Introduction
Audrey Hepburn tops the list of the most famous style icons of all time. Revering as one of the most beautiful and fashionable women, Audrey is widely acknowledged for her chic simplicity and elegance. Featuring in several prominent movies, one of the memorable roles Audrey played is in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” which exhibited her style and fashion. The first introduction of the black dress was in 1926 when women knew little about fashion. The little black dress seemed not to appeal to the ladies in the fashion industry. During this period, in American history, there was an exceedingly rural-urban movement. The women of this time were seeking employment in cities. The fashion sense at this time is cute bobbed hair accompanied by heavy make-up. Coats with loose belts and unbuckled galoshes were in a fashion that matched the lifestyle of cigarettes and cocktails. During this period, the term shopping was not popular, and the average woman only shopped for groceries[1].
Givenchy Background Information and Chanel’s Popularization of the Little Black Dress
Givenchy is a renowned fashion designer whose works (combining elegance, classicism, modernity, and audacity) have made it to the top list of fashion. Early in his life, Givenchy manifested his passion for fashion. For instance, when he is 10 years old, Givenchy makes a stopover at World’s Fair in Paris. This excites his fashion passion, and from this point, he decides to be a fashion designer. Later, in life, Givenchy makes a move to France, Paris, to study fashion. Associating with the major personalities in the fashion industry in Paris, Givenchy advances his fashion sense. From 1952, Givenchy advances his fashion career rising to be the greatest designer. His marvelous works come from other associates in the fashion industry such as Cristobal Balenciaga. A pioneer in the fashion industry, Givenchy is the first designer to present magnificently collected works of women’s ready-to-wear. Little black dress underwent many popularizations by Chanel. After the burial, the little black dress became mourning attire for most peasant women in France. Later in years, the little black dress became popular in different events including movies.
Breakfast at Tiffany’s
Relationship between Hepburn and Givenchy
From historical information, 1953 was a turning point in the career and life of Givenchy. During this year, Givenchy met Audrey Hepburn, who represented the incarnation of his superlative femininity. This meeting marked the beginning of a long relationship that was both professional and personal[2]. Professionally, Audrey Hepburn became the ambassador for Givenchy’s brands and even in movies where Audrey starred had the brands. The relationship between Audrey and Givenchy was more than that of a dressmaker and client. Analysts indicate that both fashion personalities benefitted from the relationship in terms of mutual support, mutual benefit, and appreciation.
History of Givenchy designing the Little Black Dress
On the professional aspect of Audrey and Givenchy, the notable work was the designing of the little black dress which Audrey wore in the film Breakfast at Tiffany’s. The dress made the opening scene in the romantic comedy where Audrey had the leading role. Before the shooting of the movie, Audrey presented two copies of the dress to Paramount but seemed not appropriate. According to analysts, the dresses were revealing a better part of Audrey’s leg which was not appropriate for the movie.
The rectification of the dress was by Edith Head, but, the original hand-stitched dresses were by Givenchy. Various aspects of movies have distinct roles and significance. For instance, the little black dress in the movie Breakfast at Tiffany’s was to bring out the character of Holly Golightly. Wearing the little black dress in the movie was to capture the cusp of the sexual insurgency in America[3]. The period had a focus on working-class women, who were learning the art of being independent. Coupled with a hyped lifestyle, the character Holly needed a fashion sense that would suit her modern lifestyle.
Continued Iconic Status of Hepburn’s Popularization of Givenchy’s Dress
Despite the change in times and fashion, there is a continued iconic status of Hepburn’s popularization of Givenchy’s dress.
Hepburn has played an instrumental role in defining the lives of women for decades. For instance, in the latest vogue shoot which featured Natalie Portman, the influence of Hepburn is still evident in fashion. Women in the present world still maintain the certain ideal of femininity and elegance through dressing like Hepburn. The little black dress has immense influence in the fashion industry and continues to dominate the women’s dress code. In the present fashion industry, there is an increased notion that every smart woman has one little black dress in her wardrobe. This is a clear indication of the long-lasting influence of Hepburn fashion sense in the fashion industry.
Bibliography
Keogh, Pamela Clarke. Audrey style. New York, NY: HarperCollins Publishers, 1999.
Hume, Marion. “Marion Hume describes more than a professional relationship.” The Independent News Newspaper. 2012. Web.
Smith, Kate Elizabeth, Hepburn, Audrey and Hubert de Givenchy. The influence of Audrey Hepburn and Hubert de Givenchy on American fashion, 1952-1965. New York, N.Y.: Oxford University Press, 2001.