Fashion Historian Reacts to Kendall Jenner's Met Gala Tribute to Audrey Hepburn

[@amyweaver7413]

You are the most polite person I’ve seen on all of KZbin. I appreciate your balanced, thoughtful responses. 👏❤️🇨🇦

[@henryjjwilkinson]

So glad to hear it! Thank you 💙

[@sueprator9314]

Amazing, that a degree of maturity and thoughtfulness has to be so rare on YT or anywhere in our WORLD today. People who want to be incensed by Kendall even considering this inspiration are petty and looking for a reason to crucify Kendall. This is her industry, her career regardless of who her family is. Audry Hepburn was not a goody-goody. She pushed the envelope as the video states but also she was quite opinionated on social issues.

[@garywarmee4367]

Yes, he is. In 2021 Henry has dropped down from heaven. When I was knee high to a grasshopper I bought the book, Cecil Benton's Fair Lady by riding my bike to a bookstore in town and for some unknown reason is a favorite memory. It is surprising that CB designed BOTH the sets and costumes for MFL. I confess I must not have read the book in full as I do not remember that the Embassy Ball dress was actually a reworked Victorian gown. I prefer this dress to the more famous Ascot gown which with the hat has a lot going on! Henry, the thing that really takes my breath away with Eliza at the ball is the incredible wine velvet cloak that is wrapped around her as she leaves the house for the event that has been so much in the planning...

[@eleanorw1541]

Phenomenal video!! One of your best. No one knows Audrey like you do and so many forget how multifaceted she, and her fashion choices, were!!

[@henryjjwilkinson]

Thank you! 💙💙💙

[@josephodell8493]

So happy that you are posting more often now!

[@henryjjwilkinson]

So happy to hear it! I'll try and keep it up if I can 💙

[@tinawasson7767]

Kendall Jenner rock that dress less the bullshit kendall beautiful dress 💕💕💕

[@SoLaRe60]

How can anyone associate a Kardashian vulgarian to Audrey Hepburn, the epitomy of grace and graciousness 🙈

[@realmccoy18]

i did find it odd that they chose a dress that wasn't designed by Givenchy to do a tribute.

[@louis2172]

Kendall’s dress was by Givenchy

[@rareaudreyhepburn]

Fantastic job, Henry! Another good example would be her water sprite costume from Ondine, which left little to the imagination. Audrey had a lot of input regarding her onstage costume, she even helped design the prosthetic ears she wore.

[@ronaldbradford6323]

Thanks for clearing this up !!! Everyone should know that Cecil did the sets and costumes for MY FAIR LADY . You would think that someone at Givenchy archives would have known that Givenchy did not design this gown for the film !!!!

[@annakarenina9847]

Thank you a lot from Germany. I absolutely appreciate the way you are presenting your information. To me you are one of the few "on-screen" fashion critics who are doing it calmingly and still entertaining. Shout out to your genetics at this point I guess, because you were blessed with such a pleasing voice. Wish you all the best and continue the great work :)

[@louise-yo7kz]

I love an unbiased intelligent discourse on topics. This is so awesome

[@beiderbecke1927]

All excellent points, and I commend you for staying out of the catty response to Kendall Jenner's gown. That being said, her gown seems more of a tribute to Cecil Beaton's work in My Fair Lady, than Audrey, and Givenchy seems completely out of the equation. You're so right, Beaton's gown, and Audrey's hairstyle, are a sixties styling of things Edwardian. And it's exciting, it works. Audrey herself, in discussing the moment when she descends the stairs in Henry Higgin's pad, wearing the gown, stated that the dress did all the acting, all she had to do is not trip! And, once again, you're right, it's wonderful that the gown and Audrey are a source of inspiration all these decades later. Whether it's a Jean Harlow bias cut satin evening gown, or Marilyn's halter top, accordion pleated dress from Seven Year Itch, these ladies, and their iconic looks, keep on giving.

