Edith Head Talks about Audrey Hepburn

Edith Head is interviewed about how costume design helps a motion picture like Roman Holiday, starring Audrey Hepburn. We see some of the costume tests with Hepburn and Head explains how choices were made.

[@michellegermyn836]

My grandmother-Josie Miller-was Edith Heads main seamstress/supervisor. Her favorite was Audrey Hepburn. From what I remember my grandmother telling me that Edith did not sew. She did the art work for the gowns. Audrey loved grandma and gave her a broach made in a heart shape with pearls. Edith was quit a stickler to work for and many reason's why she became the women she was-hard work and dedication. Josie also admired Elizabeth Taylor-a grand women to work on she would say.

[@jackanthony976]

I read that Edith Head's least favorite actress was Hedy Lamarr. According to a late Edith Head interview, Hedy was difficult and uncooperative with Edith during the filming of Samson and Delilah.

[@yelloworangered]

Thank you, Michelle Germyn, for sharing this story about your grandmother. I love to hear from the people who were there on the scene.

[@trixi1608]

@@fmbmrtjdpcmrtb8030 She very likely could make patterns and sew but that is not the task/responsibility of a (head) fashion or costume designer. The designer designs and the seamstresses sew - put simply.

[@someitaliangirl1129]

Just saw this. Thanks for sharing Michelle Germyn. What a nice sneak peek into history and fashion.

[@risk5riskmks93]

How exciting it must be to see those gowns in film, knowing that it is your grandmother’s creation!

[@SSmith-fm9kg]

Audrey Hepburn's smile was so warm it could melt molychrome steel.

[@chriscorbin2059]

The fact that Hepburn had a body that most models would sell their souls for helped immensely.

[@susanlloyd5655]

Her slight figure came from being undernourished during the war.

[@robertromero8692]

Edith Head was so sharp and so smart. Audrey Hepburn was one of the treasures of cinema. Such charm, grace, and beauty!

[@MiracleBaba]

sad that so many people that saw "The Incredibles" had no idea who Edith Head was - nice Pixar nod to this fabulous lady

[@bonniehogancamp2991]

I thought of Edit Head as soon as I saw that cartoon! I'm glad I was not the only one to think it. .Edith also tried to wear only black and white clothing so she would not distract from the actress she was making cloths for.

[@Billows18]

With all due respect to the iconic Edith Head, when the old reels play and Audrey is on the screen, speaking and moving spontaneously, the world really does stand still. Could there ever be a more exquisite and stylish girl?

[@1baud]

A princess did wear that dress. Audrey Hepburn is as much a princess as you will see on this Earth.

[@andicantu6490]

Beautifully said, Justin.

[@w9gb]

... and an amazing story of survival during WW2.

[@marielcalder103]

That is EXACTLY what I thought also when I heard that Justin.

[@JohnSmith-en8vx]

Very true…she had unmatched beauty, grace and charm.

[@charlesw9875]

As a young girl, during WW2, Audrey Hepburn frequently pedalled her bicycle through German roadblocks. What the Germans didn't know as they watched the pretty girl cycle by, but which Miss Hepburn knew full well, was that Audrey Hepburn had secret documents aiding the enemy hidden inside her bicycle. She made this dangerous trip through enemy lines many times. The consequences for her had the Germans found out was certain death, and much more besides. That's always impressed me. She was a teenage war hero, but she never said a word about it to anyone. I think, for my penny's worth, you can see a hint of that distress in her reaction to the question about the war at 1:42.

[@SuicideboysGrey59]

what’s astonishing is that she never saw herself as a hero.

[@kimquinn7728]

Very modest and humble. So different from today when so many seem to need accolades for simply being curteous and giving up their seat on a bus or train. A show of manners that once was taught as care, concern and kindness. Ms. Hepburn was class all the way.​@@SuicideboysGrey59

[@Elle-mq8ij]

Ah. A studio-controlled promo for Roman Holiday. It's great to see Edith Head offer a window on her process. The gowns on Audrey are marvelous- NO "fast fashion". THIS is how women's dresses should be made.

[@slvnyc2824]

In a way they were fast fashion. Most of these dresses were torn apart and the fabric and embellishments were reused as it was a money saver for the studios. It is why very few of these marvelous creations have survived. 😢

[@juancarlosl4133]

What a great and intelligent Edith Head was. What a treasure of video this is.

[@kathyh4804]

Edith Head, what a talented designer! Her designs were so elegant

[@Green4CloveR]

All kids should learn ballet. They grow up to move gracefully and have good posture.

[@IrishAnnie]

Green4CloveR Audrey used to smuggle information in the toe of her ballet shoe during the war for the resistance.

[@AnnaLVajda]

So long as they don't ruin their feet.

[@SuicideboysGrey59]

unfortunately, overtime, it has drastic affects on the feet

[@MTknitter22]

Not all boys, all girls yes @GreenCloveR

[@cozzeema]

My mom thought that about me, too, and put me in ballet at age 4. I was way too shy for it then. I tried again in high school, wanting to gain some dance skills to try out for a school musical. I did ok, but had a very hard time because I had narrow feet and high arches and could not help but roll my feet ( and therefore knees and legs) inward and could not keep my balance because of it. I learned that you must have wider, flatter feet that make more contact with the floor in order to maintain balance. Some people are just not built for ballet 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@jermainehenry8550]

"Transformation through wardrobe" Interesting. One of the most creative wardrobe engineers. Unique.

