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LouieAudrey Hepburn's Black Givenchy Dress
December 6th 2006 07:11
Last week, my Orble colleague Adrian, who writes the fabulous Philosophy Blog, brought to my attention the auction of the iconic black dress that Audrey Hepburn wore in the 1961 film Breakfast at Tiffany's. I remember hearing about the auction a few months ago, but I admit that I'd forgotten all about it until he pointed it out.
The dress went under the hammer overnight at Christie's South Kensington, selling for £467,200 (~AU$1 million) and simultaneously setting a world record for the most valuable dress made for a movie. The Christie's website reported that Monsieur Dominic Lapierre, who was selling the dress on behalf of his charity City of Joy Aid said: "There are tears in my eyes. I am absolutely dumbfounded to believe that a piece of cloth which belonged to such a magical actress will now enable me to buy bricks and cement to put the most destitute children in the world into schools.".
I'm not at all surprised that such a high price was paid for the dress. The classic gown, created for Hepburn by Paris fashion designer Hubert de Givenchy, has been an inspiration for countless black dresses since its appearance in that famous opening scene of the movie, where Hepburn as Holly Golightly is seen gazing into the store window of Tiffany & Co while eating a croissant. She looked just perfect. The inimitable beauty and dignity she emanated was somehow passed on to the dress - it's no wonder she was Givenchy's muse. The incredible effect of that magical moment in the movie has never been matched by any model or actress in any other piece of clothing, though Natalie Portman did a commendable job of channelling Holly Golightly on this month's cover of Harper's Bazaar:
She's the only current actress who can actually pull the dress off with that Golightly charm, but still...she's no Audrey.
* These images are taken from Ladies Room, Deluxeblog, and washingtonpost.com.
Audrey Hepburn in Givenchy (Ladies Room)
The dress went under the hammer overnight at Christie's South Kensington, selling for £467,200 (~AU$1 million) and simultaneously setting a world record for the most valuable dress made for a movie. The Christie's website reported that Monsieur Dominic Lapierre, who was selling the dress on behalf of his charity City of Joy Aid said: "There are tears in my eyes. I am absolutely dumbfounded to believe that a piece of cloth which belonged to such a magical actress will now enable me to buy bricks and cement to put the most destitute children in the world into schools.".
Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's (deluxeblog.it)
I'm not at all surprised that such a high price was paid for the dress. The classic gown, created for Hepburn by Paris fashion designer Hubert de Givenchy, has been an inspiration for countless black dresses since its appearance in that famous opening scene of the movie, where Hepburn as Holly Golightly is seen gazing into the store window of Tiffany & Co while eating a croissant. She looked just perfect. The inimitable beauty and dignity she emanated was somehow passed on to the dress - it's no wonder she was Givenchy's muse. The incredible effect of that magical moment in the movie has never been matched by any model or actress in any other piece of clothing, though Natalie Portman did a commendable job of channelling Holly Golightly on this month's cover of Harper's Bazaar:
Natalie Portman on the cover of Harper's Bazaar magazine (washingtonpost.com)
* These images are taken from Ladies Room, Deluxeblog, and washingtonpost.com.
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Comment by katyzzz
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My husband and I saw Breakfast at Tiffany's the day after we were married while waiting to take a flight to Hayman Island for our honeymoon.
We adopted 'Moon River' as our song.
It was a sensational movie and that black dress is something else again.
Thanks for bringing back some great memories.
katyzzz
Comment by Cibbuano
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as for the dress, va-va-va-voom!
Comment by KylieW
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Comment by Adrian
Philosophy Blog
Comment by Sisi
Cibby, I agree, Natalie Portman is a stunning woman, but Audrey Hepburn was just something else...I highly doubt anyone will ever be able to recreate the magic she made in that dress.
KylieW, I couldn't agree with you more!! Jennifer Love is a hottie, but I don't think she has Hepburn's utter elegance. I think they should've picked Natalie Portman for the role.
Laura hahahahaha zah zah zoo factor!!! Best call everrrr, I'm gonna use that line so often now haha that was awesome
Hans the money will be used to build schools in poverty-stricken countries where children currently are unable to receive an education simply because there is no localised building where they can meet and learn...I think that's a pretty good cause, no?
Nanette you're absolutely right, Hepburn was a passionate ambassador for City of Joy Aid.
Adrian the strappy thing is my favourite!! Haha each to their own
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