Channeling Audrey

Richard Avedon (1923-2004) was an American photographer famed for his minimalist portraits that give us a view into the soul of his sitter. At times, he would start up uncomfortable discussions with his subjects to capture the most honest reactions. 

Richard Avedon, Marilyn Monroe, New York, May 6, 1957.

Before Avedon explored the psyche of his subjects, he gained notoriety from being a fashion photographer, working for Harper's Bazaar and Vogue. He went against the standards of stiff poses in fashion photography of the time, and showed his models

 in action and full of life.

Richard Avedon, The New Look of Dior, Renee, Place de la Concorde, Paris, August 1947.

In 1957, Hollywood portrayed Avedon in the fictional character of 

Dick Avery played by Fred Astaire in Funny Face. Enjoy the photo sequences from the film here with the beautiful 

Audrey Hepburn as Jo Stockton. 

Richard Avedon once said of Audrey, "I am, and forever will be, devastated by the gift of Audrey Hepburn before my camera. I cannot lift her to greater heights. She is already there. I can only record. I cannot interpret her. There is no going further than who she is. She has achieved in herself her ultimate portrait."

The Audrey Essentials

In my very first post, I revealed the gorgeous cut-out back of Audrey's Givenchy dress in Breakfast at Tiffany's. 

Now it's time to admire the front. Classic elegance.

Who started the trend of oversized sunglasses 

that can be seen everywhere these days? 

But of course, our lovely Audrey. Just by putting these on you can glamorize any outfit, but especially that LBD hanging in your closet. Add on some accessories to make it your look.

Find these sunglasses at Amazon.com, $25.

This is how to make a day-look chic. When I first saw Sabrina, I wanted to emulate this look from the plaid oxford shirt 

down to her espadrilles...

Chic-tify your day-look with an oxford shirt and tying the ends. Pair with plaid shorts or a full skirt. Classy up your outfit a notch by 

popping the collar--oh so Audrey!

JCrew, $39.99

Love, love, love allll of Audrey's hats. Notice the fashionfwdness of this one with the double bow sash extended top and the wide brim. 

It's all about the wide brim!!!

Looking for the perfect Spring-Summer hat? 

The oversized bow is darling against the white!

Anthropologie, $48

Black flats are quintessential Audrey. 

Functional and elegant at the same time...

Combine an Audrey-esque black flat with the trend of today--

the perforated look. 

Jeffrey Campbell, $63

My Fair Lady is right. Notice the tiara that complements Audrey's statement necklace which enhances her embellished gown. The beautiful bracelet over her long white opera gloves almost gave me a heart attack...Perfection!!!

Let's bring back opera gloves...They are just too gorgeous to save for a wedding. Dinner and drinks can always be a wonderful occasion to showcase these in any color your heart desires.

Luxury Diva, $13.99

Audrey even makes sleeping glamorous!!!

...And so can you. 

Patricia Field, $34

Block out noise en vogue with tassle ear plugs comme Audrey.

JenGen, $5.99

Audrey is timeless as is her fashion. Simplicity, accessories, and your twist of elegance are key to channeling your version of Audrey. 

So, take out your best LBD, wear your favorite jewels, 

and put on those large sunglasses... 

'Everyday is a fashion show, and the world is your runway.'

Richard Avedon, Audrey Hepburn with Art Buchwald with Simone, Barbara Mullen, Frederick Eberstadt, and Dr. Reginald Kernan. Evening dresses by Dior, Balmain, Patou, Maxim's, Paris, August 1959.