Breakfast at Tiffany’s: Curiosities and Iconic Costumes
Discover the iconic costumes from Breakfast at Tiffany’s and interesting facts about Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golightly. A classic that left its mark on fashion and cinema!
Truman Capote imagined Marilyn Monroe as Holly Golightly when he wrote Breakfast at Tiffany’s. However, the star was looking for a new direction for her career and turned down the role, fearing that it would reinforce a stereotype she wanted to avoid. Audrey Hepburn, on the other hand, saw the role as a great challenge. Initially, Capote rejected the idea, because he thought Audrey didn’t fit Holly. But today, it’s almost impossible to imagine another actress in the role of the young dreamer, who wants to marry a rich man, throws unforgettable parties and flirts with her charming neighbor.
The success of Breakfast at Tiffany’s
Directed by Blake Edwards, the film won two Oscars: Best Score and Best Original Song. Henry Mancini and Johnny Mercer composed the iconic Moon River, especially for Audrey Hepburn. Mancini, who had already heard the actress sing in Funny Face (1957), adapted the melody to her vocal range, creating one of the most memorable songs in cinema.
Audrey Hepburn’s unforgettable costumes
The costumes for Breakfast at Tiffany’s were created by Hubert de Givenchy, with the collaboration of Edith Head. The partnership between Audrey and Givenchy began in a curious way: when he was informed that “Miss Hepburn” was in his store, Givenchy imagined that it was Katharine Hepburn. Even after the mistake, the collaboration between Audrey and the designer became legendary, marking films such as:
- Sabrina (1953)
- Cinderella in Paris (1957)
- How to Steal a Million Dollars (1961)
However, Breakfast at Tiffany’s went down in fashion history, mainly because of the famous iconic black dress.
Holly Golightly’s iconic black dress
The black dress worn in the opening scene, where Holly has breakfast while looking at the Tiffany’s shop windows, is one of the most iconic outfits in cinema. Created by Givenchy, the sleeveless, form-fitting, satin gown was complemented by striking accessories:
- Pearl necklace
- Long satin gloves
- Delicate tiara
- Sunglasses by Oliver Goldsmith
Another black dress worn by Holly has a different style, with a flared skirt and wide-brimmed hat, paired with low-heeled shoes and elegant earrings.
Holly’s casual and comfortable outfits
In addition to her glamorous looks, Holly Golightly also wore more casual clothes, but always with a touch of elegance. Some of the most striking casual outfits in the film include:
- Edith Head’s white nightgown, accompanied by the famous sleeping mask and cute earplugs.
- A white shirt used as a bathrobe, a detail that became a trend among fans of the film.
- A comfortable look with a shirt, pants and flats, another classic creation by Edith Head.
A fun fact: in the original script, Holly improvised a dress after getting out of the shower, but this scene was cut. The result was the iconic image of the character wrapped in a blanket, yet still oozing charm and elegance.
The Legacy of Breakfast at Tiffany’s
The costumes from Breakfast at Tiffany’s continue to influence the fashion world, making Audrey Hepburn an eternal style icon. The black dress, pearls and sunglasses are still the go-to for sophisticated looks. And of course, the soundtrack immortalized by Moon River makes the film a timeless classic.
Sources: Style on Film: Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Matter of Style: Intimate Portraits of 10 Women Who Changed Fashion, IMDB, Pinterest
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