, but if you ever come across this Holy Grail of Audrey Hepburn patterns, snatch it up! This Vogue pattern set came out in 2000 and wasn't out for very long, and it's extremely hard to find now. I'm guessing it didn't last long because it very closely copies Givenchy's designs for Breakfast at Tiffany's -- a little too closely, if you catch my drift. Check eBay once in a while for Vogue Wardrobe 2396 and you may luck out, though don't be surprised if you get caught in a bidding war.
So there is everything ... for now. If there's anything that you think I missed or if you have questions about anything, please don't hesitate to contact me. I'd be more than happy to help.

Helpful hint: if you're going to buy a Vogue pattern, do it through their website! Unless they're out of print, they will always be on sale for up to 50% off.

More Holly Golightly/Audrey Hepburn costume tips

If you missed it the first time around, here's part one of the costume tips. I've found even more great items to put together a really fantastic Audrey Hepburn or Holly Golightly costume, so keep reading!

1. Opera gloves. How could you forget opera gloves? If you'd really like to look classy, try to find some above the elbow length gloves, which make for a more formal, elegant look. I've found some beautiful satin gloves in a vast array of colours, so you can do black for Holly Golightly or white/cream for a Princess Ann or Eliza Doolittle look.


2. Ballet flats. You can pair pretty much everything with ballet flats and automatically be 50% cuter. Works well with any little black dress and is a more comfortable alternative to heels, especially if you're going to be on your feet all night. Paired with some capris or skinny pants, it looks more stylish and put together than sneakers but not as fancy as heels would. They were Audrey's shoe of choice throughout her life!


3. Little black dresses. Earlier I had left you on your own by telling you to hit the pavement and shop around at local boutiques. Wasn't very helpful, was it? After lots of scouring, I've found a few little black dresses that happen to be affordable and the perfect Audrey style. You can either do a shorter, knee-length dress for a more casual affair, or I've found a longer formal gown if you really wanted to go all out and do the beginning credits Holly Golightly with pearls, updo and a cup of coffee (which I am completely leaving up to you to find).


4. Pearls. I honestly don't know if anyone makes an exact replica of Audrey's multi-strand pearl necklace with the rhinestone pendant, but what you can do is nab a strand of long pearls and a rhinestone brooch. Wind the pearls around a couple of time to make a thick multi-strand set like Holly's, pin the pendant front and center and voila! Instant Holly Golightly.


5. Cigarette holder. I don't know about you, but I know quite a few people (myself included) that have been looking for a cigarette holder for ages! Today I've found two that would suit Audrey Hepburn equally well. The first is an extra long gold ciggie holder, just like the one she waves around at her out of control party in Breakfast at Tiffany's. The second is a smaller, black holder, and may be a bit easier to handle in crowded situations. It's also the sort of ciggie holder she used in real life.


*Bonus* To go along with your fabulous cigarette holder, you can also have fake cigarettes that smoke like the real thing!

6. Skinny black pants and a turtleneck. Who says you have to be Holly Golightly to be Audrey Hepburn? Thanks to the exposure of the Gap commercials last year, pretty much everyone knows that an all black beatnik outfit with white socks and black loafers equals a funky dancing Audrey Hepburn as Jo Stockton. This costume is so versatile and comfortable it will quickly become a wardrobe staple.



You can find more pictures of Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golightly here, and pictures of Audrey as Jo Stockton in Funny Face here.

You can also find all of the accessories listed above, plus the items mentioned in the first costume post, here.

How to be Audrey Hepburn/Holly Golightly for Halloween

It's that time of year again ... Halloween! And I've noticed that a lot of people have been searching for an Audrey Hepburn costume, so here's everything you need all in one convenient post. Since most women tend to do Holly Golightly as an easily recognizable Audrey costume, most of these tips are Breakfast at Tiffany's oriented. The film was recently voted the most stylish film of all time, so it's hard to go wrong as Holly Golightly!

1. The hair. A lot of people think that Audrey's iconic "pineapple 'do," that massive updo from the beginning of Breakfast at Tiffany's, is almost impossible to do by yourself. But this step-by-step tutorial shows that it's actually quite easy and possible for almost any hair length. You might need a lot of hair pins and hairspray, especially if your hair tends to be fine, but it's definitely achievable. Ask a friend for help if you have trouble; what friend could resist dressing you up as Audrey Hepburn?


2. The makeup. Recently makeup artist askmemakeup posted a video tutorial on how to do Holly Golightly's makeup. It's very good and true to Audrey Hepburn's real makeup both on and offset, so whether you're doing Holly or Audrey you're in good hands with this video.



3. The accessories. What's an Audrey Hepburn costume without a tiara? And not just any old tiara will do, my dear. Luckily, Tiaratown offers very good replicas of some of Audrey's most iconic jewelry pieces, from Breakfast at Tiffany's to My Fair Lady, and even Funny Face. Available in both gold and silver finishes, these tiaras and necklaces are beautiful enough to wear anytime, not just on Halloween.*


Sunglasses. You can't be Audrey Hepburn without some fabulous, oversized sunglasses now, can you? Audrey's top choice in shades were the iconic Ray-Ban Wayfarers, but they may be out of your price range for the time being. Not to worry, though! The Wayfarers are so enduringly popular that they've spawned tons of knockoffs, all much more affordable and all still good looking. You can get good knockoffs starting at $2, if you know where to look.


*Bonus: While you may not feel comfortable parading around in nothing but a men's tuxedo shirt and an outrageous sleep mask in the middle of autumn, you can still get an excellent replica of Holly Golightly's sleep mask, made by Fred Flare. You know, for personal use. ;)


4. The dress.* If you're very crafty, you could sew your own dress, but you'd probably have to either make your own pattern or modify an existing one to get what you want. If you're not so crafty, or you're just running out of time, then it's probably just easier to buy a dress off the rack. It's completely up to you whether you want to go long and formal or do an easier little black dress, but shop around before deciding! Remember that Audrey was known for simple and elegant LBDs, so less is always more. Try to stick with knee-length, maybe with a nice boatneck, since that was Audrey's preferred neckline. Any local boutique should have what you're looking for.

from Charade

Well, that should be everything you need. If I've forgotten something or you have any further questions, please feel free to leave a comment and I'll be happy to help. Have fun!

*Update: I've added a second section with even more costume tips and tricks here. This entry includes opera gloves, jewelry, dresses, cigarette holders, and more!
- Sewing patterns for Audrey costumes of all sorts and sizes can be found in this guide.
- And to add a little touch of Audrey the humanitarian to your Audrey as a fashion icon costume, click here.
- As long as you're going to be Audrey for Halloween, why not enter our contest and get a free book or DVD out of it? See details here.
- Link checked on July 9, 2010 and the Tiaratown website is temporarily closed for a holiday. If it's not back by the end of July, I'm afraid it's closed for good. I will find alternatives for you.

Audrey Hepburn's little black dress on display in Harrod's

Audrey Hepburn may have worn many little black dresses in her life, but that's sort of what she's known for, isn't it? Her little black dress with the sequined fringe that she wore in Charade (which was recently auctioned off, coincidentally) is now on display in Harrod's department store as part of their Harrod's Timeless Luxury promotion. It will be on the fourth floor at the Georgian Restaurant in the Little Black Dress Exhibition, along with other famous LBDs. You should hurry, since it looks like the display will only be up through mid-October. You can read more about it here.