The latest Audrey Hepburn biography is a celebration of fashion and film
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH HARDIE GRANT
WORDS BY CAITLIN CEFAI
“Elegance is the only beauty that never fades.”
Audrey Hepburn’s enduring impact on the worlds of both fashion and film cannot be overstated. With her signature style of oversized sunglasses, a micro fringe and bold eyebrows, Hepburn is universally recognisable.
But there’s more to the five-time Academy Award-winning actress than most may know. For those keen to learn more about one of the most revered women in pop culture, her story is chronicled in the latest biography by bestselling author and fashion illustrator, Megan Hess.
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In Audrey Hepburn: The Illustrated World of a Fashion Icon, Hess showcases Hepburn’s incredible life, from her youth growing up in Nazi-occupied Holland and escaping as a young ballerina, through to the incredible career she built for herself starring in iconic roles like Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany’s.
A feature of Hepburn’s life that Hess focuses on is the starlet’s holistic involvement in inspiring and designing the incredible gowns and costumes she wore. Hepburn’s unforgettable performance as Princess Anne in Roman Holiday had everyone dreaming of being romantically whisked away on a Vespa to Rome. But what made her character all the more memorable was the full skirt, button-down shirt and striped scarf that’s become synonymous with the film.
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Other iconic fashion moments featured in the book include the unforgettable partnership between Hepburn and designer Hubert de Givenchy, who designed the famous Breakfast at Tiffany’s floor-length gown and glove set, and the stunning sleeveless embroidered white gown in Sabrina.
Hess takes the story of Hepburn’s life a step further and shares the intimate nature of her humanitarian work from the 1970s through to her passing in 1993. Hepburn worked with UNICEF as a UN Goodwill Ambassador, and her work earned her the US Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Hess’ fashion illustrations feature classic black-and-white sketch-like shapes that are layered with textures, metallics and signature colours for each book. Hess’ previous works include biographies on Coco Chanel, Grace Kelly and Christian Dior, as well as explorations into the elegant fashions of the 1950s and ’60s in books like The Illustrated World of Couture and Iconic: The Masters of Italian Fashion. Hess has also illustrated for the likes of Vogue, Vanity Fair and The New York Times, and is a bestselling Australian author.
While detailed in its storytelling, the biography is also a stunning piece of art. Hess’ stylistic choices to have double-page illustrations and quotes from Hepburn throughout create a book that’s not just a wonderful read but the perfect gift for the fashion-obsessed friend or family member in your life.
You can get your own copy of Audrey Hepburn: The Illustrated World of a Fashion Icon here.
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