The Original Savvy Girl.
Don’t you love her? La Hepburn was born May 4, 1929. And today, on the 85th anniversary of her birth, she continues to inspire a new generation, with her beautiful films, her genuinely timeless style and her generous heart. The graceful way she conducted herself resonates in this age of rage, speed and (ahem), me-itis.
Audrey carried herself with dignity and poise, choosing not to succumb to pretension as many did (and do) under the glare of Hollywood lights. Take that, so-called “reality stars”! (cue: arched-eyebrow) .
Allow me to share one of my favorite stories: how she found the grace to think of others amid her own sadness.
Audrey was in Italy, filming Roman Holiday (1953) with Gregory Peck, when she and her fiance, British businessman James Hanson, decided to call off their engagement. The decision was said to be amicable, but heavy-hearted. It was enough to deal with the paparazzi in the wake of the news. But what was she to do with her sumptuous dress – which, naturally, was fit for Hollywood royalty? Audrey met with the Fontana sisters, a trio of designers, and asked them, “ … to find the most beautiful, poor Italian girl” and to present her with the dress as a gift.
And so it came to be that Amabile Altobella, a girl from the small town of Latina, Italy, received Audrey’s stunning dress. She wore it to marry her beau, a local farmworker.
Now that is grace!
Now I want to watch her sing “Moon River” on YouTube …
What’s your favorite Audrey movie, fashion tip or story?
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