Movie-icon: «Socialite» Holly Golightly

Holly Golightly is the main character of “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” based on Truman Capote’s novel. Initially the writer wanted to give his character another name, but afterwards gave her a symbolic name of a woman, who makes a celebration of her every day and illuminates it with gaudy sun beams of her unpredictable and interesting life. She was his most favorite character. Considering the movie, one might find a lot of arguments. Some say that Capote was strictly against Audrey Hepburn for the main role, because according to novel Holly was “cold” and tall blonde, other state the opposite. So it is still a mystery how a girl of her kind should look like.  

“Breakfast at Tiffany’s”

Having read some of the writer’s notes, it’s easy to realize that Holly’s character is pretty generalized. Truman moved in the highest circles of society and used to mix up with gorgeous “socialites” Slim Keith and Babe Paley. He knew what kinds of distinctive features should have a person similar to them. Marilyn Monroe in their conversation with Capote about Babe Paley said: “How elegant she is. When I look at her picture I feel me being so loutish. ” “Babe Paley has only one imperfection: she is perfect” used to say Truman Capote himself.    

Babe Paley style  

Slim Keith, the wife of a millionaire, was considered to be one of the most influential women in fashion world and almost every year her name would be in the list of “The most stylish people”. Speaking of screen version of the book she used to explain: “The point is in beauty, brains, taste and style… One should be natural and extraordinary simultaneously... one should show one’s intellect, sense of humor and healthy interest towards men.” 

Slim Keith style

Of course, the costumes for the movie were made by Hubert de Givenchy himself, and all they became symbolic for the world of fashion. It is an open secret that one should wear pearl necklace, little black dress and long gloves to look like Holly Golightly. But still, I think that one should know the ones who set the style and was prototype of one of the brightest images of American cinematograph in 60’s.    

Christy Turlington by Steven Meisel

Translated by Toma

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