A new biography by Tom Santopietro titled ‘Audrey Hepburn: A Life of Beautiful Uncertainty’ highlights the actress’s Hollywood career, her humanitarian work, and her fashion influence.
A new biography dedicated to the life of Audrey Hepburn, titled “Audrey Hepburn: A Life of Beautiful Uncertainty,” has recently been published, reigniting interest in the iconic actress whose legacy continues to captivate audiences. Written by Tom Santopietro, the book provides a wealth of rare details, photographs, and anecdotes that explore not only Hepburn’s illustrious Hollywood career but also her significant contributions as a World War II resistance activist and her long-standing commitment to UNICEF.
Published by Rowman & Littlefield, Santopietro’s biography also delves into Hepburn’s notable fashion influence, with contributions from designer Jeffrey Banks, who had a personal relationship with the actress. In a conversation with Women’s Wear Daily, Banks expressed his initial reluctance to write about Hepburn, a figure known for her privacy. However, he agreed to offer his insights into her fashion sense and help curate photography for the biography after being approached by Santopietro.
Banks reminisced about his first encounter with Hepburn at a dinner dance hosted by the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City in May 1982, honoring the legendary designer Hubert de Givenchy on his 30th anniversary in the fashion industry. He strategically secured a table near Hepburn’s and prepared to present her with a bouquet of red roses. “One would call it a ‘bouquet,’ but it was more like a small bush of roses,” Banks remarked, describing how he managed to present the flowers after being introduced to Hepburn by the Givenchy executive.
The connection between Hepburn and Givenchy is a focal point of the biography. Banks recalled that Hepburn had suggested to director Billy Wilder that she should travel to Paris to select a wardrobe for her role in “Sabrina,” as the character had spent time there. Upon visiting Givenchy’s showroom, the designer, expecting to meet the more famous Katharine Hepburn, was charmed by Audrey instead.
Highlighting Hepburn’s fashion choices in her breakout role, Banks noted that the biography features iconic looks from “Sabrina,” including the famous strapless white silk organza gown that adorns the book’s cover. This particular design holds significance beyond the film; Ivanka Trump famously wore a haute couture replica of the Givenchy dress to presidential inaugural balls in January.
The book also reflects on how Hepburn’s connection to Givenchy influenced her professional journey. Banks pointed out an incident at the premiere of “Sabrina,” when Hepburn was dismayed that only costume designer Edith Head received credit for the film’s wardrobe, despite Givenchy’s significant contribution. This prompted Hepburn to negotiate credit for Givenchy in her future contracts, which Banks noted as a testament to her commitment to acknowledging those who collaborated with her creatively.
Banks, who holds a deep appreciation for “Funny Face”—a film celebrated for its combination of Hepburn’s charm, Fred Astaire’s dance, classic Gershwin music, and the backdrop of Paris—shared insights on how Hepburn perceived Givenchy’s designs. She once described his clothing as “armour,” which endowed her with the confidence to perform on screen effectively.
In discussing Hepburn’s lasting impact on fashion, Banks emphasized her role as a trendsetter even over three decades after her passing. He pointed out how she popularized timeless staples including the little black dress, ballet flats, and pearl accessories. As Banks stated, “All of these things are in the fashion lexicon because Audrey wore them first, and women have never stopped wearing them.”
Overall, “Audrey Hepburn: A Life of Beautiful Uncertainty” not only pays tribute to an artist whose influence remains entrenched in popular culture but also illuminates lesser-known aspects of her life that shaped her legacy.
Source: Noah Wire Services
