Film: Breakfast At Tiffany's (1961)

Seeing as how the basis of this blog is on fashion within films/television, it's inevitable that the first post be about 

none other than the infamous, Breakfast At Tiffany's!

The little black dress by Givenchy was practically embedded into the film's fashion, 

along with numerous other classic, minimalistic looks sported by Audrey Hepburn.

Above is the universally recognized shot of the black Italian sheath evening gown.

Even the jewelry, particularly the string of pearls, has developed a reputation for itself and inspired collections made by designers such as Kenneth Jay Lane.

The men's fashion was also a rather prominent aspect of the film. It not only accentuated the classic, suave nature of Audrey Hepburn's character but accentuated men's appreciation and reflection of blazers, cardigans, button down collar shirts, silk pocket squares and even to the extent of jacket lapels and collar rolls!

Although it's convenient to simply and blatantly appreciate the film's fashion as it is, à la carte,

I find it much more interesting to know a bit about the backdrop, the origin, of some of the fashion pieces.

It's important to note the role that Audrey Hepburn's already established popularity/fame had played in shaping Breakfast At Tiffany's into the iconic fashion film it is today.

Audrey Hepburn was a close friend of French designer, Givenchy. "Hepburn referred to Givenchy as her 'best friend' while he considered her as like a 'sister'."

Thus, it was no surprise that, "Givenchy not only chose the dress for the character in the film, but also added the right accessories to match the long gown in the form of a pearl choker of many strands, a foot long cigarette holder, a large black hat and opera gloves which 

not only 'visually defined the character but indelibly linked Audrey with her'."

Audrey's fame and visual association to her character allowed the media to create almost a relationship between Hepburn and her clothing throughout the film.

Many believe that it was Givenchy's personally-made gown that showered Holly Golightly with elegance when in fact, a large part of it was due to Audrey Hepburn herself; it was her own aura of elegance, which Givenchy had recognized and played-up for the film.

Hepburn was able to make a sweatshirt and jeans look classy!

For those of you who have watched the film,

this was a perfect example of "dressing the part"!

Hepburn's ensemble was so well associated to the scene in which Holly Golightly and Paul Varjak frolick around New York City together.

Holly's looks are particularly more reserved, neutral-toned and classic as is Paul Varjak's, with his casual, tweed blazers.

However, in this particular scene, both are depicted wearing brighter, bolder ensembles that are slightly out of the character's elements!

Holly's vibrant, orange coat and chic, fur hat---Paul's spiffy, sleek, navy blazer. Their clothing perfectly associates them to the spontaneous, carefree, out-of-the-ordinary day that is depicted in this scene.

Women of all types can relate to at least one category of Breakfast At Tiffany's fashion, whether it be the classic or the bold.

Even those who fall into another category are still in a position of admiration for the styles found within the film and designers and fashionistas alike are inspired.

I encourage everyone to learn more about the fashion that inspires you. 

Breakfast At Tiffany's was surely an instance of fashion inspiration for me and learning further about the origins of the film's styles gave me a more profound admiration for not only the designers but the film as a whole!

Thank you for reading!

For an example of Breakfast At Tiffany's inspired fashion, click Here.

-Monica