Friday, May 28, 2010

The Hepburns

I absolutely adore Audrey Hepburn and when I was a teenager Breakfast at Tiffany's was my favorite movie. Though I felt the male lead was unworthy of the Audrey amazingness.  I re-watched the movie as an adult and although Audrey is indeed stunning and charming in the movie the film itself does not stand up as very good to my shrewd adult mind. Nevertheless Audrey remains a style icon for me. She is the ultimate gamine.
 
Katharine may be slender like Audrey but exuded a powerful personal presence that made her one of the best actresses of her era. I haven't seen quite as many movies with her but find her personal story fascinating. She was extremely intelligent, quick witted and agile  in a time where these characteristics were deemed undesirable for women and she pulled it off with such panache. She was very opinionated and did not act the part of how a leading Hollywood actress (she would often dress in men's attire). Hats off to the two Hepburns. Although these ladies both wore wonderful hats as was the custom of the time (speaking of which I found two amazing hats to add to my collection today!) what stands out most even in their photos that makes them fashion icons is not the clothes but their posture, the look in the eye. In Audrey there is a vulnerability of a beautiful, loving person. In Katharine's stance I see something else more dominant, her non-conformity and strength of mind.




 
 
 
 

Photo credits: 12, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9,10

16 comments:

  1. I think they were both so stylish in their own ways!! Audrey Hepburn looked so chic and feminine, whilst Katherine Hepburn looked so elegant in her trouser suits, I love both of their styles!!
    From Carys of La Ville Inconnue

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  2. they were both absolutely gorgeous. i've always been an audrey fan.

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  3. They are both CLASS. Each of them have their own powerful style that transcended the times they lived in, with looks that still look chic today. Of the two, I love Audrey best. Because I'm a big fan of her gamine game. But Kate rocks it too. She looks patrician and smart without coming off as patronizing. And I really like her smartness. Doesn't hurt that she's a real beauty as well.

    Coincidence: while thrifting in Modesto yesterday, came across a book called "The Hepburn." (I'm sure it was about Kate.) I remember thinking that would be a great name for an article, or a band, The Hepburns, referencing these two fashion icons. And next day? I read your wonderful blog post about them.

    Yep.
    Looking forward to seeing the post with your new hats! I'm a a major hat kick right now. xo. -Bella Q
    http://www.thecitizenrosebud.com

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  4. Great post - you should watch The Lion in Winter with Kate Hepburn if you've never seen it. She is so tremendous in it! I completely fell in love with her when I watched it as a child (it's about Eleanor of Aquitaine) and it holds up incredibly well.

    xoxo ~ Courtney
    http://sartorialsidelines.blogspot.com

    P.S. I also have to put in a plug for Hepburn and Cary Grant in the screwball comedy Bringing Up Baby (it involves a pet leopard named Baby). Very funny.

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  5. wow, look at those eyebrows. I used to be so insecure about my dark, Greek eyebrows but now I embrace them... totally gorgeous!

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  6. Love her! Fab photos.
    I loved her in Roman Holiday, that is one of my all time favorite movies. :)
    xx

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  7. Hey hon, let me know in a comment (on my newest post, please) under which name you are following me - I cannot find you and in order to enter my giveaway, you must be a follower :))
    Let me know asap <3
    xxx

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  8. Can you believe I've never seen Breakfast At Tiffany's? I know, it's tragic. Love Audrey though!

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  9. Oh, I love Audrey!!! She is my all time favorite! Oh, and you didn't like George Peppard in Breakfast at Tiffany's? I thought he was absolutely delicious! I would even go so far to say he stole a couple of scenes from Miss Hepburn!

    Have you seen Two For the Road? It is the absolute best Audrey movie, I swear! It is very different, but really showcases her enormous talent as well as her vivid personality!

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  10. What a package indeed. Simply the best of both worlds!
    Love this!

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  11. I've never paid much attention to Katherine, but Audrey is beautiful! I love her so much. Her elegance and grace is astounding!

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  12. Oh, she's the best!!

    Love,
    The Picnic Girl

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  13. Oh yes, Audrey Hepburn--so gorgeous and classic; I admire her style sooo much too. You actually remind me a bit of her with your slender build and dark hair/fair skin :)

    I always like it when I feel an outfit I wear is 'Audrey inspired' :) Love that first pic of her!

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  14. I actually did a somewhat similar post recently about admiring the old hollywood actresses' style :) Here's my somewhat related post in case you're interested ;) http://tinyurl.com/283dxu8

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  15. well, that didn't work..here's my link, hope you don't mind my sharing?

    http://whimsicalwardrobe.wordpress.com/2010/05/02/i-like-old-fashioned-movie-stars/

    I'm adding you to my blogroll right now--thought I already had! Love your blog!

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Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts.

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