Over at What They Are Wearing Now, I was introduced to this LA Times interview with seminal stylist Freddie Leiba, where he talks passionately about the movie costumes that have shaped celluloid, and fashion, history. Of course Audrey appears no less than three times (and I will be drawing the winner for the Breakfast at Tiffany's book comp on Sunday), but that other 20th Century movie goddess Marilyn Monroe ties for equal first. Is it possible to blog too much about Marilyn Monroe? Considering her face can still sell magazines today, perhaps not.
Leiba selected this risque Orry Kelly creation which created a storm in its day when Some Like it Hot was released. The beauty of this dress is that ut appears more revealing than it is; even as a kid I was mesmerised by Marilyn's beauteous figure in this frock.
Another risque dress for its time (there's nothing like a keyhole cut-out to drive men wild!), this shocking pink frock was worn by Marilyn in one of her early roles, Niagara.
Pink was the colour of the 1950s, and of course the strapless column dress with the matching gloves (Gentlemen Prefer Blondes) was included on the list too.
The cut down to there red sequin dress from Gentlemen as well as the iconic white halter from The Seven Year Itch and the fantastic green corset from Bus Stop didn't make the cut but they are all pretty darn memorable. Audrey might be an enduring fashion darling but both on-screen and off, Marilyn's influence on what women wear and have worn, can't be denied.
For today my favourite Marilyn costume pick is the purple evening dress from How to Marry a Millionaire. It's a style that is still being emulated by starlets on red-carpets everywhere.
I was sad to hear this morning that Tony Curtis, who starred alongside Marilyn in arguably her best ever performance as Sugar in
Some Like it Hot, just passed away. I'll never forget his brilliant Cary Grant parody in that film, nor that beautiful face. Wasn't he handsome when he was young? I also found this lovely pic of him and former wife Janet Leigh. LOVE her ice blue dress and his perfect tux.
Actress Anne Hathaway is the cover girl for the November issue of US Vogue and the editorial has her wearing elegant evening wear as shot by Mario Testino. She's looking very Audrey in this shoot - a whole lot of My Fair Lady with a dash of Roman Holiday thrown in - and utterly gorgeous. Love the shot of her in the Oscar de la Renta polka dot.
It seems Audrey's unforgettable style and beauty will never cease to inspire. The November issue of Vanity Fair has also come over all Audrey, with a scene by scene tribute to Funny Face featuring the latest couture. The editorial sounds awesome in theory, but in practice doesn't quite work for me. I'm not sure whether it's the layout, the model or the particular choice of expensive clothes (come to think of it, that surely can't be it), but for me it comes across as a little bit budget and twee. Surprising, as Vanity Fair has featured some of my favourite classic Hollywood inspired shoots ever. 