[@julietteyork3721]

Your points are well taken, Henry. Personally, I thought Kendell’s dress was more reminiscent of a Las Vegas show girl’s costume. It seemed a rather cheap and easy choice as opposed to a design that’s both original and show-stopping. Kendall has a stunning figure for clothes and it struck me a wasted opportunity for a talented designer to show the world something new and magnificent. The nude Bob Mackie dress, famously worn by Cher and Vegas showgirls, is easy to replicate. Designing something original and drop-dead gorgeous is the trick.

[@henryjjwilkinson]

Interestingly, I think a Bob Mackie would have been more fitting for the theme this year! 💙

[@julietteyork3721]

@@henryjjwilkinson Hollywood is a short distance to Vegas in more ways than one. (For those who don’t know, it’s literally a short drive between the two cities, but my point is that the aesthetic sensibilities of the two towns are similar.) Over-the-top glitz and sex are the coveted design features, rather than elegance. If your breasts aren’t falling out of your garment and your behind isn’t on display, leaving nothing to the imagination, then you aren’t properly dressed for a showbiz event. I miss the days when soft porn designs were the exception rather than the rule. I miss gentility and decorum. I’m not suggesting that overt sexuality didn’t exist back then. Marilyn Monroe and Jayne Mansfield are proof that it did. The problem, for me, is that today it’s the predominant look, and has evolved from mere sexiness into no-holds-barred vulgarity.

[@christopherpearson448]

THANK YOU for all you contributed to this conversation. You did and said what people needed to hear and see. It’s truly sad that the negative comments were more strongly than the actual beauty of the inspiration and the dress. An uneducated mind is a terrible things to waste. You were spot on with the comparisons and I applaud your efforts to inform. Keep up the amazing work you do! ❤️❤️

[@victoriassme]

If Audrey was around today, she would’ve appreciated the tribute because she was a gracious and polite person who would never have insulted anyone. She had no enemies in Hollywood. Having read many books about her, I think in spirit she was sensuous and not as goody two shoes and naive as some of her movie characters like her fans confuse her to be in real life. She was a cougar marrying someone younger and “living in sin” with another one in later years and was truly happy with Robert. That to me says a lot about her personality very much like the risqué attire she had decided to wear because it made her feel modern. Audrey was the epitome of modernity in her time.

[@piedpiper7051]

The Jenner/Kardashian's race to the bottom of elegance.

[@Mptropical]

Incredible video as always, the knowledge behind it, your grace, and respect. Something to look up to, for sure!

[@henryjjwilkinson]

So kind of you María, thank you! 💙

[@edwardwiot6265]

I have always loved the Bloodline dress! A woman friend of mine said Audrey was the only one who could wear it without looking vulgar.

[@travelbridges3513]

Thank you for such a balanced view! It is a great course correction for anyone who is temporarily overwhelmed by indignation, but you went beyond that and helped me gain more perspective on Audrey's style. Fantastic!

[@oldhollywood_fanatic]

You're hair is so stylish, love this! It looks like 1950s hair, btw thanks for sharing this video. I'm a big fan of Audrey Hepburn ❤️

[@alaskacosplay]

I love Audrey’s wardrobes in her films, especially My Fair Lady since its like a contemporary take on an Edwardian silhouette. There are dresses from the film I want to make historically adequate (looks almost accurate but with inaccuracies for convenience sake), including the Ascot dress and the ball dress to a more traditional Edwardian style to flatter me that I could wear to day and evening events and it shows my figure to make me look like a lady.

[@XoXxeventerxXoX]

I LOVE this. What Audrey and Kendall have in common is that they are both unfairly criticized, judged and compared to others. Even after becoming a star from Roman Holiday Audrey was criticized for being a poor actor and singer compared to her contemporaries. Capote didn't want her in Breakfast at Tiffany's, and many people were very unhappy with her being cast in My Fair Lady over Julie Andrews (rumor that she was the less expensive option?). Givenchy was originally really excited to be dressing Katherine Hepburn before realizing it was Audrey Hepburn. Both Kendall and Audrey were unfairly compared to other women instead of being celebrated for their individual style. I adore both dresses, the met gala dress was not on theme - but Kendall looked so stunning that I don't care.

