There is so much to love about March! Spring is blossoming, birds are flying returning to warmer weather and it’s time to celebrate Women’s History Month. [CB1] The women in our lives are so invaluable: moms, sisters and daughters, and that’s why it’s so important to highlight the historic impacted on our lives. [CB2]
Although female actors of today, vibrant women, like of Janelle Monáe, Taraji P. Henson and Octavia Spencer (Hidden Figures), Emma Watson (Beauty and the Beast), Natalie Portman (Jackie) and so many more, will undoubtedly be historical in their own regard, there are many actresses of the past that need recognition for their mark on filmography.
A few semi-hidden figures in the production of theatrical hits, such as Sabrina, Roman Holiday, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, and Funny Face are worth exploring. Funny Face is one of my favorites. Recently, the SCAD Fashion Museum held a showing of the movie as a part of their film series that accompanied the “Threads of History: Two Hundred Years of Fashion” exhibit, showcasing 20th-century garments like ones worn in Funny Face.
Funny Face is the 1957 movie based on a 1927 Broadway musical of the same name. The adorable Audrey Hepburn plays Jo Stockton, a feisty librarian turned cover model. Kay Thompson plays, Maggie Prescott, the editor and chief of Quality magazine who is as multifaceted and determined as Thompson herself. And there is a special place on the stage for the distinguishable costume designer, Edith Head. The movie wouldn’t have been magic without these three women, and neither would the industries they worked in.
Audrey Hepburn is known for her beautiful brows and ageless class. Even though she’s the daughter of a Dutch baroness, her decorum stretches way beyond royalty. She didn’t dazzle the silver screen with sex appeal, but instead used her witty personality and charm to hold the hearts of millions in movies like My Fair Lady and Roman Holiday. She’s classic, as can be seen by Gap’s 2006 ad campaign for their classic skinny black pants. Gap couldn’t find anyone better suited to represent the style than Audrey herself; so they borrowed some footage from the famous Paris lounge scene in Funny Face, put it to some rock music and the rest is history.
In the film, Jo Stockton’s bookstore gets invaded by Quality photographers and she proclaims her distain for fashion magazines by saying they are “chichi, and an unrealistic approach to self-impressions as well as economics.” What an intellectual way with words. Jo gets roped into being the Quality Woman because of her character, spirit and intelligence not only her grace, elegance and pizazz.
Audrey Hepburn was more than a pretty face. She was charitable with a big heart. As a UNICEF Ambassador she made missions to war-torn Ethiopia, impoverished living quarters in Ecuador, and a polio vaccine project in Turkey all to help disadvantaged children. “I can testify to what UNICEF means to children, because I was among those who received food and medical relief right after World War II,” the actress said about the organizations impact. She even has her own website dedicated to helping children in need: The Audrey Hepburn Children’s Fund. There is so much to be said about Audrey Hepburn’s pretty face and beautiful soul.
“People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed…“
As a singer and choreographer, Kay Thompson played a large part in the behind the scenes process instead of the screened action. She was a vocal coach to stars like Judy Garland and Frank Sinatra. She made minimal appearances in movies, but her most prominent role was as Maggie Prescott in Funny Face. The movie opens with Prescott storming into the Quality magazine office, with assistants a flutter, singing “Good morning, Ms. Prescott!”, which may be the inspiration behind the similar scene in The Devil Wears Prada. Like the Miranda Priestly of the fifties, her musical number “Think Pink” sets pink as the new color of the year on par with the today’s Pantone color. Kay Thompson makes Maggie Prescott pop as a feminine character because she embraces life. Her most redeeming quality comes in when Prescott learns to put herself in the shoes of Jo Stockton.
Kay Thomson was also the author of the Eloise children’s books. The book character’s antics were inspired by Thompson’s own experiences living at The Plaza Hotel in New York City. Thompson’s joie de vivre attitude is a great reminder to live for the joy of life, as she says herself:
“Enthusiasm and imagination can carry you where you want to go, without Vuitton luggage.”
Block bangs and circular glasses were the signature look of costume designer Edith Head. She was the undeniable muse for the Pixar’s The Incredibles character Edna Mod. Edith Head advanced from a sketch artist at Paramount Pictures to the Chief Designer of the studio. She also worked as a designer for Universal Studios. She holds the record for the most Oscars won by a woman with 8 awards for Costume Design, and she is the most nominated woman at 35 nominations. She’s worked on notable films, such as The Birds, Sabrina, To Catch a Thief, and The Ten Commandments to name a few of her 1,100 film credits.
Her designs are as iconic as the women who wear them. Elizabeth Taylor played in her first adult role in A Place in the Sun wearing Head’s designs. The pale yellow strapless gown became the go-to style of 1950s prom dresses. In the movie Rear Window, Grace Kelly wears the distinguished fitted, V-neck black bodice with a full chiffon and tulle skirt. The look is iconic and is emulated by modern beauties January Jones and Nicole Kidman.
Behind every great woman is another great woman. Edith Head was a strong-willed woman who knew the power of a classic look, but was unafraid to create flamboyant designs. Hollywood’s most well-known costume designer indirectly influenced the fashion worn by everyday women.
“You can have anything you want in life if you dress for it.”
Audrey Hepburn, Kay Thompson, and Edith Head are a few Hollywood’s historic women who’s personalities reached beyond the façade. They influence genuine women with their charm and vivacity, and they celebrate what it means to be a woman.