The enchanting allure of Audrey Hepburn and the timeless elegance of Paris come together in a captivating new book, Audrey Hepburn in Paris, written by Meghan Friedlander and Luca Dotti, Hepburn’s youngest son. This delightful exploration delves into Hepburn’s lifelong love affair with the City of Lights, revealing a deeper connection than the backdrops of her iconic films.
While audiences know and adore Hepburn for her roles in Funny Face and Charade, this newest book about the star goes beyond the silver screen. It sheds light on her personal experiences in the city, from her early visits that sparked a lifelong affection to the months spent filming and soaking in the Parisian atmosphere. The book explores her favorite sights, sounds, and shops, and the exuberant energy she found in Parisian nightlife.
Hepburn’s connection with Paris wasn’t just about charming cafes and historic landmarks though. Audrey Hepburn in Paris delves into her close friendship with Parisian designer Hubert de Givenchy. Their collaboration not only shaped fashion history but also reflected a mutual appreciation for elegance and sophistication.
“It’s almost like a love letter between the two of them,” says Friedlander, hinting at the book’s exploration of the deep bond between Hepburn and Givenchy. Readers can expect insights into their creative process and the enduring influence of Parisian style on Hepburn’s signature look.
Dotti, co-author and son of Hepburn, sheds light on a side of his mother previously unknown to him. Through the book’s exploration of Hepburn’s Parisian life, Dotti discovered stories of her dancing until dawn at parties and the lengths she went to create a haven in her favorite Parisian hotel room.
Friedlander, the creator of the Rare Audrey Hepburn blog, acted as a guide through Hepburn’s Parisian world. Her deep dive into historical sources unearthed a delightful diary entry by the famous writer Colette, recounting her first encounter with a young and unknown Hepburn. This captivating glimpse into the past adds another layer to the rich tapestry of the book.
While the “Little Black Dress” is a signature image of Hepburn, Dotti initially harbored reservations about the book perpetuating this stereotype. The book instead reveals a multifaceted woman who enjoyed life’s simple pleasures in Paris, a side often overshadowed by her glamorous persona.
Packed with rare and unseen photos, the book even features a rediscovered image from the film How to Steal a Million. This lost photograph, featuring a debate between Hepburn and Givenchy over a lace eye mask, exemplifies the collaborative spirit and playful energy that infused their Parisian encounters.
“It’s like the photo had a life of its own,” says Dotti. “[The book] is a guidebook to a time, a place, and fashion.”
Whether you’re a lifelong admirer of Hepburn or simply captivated by the magic of Paris, Audrey Hepburn in Paris promises a captivating journey. It offers a glimpse into the personal side of the infamous Audrey Hepburn, revealing the woman who fell in love with a city and, in turn, became an embodiment of its timeless charm.
