For many of us, a crisp white shirt and pair of khakis pants is de riguerur dressing--polished, smart and so wearable. We can thank fashion icon Katherine Hepburn for embracing this timeless look during the 1930s and 40s, at a time when girdles and stockings were the convention of the day. I've had a healthy obsession with Kate Hepburn since I first began to watch her movies as a child. I loved her independant, rebelious nature and still can't resist a late night screening of ''The African Queen," or ''Guess Who's Coming to Dinner". Hepburn, who died in 2003 at the age of 96, saved almost all the costumes from her long career and the have been beautifully curated at an exhibit, "Katharine Hepburn: Dressed for Stage and Screen" at the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts. Among the highlights is a stunning satin and lace wedding gown created by Howard Greer for her role as Stella Surrege in “The Lake.” The classic off the shoulder gown showcased her tiny (20 inch!) waist.
Comfort was paramount to Hepburn—she needed to be able to move in her outfit and liked to throw her leg over a chair or sit on the floor. She always wore her 'uniform' — khakis and a shirt — to rehearsals and pant ensembles to publicity appearances.
Look at the waist!
"Katharine Hepburn: Dressed for Stage and Screen" at the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, Open Monday-Saturday noon to 6 p.m. and until 8 p.m. on Thursdays. Free.
10 comments:
How fun! Great pics. I am Katherine Hepburn's biggest fan.
Your post today goes well with mine for today about the new Hollywood Costume exhibit at the Victoria and Albert in London, except yours is A LOT closer to home. I will definitely check it out! Thanks for sharing!
She was definitely a style icon. But sometimes life isn't fair in the waist department.
Sam
Why do so many people think this woman is an icon when she was involved with several married men over the years?
What a fantastic exhibit!!! Kate was a knock out and that waist....unbelievable. I don't think I've seen 20" since the 1980s! :)
xoxo Elizabeth
Fabulous! She sure was one of a kind - an amazing lady all around
Stacy
What a great exhibit! Would love to see it! Katherine Hepburn was such a style icon. Love her work!
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To JD many of the worlds most favorite painters were men who had many lovers while being married. If you are referring to Spencer Tracy, his wife knew that he had a relationship with KH. They had a son who was deaf I believe and they kept their marriage together for that reason only. Look at Woody Allen! He married and procreated with his adopted daughter. That does not take away from his ability to write or direct. KH was an inspirational woman who knew who she was and didn't make apologies for it. We are looking at the lives of artists. Their personal lives do not take away from their talent. :-)
To JD many of the worlds most favorite painters were men who had many lovers while being married. If you are referring to Spencer Tracy, his wife knew that he had a relationship with KH. They had a son who was deaf I believe and they kept their marriage together for that reason only. Look at Woody Allen! He married and procreated with his adopted daughter. That does not take away from his ability to write or direct. KH was an inspirational woman who knew who she was and didn't make apologies for it. We are looking at the lives of artists. Their personal lives do not take away from their talent. :-)
I have always loved her too. Oh how I would love to see that exhibit! Do you think it will ever come to L.A.? Thanks for this post...very cool.
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