Falling in love with Audrey Hepburn’s timeless fashion

The ongoing Intimate Audrey installation at S Maison has reignited the enduring fascination of Philippine fashion with Audrey Hepburn. It’s an affair that dates back to the 1950s, and it’s amazing to see how it has stayed strong for over seven decades. Even emerging designers, born after her passing in 1993, have the opportunity to be guided by and gain a deeper understanding of her iconic status as both a beauty and fashion icon.

Audrey Hepburn, a Hollywood icon, not only shattered the notion of superficial beauty but also transcended her film career to become a renowned humanitarian and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.

As part of the exhibit, FashionX and the Philippine Fashion Coalition were given an 88-square-meter special section at the end of the walkabout to highlight 22 Filipino designers and their creations inspired by a photo, a costume from a film scene, or even a moment in Audrey’s private life.

The section is curated by Michael Salientes, who shared, “What makes Audrey so special and such an icon? Obviously, her extraordinary beauty. It’s the contrast between her amazing beauty and her realness, and humanity. When she opened her mouth, you would really feel her warmth and sincerity.”

“My favorite movie of Audrey is Breakfast at Tiffany’s. One thing that is good in this exhibition is it humanizes Audrey – she’s an excellent actress, she’s a good mother, and she’s a philanthropist.”

During a recent Philippine Fashion Coalition lunch, designers chimed in on their favorite Audrey memories.

For Jor-El Espina, Fair Lady is his favorite movie. He said, “She has a personal style. She’s effortless, graceful, and a good actress. Plus I love her social work, and the things she shared with people.”

SOFA’s Amina Aranaz calls Roman Holiday her best Audrey film, and says, “Audrey really has an innate sense of style, of elegance, of goodness, and her whole persona seems to exude such positivism.”

Intimate Audrey is a bespoke exhibition created by her son, Sean H. Ferrer. It runs until October 29. The exhibit features a fascinating collection of original and re-printed photographs, memorabilia, dresses, and accessories, plus fashion drawings and humanitarian writings.