TO AUDREY WITH LOVE: When couturier Hubert de Givenchy met Hollywood royalty Audrey Hepburn it was love at first sight; but their love was a mutual admiration for each others craft rather than the romantic kind. Givenchy designed Hepburn’s most iconic clothing for her films and their friendship lasted throughout her life.
There isn’t a woman alive who doesn’t dream of looking like Audrey Hepburn. – Hubert de Givenchy
The story of their friendship is told in an exhibition at the Gemeentemuseum Den Haag in ‘To Audrey with Love’. Original clothing from iconic films fill the exhibition alongside snippets of the films playing alongside the clothed mannequins, design sketches, drawings and photographs. Her tiny frame is enhanced even further and her cinched in waistline highlighted seeing the clothes in real life.
Audrey wore clothes with such flair… Her chic and her silhouette grew ever more celebrated, wrapping me in a radiance I could never have hoped for. – Hubert de Givenchy
The exhibition is sectioned in to eras from Givenchy’s work with a large section dedicated to Hepburn’s life of style, talent and humanitarian giving via her endless work with UNICEF. Curated in close consultation with Givenchy it offers a unique insight into his half a century long career in fashion and his partnership with the actress that started in 1953 (just a year after opening his own fashion house).
The collaboration included creating outfits in her most iconic films including How to steal a Million and Breakfast at Tiffany’s. And one thing that is certainly clear is that Givenchy’s designs during this period certainly stand the test of time.
What has helped me a great deal with the part are the clothes, It was an enormous help to know that you looked the part; the rest wasn’t so tough anymore. – Audrey Hepburn
During the exhibition businesses around The Hague have also taken to showcase their love of the actress (who was part Dutch). Luxury Collection Hotel, Hotel Des Indes have created a special ‘To Audrey With Love’ High Tea which includes food inspired by her own cook book (which is also on display at the hotel). When in The Hague Audrey was a visitor to the hotel and enjoyed a cocktail which they have also added to the menu. While Dutch designer Michael Barnaart Van Bergen has produced some accessible Audrey inspired dresses that are available in his store (Papestraat 1B ).
Time-tested Beauty Tips by Audrey Hepburn from 1992
For attractive lips, speak words of kindness
For lovely eye, seek out the good in people
For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry
For beautiful hair, let a child run his fingers through it once a day
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