[@marvinraphaelmonfort8289]

thankyou for the reminder that audrey was a trend-setter and yes, she was not a goody-two-shoes like the media wants to keep insisting to cultivate that icon status. she was very good and kind but she did her own thing and was quite exciting. also, u'r so right that they could have gone with a different dress from a different film to be inspired by coz my fair lady the story is set in britain even if it was filmed in hollywood. just restating my opinions about the look (not about kendall) that i said on insta: i like the hair, the necklace is too chunky and the visible boning isn't really my cup of tea, perhaps a silver lining or none at all but a high-waisted brief instead of the bodysuit =]

[@2615ParkAvenueAssociates]

Your commentary is spot on and I so enjoyed hearing a balanced, measured response. Thank you. I agree. While I know little about the Kardashians, and don't really care to know more, she is a beautiful woman but it's unfortunate that they credited Mr. Givenchy for Mr. Beaton's costume. (Your vintage information was a great tidbit!) Miss Hepburn was a class act with a touch of naughty AND pushed all kinds of boundaries in both the fashion world and her life, that's why we love her so. Ms. Kardasian has a huge pair of Manolo's to fill but you have given us a fair and lucid respond.

[@orpheuscrew]

The Givenchy dress from Bloodline is my favorite piece that Ms. Hepburn has ever worn on camera. The second is the dress from My Fair Lady. I don't know if it true, but It's said that the Ball scene transformation is the reason they cast her in the first place over Julie Andrews. I wondered when I saw Kendall talking about the inspiration for her dress that they got it wrong, and you were the first person I wanted to ask. Love your work on here Thanks for your knowledge and the fact you share it with us.

[@mariafont8826]

Your comments enlight a lot. Thank you for the good perspective.

[@toko_ribbon]

Bravo 👏 well said Henry! I agree wholeheartedly with your sentiments in regards to the times and as opposed to the past. Ppl tend to gloss over the fact that Audrey was pushing the fashion norms during her time no different than daring influencers/celebrities do today. It really isn’t fair to cast a light negatively on one while praising another who did the same. And to those that comment that the Met Gala dress is not worthy-inspiration is wonderful and a celebration of something that resonates with many, enjoy it! No need to compare and tear apart. Anyways, cheers from Tokyo 💖✨✌️

[@LRWdesign]

I love how you talk about Audrey and her daring style. ❤️

[@parisbreakfast]

Terrific comparative analysis. Thank you. The super sheer Bloodlines dress is definitely a bit of a shocker for me. Did Givenchy do many other revealing dresses like this? It has a sexy, showgirl feel to it. Wish I knew more about what they both had in mind…

[@esthersawyer1097]

Really appreciate and agree with your comments…I will never understand why some people immediately chose to comment negatively. Audrey is a fashion icon and Kendall is one of todays top models who in my opinion is beautiful and fashionable. Let’s appreciate what each of them have contributed to the fashion industry 😊

[@sjinzaar]

You remind me so much of the better me I want to be…

[@Karolsstudio]

It was lovely to hear your explanation.

[@callioscope]

You did such a great job answering me in your comments section yesterday that I’m tickled to see a full video from you today. As I wrote then, you were incredibly diplomatic and helped me get over myself. Also, I was wrong about the designer, which is much worse than Jenner calling Hepburn British. 😊Again, thanks.

[@henryjjwilkinson]

No getting over yourself required, Laurie! I know all too well how protective we can feel over the image and representation of people we admire. I was skeptical about the Met Gala dress initially, but the more I saw the more I came to really appreciate the tribute. Thank you for your support, as always 💙

[@kismet2354]

I remembered being mesmerized by Audrey’s “naked” black gown in the movie Bloodline. Next to Audrey’s absolute shocker & stunner of a “naked” dress in 1979, Kendall’s MET gown looked positively “virginal!” 🤣😂. Bravo! For tearing down the myth of Audrey being an innocent waif & elegant ingenue. Audrey truly was an avant-garde dresser in her day! I’m pretty sure, if she was alive today, she would have applauded Kendall’s choice for the MET.

[@maxlinder5262]

How can you compare Audrey to anyone ....!!!! What makes her an icon is she is being herself ....just like Monroe.. Garbo ..K Hepburn ...etc.....

