Roman Holiday

Roman Holiday - Spring - Edith Head

Source - Los Angeles Times

'Rome; by all means, Rome.' Audrey Hepburn declares bravely in the final scene of her Oscar winning performance of Princess Ann. She is powerless to the undiluted charm of Italy, as anyone be hard-pressed not to be - especially when accompanied by Gregory Peck in the 1950's - sipping champagne outside a caffè, dancing on the river or, iconically, speeding past Trajan's column on a Vespa. While the rest of the world, trying to cope with their own death tolls, painstakingly watches the miserable updates from this usually cheerful sun-soaked nation, it is an almost essential reminder in what the Italians are like at their most Italian - exuding warmth, passion, romance - and what they will hopefully return to once all of this is over, whenever that may be.

Ann

Source - Not on Blu-ray

'I hate this nightgown. I hate all my nightgowns, and I hate all my underwear too.'

Princess Ann Princess Ann is presented as embodying all the, now antiquated, qualities associated with of being a young royal. Eloquent, trained in embroidery, fluent in French, wearing couture and consistently poised. Though, of course, this is wholly unrealistic as we seen underneath the pristine gown, just Ann, the indignant twenty-something, is mercifully stretching her foot out of a particularly painful pair of heels. Despite the many aspects of this character we can be thankful largely don't exist in 21st century ideals of royalty or femininity anymore - lack of any agency for one - there are some we would be churlish not to revel in. Through the initial newsreel of Dior-esque silhouettes, continuing through to her ivory lace gown she wears to the final press conference (which she then wore to accept her winning Oscar) she is a mesmerising model for couture collections of the 1950's complete with classic colour schemes, clean lines and nipped in waists. Not to revel in it would be an insult to legendary costume designer Edith Head, who also dressed fellow icons Grace Kelly and Kim Novak.

Source - constantscribbles

'Sorry honey, but I haven't worn a nightgown in years.'

Anya Though Ann's enigmatic alias might only wear one outfit (not including Geffory Peck's pyjamas) during her day of freedom, it is an unbeliavly stylish one. A light mid-length sky-blue skirt and clean white button-down shirt is cinched together with a wide belt with a simple square buckle. The only adjustments she makes is when she buys a delicate pair of ankle-tied ballet flats, rolls up her shirt to form flattering cap sleeves, and ties a small maroon silk scarf around her neck for dancing. It is a testament to how women used to dress in the 50's, with fewer clothes, impeccable tailoring and small adjustments making an old outfit new. Fashion being the third biggest contributor to climate change and producing inexorable amounts of waste each year, we could all learn a lot from Hepburn, investing in quality pieces that can be worn again and again, adjusted, updated and fitted - rendering the need for replacement obsolete.

From left to right: Plan C skirt, Sézane top, & Other Stories belt, Nars brow gel, Carolina Herrera gown, Yawn nightshirt, Fendi silk scrunchie, Vintage Miu Miu top, Vintage Chanel faux pearl necklace, & Other Stories pumps, Philip Treacy hat, Cos silk scarf, Ralph & Russo dress, Emilia Wickstead gown, Manami midi skirt

Extras

Source - Flickr

'I'm a good liar too, aren't I, Mr. Bradley?' 'The best I've ever met.'

Vespa Rossa Once we can all finally get out and about, antagonising the Polizia di Stato on a Vespa is still once of the best ways to explore this historic Italian capital, or indeed any Europan city.

Source - Pinterest

'Just drive away and leave me as I leave you.'

Baja This best places for cocktails on the Tiber river where half a century ago Hepburn and Peck would have been throwing themselves into the water, inexplicably pursued by ten men in drab suits and dusky trilbies.

Source - Nebeep.com

'I don't know how to say goodbye.'

Black & White Film Film cameras are having a resurgence and there's no better time to source a camera and practice shooting while desperately trying to fill time in quarantine. Black and white film especially makes anything you photograph look instantly chic, whether waiting in a line outside Tesco or mixing your fifth quarantini of the day.