The Hat Affair Loves... Audrey Hepburn

Audrey Hepburn is a legendary style icon. Her relationship with designer Givenchy created some of the most memorable moments on screen. The opening of 'Breakfast at Tiffany's' springs to mind with Audrey in her LBD and diamonds.

It may surprise you when I say that the costumes I love the most are in 'Paris When it Sizzles'. They were timeless with there classic lines and effortless luxury.

This season the 60's have had a come back and elements of Givenchy's design's echo throughout many collections. Why not take a leaf out of Audrey's book and give some of this seasons looks a try...

Audrey Hepburn wearing Givenchy in 'Paris When it Sizzles'
Click link for source

Click link for source

Roksanda Ilincic sessler colour-block wool-crepe dress

Available at NET-A-PORTER.COM

Dolce & Gabbana cutout floral brocade dress
Available at NET-A-PORTER.COM

Audrey in Givenchy Suit in openning of 'Paris When it Sizzles'
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Simone Rocha wafer-mesh dress
Available at NET-A-PORTER.COM

Audrey Hepburn in Pink Givenchy dress in 'Paris When it Sizzles'
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Jason Wu leather and suede pleated dress

Available at NET-A-PORTER

Audrey Hepburn in White Givenchy dress in 'Paris When it Sizzles'
Click on link for source

Preen by Thornton Bregazzi
flo stretch-sateen jersey dress
Available at NET-A-PORTER.COM

Audrey Hepburn images from various sources (see links)

All other images from NET-A-PORTER.COM

The Hat Affair Loves... What on earth are you wearing?

'What on earth are you wearing?' is a unique A-Z of fashion. It achieves what many other fashion books fail to do, to poke fun while still offering current and valuable information on the latest fashion buzz words ( some are rather absurd!).

My favourite would have to be the description for 'Gusset'. Ever since I watched the television series 'Coupling' (the original UK version, not the awful US one) and experienced Geoff's 'favourite words' among them stockings, breasts and gusset, I couldn't help but giggle. (If you've watched 'Coupling' you'll know what I mean!) ( Also I am shockingly guilty of being a giggler... I know, it's terrible!).

'What on earth are you wearing?' is available from boutique book stores and online at Michi Shop.

Warning: do not read this book in a public place because you are in danger of bursting out laughing.

Turn the page...2011

You would probably remember me blogging about 'Hats: An Anthology' at the beginning of 2010. Well if you were one of the unlucky ones that missed out (like myself), you still have a chance to see this wonderful collection in print if not in person.

I was very excited to receive an autographed copy for Christmas. It is a beautiful collection of hats of all shapes and sizes. My only disappointment was the lack of a photograph of the fabled Schiaparelli Shoe Hat. Sadly there was only the illustration that has featured in many other fashion books. Hopefully in the second edition we may get a glimpse of this strange and wonderful creation.

It is available to purchase from the V&A and the Queensland Art Gallery online bookstores.

www.vandashop.com
www.australianartbooks.com.au/books

National Gallery of Victoria...

Federation Square in Melbourne really is a tourist hot spot! Showcasing the latest exhibitions including Tim Burtons collection of sketches, film and costumes from 'Edward Scissor Hands' and his most recent interpretation of 'Alice in Wonderland'. Also within the walls of Federation Square is the National Gallery of Victoria. One of the current exhibitions on show is called 'Australian Made' and is a collection of clothing made in Australia from the late 1800's to the 1960's. Entry is free and it is well worth having a look at the beautiful hats in the display case.

The NVG shop is full of fabulous books and accessories. I found 'The Little Dictionary of Fashion' by Christian Dior. This mini gem first published in 1954, is an interesting insight into what was considered the norm as far as how one should present ones self. This is Dior on hats "Now we come to the most pressing problem of this time. Shall you or shall you not wear a hat? I think that in town you cannot be really dressed without a hat." (p. 54)

Another for the books!

This issue of 'Home Journal from 1961 is from around the same time as the hit series 'Mad Men' now showing on SBS for those who don't have Foxtel. The clothes are simply fabulous and are worth watching the show for, but the workplace dynamics of the early 60s are the real draw card! A must watch if you haven't already. x

Through the looking glass...

These vintage magazines are filled with all you need to know about being a woman in 1932 and 1942. In ten years it is remarkable to note the difference in the advertising, the use of colour and the quality of the paper. The war time receipies are also very err, different! There is also an ad in the 1942 issue for the recently released Walt Disney Film 'Bambi', who knew Bambi was that old.

The short stories are also quite interesting one title reads in the 1942 issue "Until the Day Break: She would do Anything to save the Land, and the Paris she loved"

Turn the page 2...

'How to walk in high heels' by Camilla Morton is a witty look at all a girl needs to know about surviving the 21st century. From 'How do I make my remote my friend' to 'How to wear the appropriate underwear' and of course there is a section devoted to hats.

With a title like 'How to deal with bad hair days', how can you go wrong! However I think this quote by contributor Milliner Stephen Jones called 'How to wear a hat' sums it up best, "The simplest black beret worn with attitude is more dramatic than most haute coutre. If clothing was a radio, a hat is the volume control!"

So read and enjoy! Copies are available at amazon.com

Turn the page...

'Dreaming of Dior' is for people who love the story behind a vintage find. When I began my hat affair from the first vintage hat I bought I asked about the history. Most of the time they haven't much to tell, so it is refreshing that Doris Darnell has gone to so much effort to not only catalogue the dresses by designer and era, but also by who wore it and when.

I bought this at Christmas and I love flicking through it to read the story connected with each dress. The only disappointment I had with the book, was I didn't get to see a photograph of the dresses only an illustration. However the illustrations are playful and beautiful, so you wont be disappointed!

They only did one print run so it isn't readily available, there are a few on amazon.com

Paper delight!

I recently went to the Arts Crafts and Antiques Fair at the Claremont Showgrounds. While I was there I came across some Australian Home Journal's from 1956 and 1957. The designs are just coming back into vogue (See Karen Walker in Myer and the latest catwalk collections at LV) . But the most fantastic thing is that the patterns were still enclosed!

The advertisements were also quite interesting, a mail order Camphor wood Glory Box and some rather quirky ads claiming to banish 'bad fat' with a pill (well some things never change!).