[@henryjjwilkinson]

She certainly was irreplaceable!

[@sueprator9314]

Oh stop it. This is about the fashion statement creation. This could have been any known female being inspired. Give the cheerleader thing a rest.

[@Daunou777]

Very well stated Henry. We forget that Audrey pushed the envelope those many years ago. I enjoy your videos. Please keep them coming. 👌🏻😉

[@katyb2793]

This was fascinating, and kind and respectful. Thank you for keeping it a classy corner of the internet! If the dress was opaque and had a more modest neckline I'd wear it in a heartbeat. It had beautiful lines and shape. But probably too normal for the MET from what I've seen 😅 Henry if you were invited to the MET thing (I actually have no idea what this event is about. My brain is usually too busy wandering around somewhere in the 19th century) what would you wear?

[@ShweMyaukMyauk]

1964 My Fair Lady 2021 My Fair Hoochie

[@MiniMu-2008]

This is so well done & your presentation is impressive. It’s my first time watching your channel. Well done 👍🏻

[@Marianneduetje]

Thanks for a nice push for reality. Audrey never was a prig, and much more down to earth than you might expect. She was realistic and very passionate about things that matter. And also at times a little bit naughty as jou might conclude from those sparkling eyes. It is impossible to know what she would have done or said so many years later, but for sure she was no plaster saint! I think ms Jenner looked very well positioned in this time frame which certainly is all one could hope for.

[@Kinglystateof]

All personal opinions aside about Kendall Jenner my only issue with this met gala look is that it did not follow the theme necessarily the theme of the Met gala was an American lexicon a fashion if she wanted to emulate Audrey Hepburn for that I wish she would’ve gone for a look maybe from funny face where Audrey‘s character plays in American and it was an American film or pays tribute to breakfast at Tiffany’s where her character Holly Golightly is an American where she still wearing a European designer but the storyline of the story arc is overwhelmingly American

[@ianolivo1106]

Incredible!

[@emilybiroschak9937]

You did a marvelous job on this!

[@jannhillary1194]

I've never been contradicted so nicely before

[@lynpetrie6328]

Loved your comments.

[@50hellkat2]

So informative and interesting. Thank you.

[@sailorarwen6101]

I’ve sent my mother some of your videos. My mother has really high standards and is really critical but she LOVES your videos 😂 She thinks you’re so well spoken and insightful. If you had your own show she’d definitely watch it. My mother and I are both huge Audrey Hepburn fans. Of Audreys fashion looks the ballgown in My Fair Lady is my least favorite. That style is not flattering to Audreys figure.

[@henryjjwilkinson]

Love this! 😂💙

[@tommoncrieff1154]

I don’t think you can separate the gown from the wearer, the dress from the context. One is a Princess, the other is (putting it politely) a showgirl from the Folies Bergere. One has poise and class, the other has pout and ass, and noticeably lacks class, grace, inner beauty and brains, she’s a walking calculated commercial transaction. It’s partly the designer but it’s mostly who is wearing it and why. Audrey is a serene, sublime, sensitive, intellectually-robust actress recreating Shaw’s most famous character, who blossoms into a butterfly, in an elite film musical of the highest order. Kendall is a no-talent, avaricious, narcissist merchandising herself for cash at a vulgar, obscene event of mostly ghastly people (some exceptions). One is all about others, the other is all about herself. One is profoundly beautiful, the other is superficial and tacky. One will live on, the other will not.

[@busybee3458]

Hi Henry, a most thought provoking and diplomatic video. This comment sums up what I think. "Elegance is not about being noticed, it's about being remembered." Giorgio Armani. The partnership of Givenchy/Hepburn is still remembered sixty years on . Williamson/Kendall? It may well be worthy of comment in another sixty years. Or perhaps not.

[@lostammo9026]

I used to date this girl back in the day that looked like Audrey same thing..

[@julietteyork6293]

I’d be curious to know your reaction to her sister, Kim, wearing Marilyn Monroe’s dress to the Met gala.

