“Paris is always a good idea,” were some of the most iconic words of adored actress and humanitarian, Audrey Hepburn. Therefore, I would like to wish my style/life icon of all time, Audrey a happy birthday with a very Parisian post. Here are a collection of photos I took in Ms. Hepburn’s honor while in Paris a couple months ago, in the spirit of one of my favorite movies of hers, “Funny Face.”
“Funny Face” is a film about a very bookish girl, Jo Stockton (Audrey Hepburn) who is discovered by a high fashion photographer (Fred Astaire) and magazine editor in chief, Maggie Prescott (Kay Thompson) and turned into a fashion icon. The majority of the movie takes place in Paris, where Jo’s editorials are taken and where she is publicly introduced to the fashion industry. So surprise, surprise if this bookish fashionista is absolutely in love with this Parisian film. Don’t even get me started on my obsession with the musical number, “Bonjour Paris!” The photograph below is inspired by a particular frame of Jo (Audrey) during the song.
The following photographs are also recreations of Jo’s editorial shots in the Opera Garnier (fast forward to 3:42)!
If you are a fan of Audrey’s films or just happened to click on the movie clips, you would know that Audrey’s notoriety as a movie star does not just rest in her talent. It also lies in her gorgeous garments. One cannot help but fawn over Givenchy’s creations throughout most of her movies, including “Funny Face.” According to Pamela Keogh’s memoir for Audrey, What Would Audrey Do, the clothing Audrey’s character wore in the film after her makeover were Givenchy. Further discussed in Keogh’s novel was Hepburn and Givenchy’s lifelong friendship that resulted in many style “collaborations.” Vogue quotes Hepburn saying that “His (Givenchy’s) are the only clothes in which I am myself. He is far more than a couturier, he is a creator of personality.” As a whole, Audrey was a fashion lover who, like me sees fashion as a way of self expression, a capitalization of personality according to Keogh. Therefore, how can one not look to her for style inspiration?
While I am a fan of Audrey’s Givenchy looks, I channeled Jo’s Paris outfit she wore before her transformation (which is just as adorable!). Like Jo, I am in head-to-toe black with a light trench coat. To add a personal touch, I am wearing some accented light pink pieces from kate spade. The bows on my pink loafers and purse would definitely be Audrey approved! For some more Audrey-esque style in Paris, check out my other Parisian outfit diary here.
As a final note: I just want to officially say, Joyeux Anniversaire (Happy Birthday) Audrey! I have enjoyed reading about you, watching your movies, and endlessly pinning style/beauty looks of yours on Pinterest. However, I think it is also important to recognize what a remarkable woman you were, aside from your cinematic talent and fashion sense. Your work with UNICEF (according to Keogh) is proof that a fashion-forward woman does not just focus on her exterior, but genuinely cares about the well-being of others.
If you are new to the Audrey fan club, I highly recommend checking out her following films, especially in honor of her birthday. These are some of my personal favorites:
- Funny Face
- My Fair Lady (this one comes in a close second!)
- Roman Holiday
- How To Steal a Million
- Breakfast at Tiffany’s
- Paris When It Sizzles
Keeping it Krischic,
Kristin Vartan
Keeping it Krischic 