CHATEAU D'HAROUE

Sometimes, the best things don't come in small packages. They come in exquisitely overwrought, mind-blowing packages of stunning proportions. Castle-sized proportions. The beautiful French Château d'Haroué is hosting Three Great Creators, the work of Cristobal Balenciaga, Hubert de Givenchy, and Philippe Venet from May 7 to August 17, 2010. Forty - 40! - haute couture evening gowns will be on display, including Givenchy's black duchess satin gown from Breakfast at Tiffany's, and Balenciaga's mink-trimmed wedding dress for Queen Fabiola of Belgium. But perhaps the most surprising detail of all is that this collection has been curated and arranged by the great Givenchy himself, now 83 years old. Located in the Lorraine region of France, the breathtaking architecture and grounds of Château d'Haroué would be enough to woo any vacationer (and the stunning interiors include the largest collection of French royal furniture in private hands). But a castle full of couture, chosen by one of France's greatest couturiers? Genius! 

The original LBD:  Givenchy's Breakfast at Tiffany's Gown, worn by Audrey Hepburn.

Above, Balenciaga's wedding gown for Queen Fabiola of Belgium.

Buy those plane tickets! For full details on the event, visit here:  Château d'Haroué.

Images, Château d'Haroué website.

Audrey Hepburn, a Funny Face

I haven't seen Hepburn's movie Funny Face in years, but a gown in the Spring 2010 Oscar de la Renta bridal collection reminded me of Hepburn's wedding costume in the movie. For those of you who haven't seen Funny Face, it's one of the best "clothes films" out there.

A brief plot summary: Boy (Fred Astaire) meets girl (Audrey Hepburn). Boy likes girl. Girl does not like boy. Boy, who is a photographer cum dancer, talks girl into casting aspersions upon her "higher" beatnik ideals and becoming a fashion model in order to gain a trip to Paris to meet a professor whose pseudo-philsophical teachings she emulates. Typical casual romance!

Along the way, a lot of spectacular outfits happen. Also, some sing'n and dance'n (whence the musical number, Think Pink!). Hubert de Givenchy dresses everybody, and eventually, they all dance delightedly into the sunset, which is precisely what any sane person would do when wearing 1950s Givenchy. The styles in this often-overlooked movie are so iconic, they continue to inspire today.

The Oscar de la Renta gown.

Wheeeee!!! Doesn't this make you want to spin around in circles until

you're silly?

Hepburn in the Louvre on the stair before the Victory of Samothrace - the locations

are nothing to sniff at. And this burning red prefigures Valentino's luscious gowns.

"99 Luftbaloons..." This classic photography sequence with Hepburn modeling

around Paris is breathtaking - and also, highly inspirational to certain modern designers

like Vuitton (Bazaar) and Proenza Schouler (in a Vogue shoot in 2008). Similar idea, no?

A few more scenes:

The famous bird of paradise costume.

As Anna Karenina (la steam!)

The movie poster, featuring the breathtaking costume she wears when

meeting Professor Flostre.

Bridal on runway. Dancing with Astaire. Red gown and Karina (in color). Balloons and black and white Karenina shoot.

Vogue image. Bouquet photo. Bird of paradise costume. Movie poster.

Style Classics: Capucine

I've always loved the first movie in The Pink Panther series, starring Peter Sellers, David Niven, Claudia Cardinale, and Capucine. It's absolute classic 1960s glamor, from the costumes, to the Henri Mancini soundtrack, to the setting in Rome and the Italian Alps. The French actress and model Capucine is the most glamorous of all, and unfortunately, it's difficult to find many pictures of her these days. She was a highly successful model, showing for Dior and Givency, among others. She was also close friends with Audrey Hepburn, and served as a witness at Hepburn's 1969 wedding.

Her elegant "look."  

I believe this is a publicity shot (film unknown).  She often wore classic, unfussy looks.

Capucine played in numerous films, opposite actors such as Peter O'Toole and William Holden (whom she dated for two years). 
Here's Capucine as a french show girl, in the movie North to Alaska, playing opposite John Wayne. 

Stunning even in a shower cap.  From an amusing scene in The Pink Panther.  

The final court scene in The Pink Panther. It's a shame there are so few images from this film, because her entire wardrobe is STUNNING.  Worth watching just for the clothes.  Note Claudia Cardinale as Princess Dala (RH side) lovely in a chocolate and cream ensemble.

Unknown location, but it's a beautiful setting.

Sport fashion.  This is probably from the skiing scene in The Pink Panther. 

Images: fashionspot.com, tedstrong.com, ebay.com, fanpix.net, moviemarket.com, photobucket.com, photobucket.com.