Audrey in Rome

The May 2013 issue of Vanity Fair has a wonderful feature on the new book Audrey in Rome and I highly recommend picking it up. I knew Audrey Hepburn made Roman Holiday but didn't realize that she lived in the Eternal city for more than 20 years.  Her son Luca Dotti culled the Reporters Association archives and found over 2,500 photos of the star, many of which were taken on the street and with her dog Mr. Famous. It's fun to see the progression of fashion from the 1950's to 1970's in the photos too.  The book will be released on April 16th and would make a perfect present for my birthday on the 18th...hint hint. 

Audrey Hepburn, Trinita dei Monti, 1959

Audrey Hepburn in Rome, 1959

Audrey Hepburn, Hotel Hassler at Trinita dei Monti, Feb. 7, 1960

Audrey Hepburn Spanish Steps in Rome

Audrey Hepburn and and co-star Peter Finch

 Audrey Hepburn in Rome March 11, 1964

Audrey Hepburn, Rome, 1968

Audrey Hepburn in Piazza Di Spagna in Rome

Audrey and husband Andrea Dotti 1970

 Audrey Hepburn Rome, March 26, 1971

Audrey Hepburn and husband Andrea Dotti September 8, 1971

Vanity Fair May 2013

W.E.

We all know that Tom Ford's directorial debut was a smashing success.  It remains to be seen if Madonna will be so lucky but it's clear from the photos by Tom Munro that her upcoming film, W.E. will at least look beautiful. The story is the one we all know, The Duke of Windsor abdicating the throne in 1936 to marry the woman he loved, Wallis Simpson, a twice divorced American.  A contemporary story set in New York about a woman obsessed with their love story is also weaved through the film that was co-written by Alek Keshishian. The real star of the film are the clothes and jewels from Dior and Cartier among others that were realm of Oscar winning costume designer Arianne Phillips. Madonna said, “It was easy to get swept up in the historical relevance and epic romance of Wallis Simpson and Edward VIII. The fact that they were also the fashion icons of their day added to their allure for me. Wallis was the epitome of style and grace."

Photos by Tom Munro for Vanity Fair

A Look at Althorp

When we visited the Theodore Alexander showroom in High Point, we learned that they have an entire Althorp Collection of reproduction furniture.  Althorp is a stately English home in Northamptonshire that is owned by the Spencer family.  While it has over 500 years of history, it is best known as the childhood home of Princess Diana and serves as her final resting place.  As you can imagine, it is very expensive to maintain a home of this size and historic significance which is why Charles Spencer authorized a collection of Althorp reproductions at Theodore Alexander initially to help pay for a new roof.  There was also an attic sale at Christie's last year. We were not allowed to take photos in the Theodore Alexander showroom so I thought it would be fun to look at the home that inspired the collection.  We can't all live in such a magnificent splendor but it is fun to know that we can own the same furniture. 

On a side note, actor Max Irons, son of Jeremy Irons, was recently photographed by Jason Bell for Vanity Fair at Althorp. All the photos with the handsome young man are from that shoot and the black and white photos are a vintage look at Althorp.  There is also a video online of Max Irons at Althorp that gives you an even better look at this stunning house and grounds.  Enjoy!

Max Irons in Wooton Hall

The Library

The South Drawing Room

The Billiard Room

The State Dining Room

The Great Room

The Sunderland Room

The Picture Gallery

The Painters Hallway

The Saloon

The Marlborough Room

King William Bedroom

Max Irons in the King William Bedroom

Oak Bedroom

Prince of Wales Bedroom

Max Irons in the Wine Cellar

The Stables are now home to the Princess Diana exhibition.

A photo of the Stables taken in 1921