[@2FullMoons]

I think people have either forgot or don’t know about the Broadway play Ondine she was in, in 1954, a year after her imense breakthrough in the industry. All I have to say is... google it and leave Kendall alone lol. I personally don’t find the dress Kendall wore as being beautiful and I also struggle seeing it on theme but the sheerness of it did not bother me at all, neither did her referencing Audrey. Thank you for the video, I absolutely adoreee your channel.

[@miscellanyman263]

Hepburn: A Bruxelles Taurean with Moon in Pisces ("Earthy Vivaciousness/Retreating"). Jenner: An L.A. Scorpion with Moon in Aries ("Brooding/Go-Getter").

[@keithnieto2882]

Great story and a wonderful reminder of Audrey's forward and lasting style...I had the amazing pleasure of meeting her...message me if you would like to hear what she whispered into my ear...

[@m6beamperez]

I’m here cause of Luke (HauteLaMode)

[@medisoncheung]

I personally really love the dress. It’s stunning, such a piece of art. I love the fact that they modernise Audrey look into a sheer dress to make it looks more interesting. Another thing that I love is that the dress is inspired, not copied especially in my opinion Kaia’s Oscar de la Renta is a copy and paste. Audrey is not an American but according to the BTS from vogue, the idea of Audrey being friend with Hubert Givenchy is similar to Kendall being friend with Matthew Williams if that makes sense. Long story short, I really love her dress as well as your analysis! （sometimes ppl should really take away their egos and start appreciating the dress, hating Kendall Jenner won’t make you rich😂

[@anamariaminucci243]

Jenner was wonderful. She was the most beautiful at Met Gala. We need beautiful dress like that.

[@damianrhea8875]

I agree. The dress would have looked better on Miss Kendall’s father/gf Caitlin (aka Bruce) Jenner...

[@doggle2928]

In reference to the naked dress theme, another example would be Marlena Dietricht's gown she wore in her 70's. It was sad to watch her in that Las Vegas act (failing health), but she needed to bank enough to retire in Paris. Curious to know who the designer was?

[@henryjjwilkinson]

Oh absolutely! I know Jean Louis created many of her stage outfits, including several of her famous illusion dresses. Could that be the designer of the dress you're referencing?

[@doggle2928]

@@henryjjwilkinson Yes, just looked it up. I also came across a video about that dress. It was a young woman who created a copy if memory serves. She had access to the original that was stored professionally.

[@orpheuscrew]

There is (or was) a documentary on one of Marlene's naked dresses here on KZbin.

[@drouinjohnny9036]

Kendall dress was beautiful...but completely fail the theme propose by the Met Gala...like 95% of the people’s there....

[@marymohagheghi4875]

Those two should NEVER Abe in the same sentence … I’m so sorry if this may rude

[@cookielover9250]

I just wish it was Taylor Hill and her head piece who wore that dress instead, not Kendal

[@50hellkat2]

The Met Ball got the history wrong on the dress Kendall wore. That is too bad.

[@gabriel_de_bettin]

I just want to say something, I am just a little bit tired of these new starlets playing a character that relies on just theirs bodies. That said, I think she looked spectacular, her figure is and will be astonishing, the dress was, in fact, my personal style and was perfect for my taste. If we’re going to say something negative to this dress is that was not in complete theme with the gala, but you know, rules are meant to be broken, at least she looked good

[@krabbykat9918]

she looked like a chandelier lol

[@marie-luisemojzis3302]

Even 60 years after Givenchy's Dress, it should suit and it isn't a sign of stile or elegance to hang out your b....s.

[@elahanm1021]

Are you gay or straight ,you are handsome I hope you are straight❤

[@mrsgingernoisette]

Jesus... No. Just no.

[@annelefevre9457]

Kendall’s dress was disgusting and totally out of line. She’s no lady!

[@PeePeeLaMoi]

The met dress is clunky and boring in comparison. It's not provocative in a time where everyone is naked. It's boring. If they had changed the shape more or made it cling to the shoulders only in a shower curtain of diamonds it would be more interesting to me.

[@Poetic_Justice1962]

Tributes to the real princess of Hollywood are always nice.