[@dcinrb8538]

When Grace Kelly wanted to be considered for a dramatic role, she went to Edith Head for wardrobe advice. Dressed simply, without her usual cover magazine glamour, Grace Kelly succeeded in her audition.

[@GA-1st]

Edith Head was a genius.

[@rat1026]

The glasses she wears were actually tinted to resemble camera lenses. So she would know what the actor looks like on camera

[@greylarkspur]

She also wore them so that when she was in meetings no one could see how she reacted to decisions or comments. She wanted to be able to hide that.

[@judyfowler2023]

rat1026 that's interesting info

[@CompostWatcher]

Haha I thought they hid her identity.

[@jamesmcinnis208]

"actually"

[@quicklykay]

In black and white.

[@flufflebunn3514]

NO CAPES!!!!!

[@recoveringsoul755]

Yes!!

[@oldhollywood_fanatic]

She's always so Stunning, Gorgeous and Glamorous. She's my top one favorite actress of all time in Golden Age❤. She's always the Inspiration of someone's in fashion, that she's an Icon; a biggest Icon, Humanitarian and an Angel✨💝 One of the most beautiful actress ever!

[@mortimer1976]

This clip reminds you once again that Audrey Hepburn was one of the most, if not THE most beautiful woman on the planet.

[@recoveringsoul755]

I also like Katherine Hepburn.

[@laurenwillins3288]

Everything about her is just absolutely perfect

[@sandramilfort9261]

Audrey is so precious...I m gonna cherish that for ever💋

[@bod-essebod-esse4142]

Edith Head’s costumes were to die for!

[@patriciaoreilly8907]

Edith Head RIP was America 🇺🇸 national treasure ❤

[@juliadouglas872]

She is now immortalized as a character the cartoon “The Incredibles.” She designs their super hero costumes!

[@Pauly421]

Audrey hepburn's smile :)

[@MrForttunate]

i have always wondered how one person , (edith head ) could have their name stamped on so many movies , those costumes she designed for grace kelly for to catch a thief and rear window , to this day remains the standard for me , yes grace was beautiful , but by george......just think of the walk through hotel lobby in to catch a thief .

[@w9gb]

Her last Oscar was for the “The Sting”, costumes for Robert Shaw, Paul Newman, and Robert Redford.

[@JohnSmith-en8vx]

Great film. Great costumes. Audrey Hepburn was a fantastic actress.

[@sabrinaphillips916]

My 97 year old aunt knew Ms. Head quite well and raves about how kind, generous and thoughtful she was in her private life. She has many stories of old Hollywood and L.A. back in the day but her Edith Head stories are among my favorites.

[@OliviaWonka]

I love the way they used to talk back then c:

[@mooveemakurz2784]

SO cool. I love Audrey, she is my favorite actress of all time. Something I find interesting is that this style is totally coming back in stile now just with a bit of a modern flair.

[@AngelDivanitas]

It's hilarious how I watched the video and said: "Edna from The Incredibles!"... Then I scroll down and read the comments just to see everybody was thinking the same thing I was thinking lol... I love you guys XD

[@IceESole]

@Marija Beišytė exactly...that's where they all fail..

[@QuadMochaMatti]

I've never once seen The Incredibles, nor do I care to. I only know classic Cinema, not modern rubbish. I have no idea what the reference is all about, and it certainly didn't bring me here.

[@lr8719]

@@QuadMochaMatti The joy of the comparison is that it is teaching a newer generation about classic costumers. Those of us in her industry are tickled pink that one of our own was an inspiration 💜

[@Nunofurdambiznez]

That last gown was absolutely stunning!

[@OmniverseDante]

That's probably because Edith Head was the whole inspiration for Edna Mode.

[@LisaFrank39]

I know. The inspiration is so obvious.

[@KYoss68]

Hep will always be a princess to me.

[@a.banks.7682]

Audrey.... a very good name that means... Noble strength...

[@alfonsismcmullen1122]

a. banks. Audrey means no capes.

[@Marxtheory]

I never look back darling, it distracts from the now.

[@AnnaLVajda]

Too traumatic anyway.

[@Endlesslove1974]

I love her, and I didn't come here from Google lol!! She's a magnificent woman, and she won 8 Academy Awards for her designs!!

[@kathleenlowy9699]

Audrey was always enchanting!

[@SpikeWolfwood]

Good god Audrey Hepburn was beautiful...

[@TheHornet79]

HOLY SHIT! I've seen audrey in many pictures but in motion she is stunning! She is incredibly pretty!

[@caribbeantigress]

Natalie Portman is the perfect choice for an Audrey Hepburn biopic.

[@puffin51]

A great designer. I saw her name credited on many movies, and her costuming was always exactly what was called for - and stylish. But can I say, having seen her on film for the first time, that now I know where Disney got the idea for Edna Mode in The Incredibles.

[@joycekellner9957]

This is marvelous, and I watched "You Asked For It " as a kid--great show.

[@anaa5384]

Edith was a legend.

[@IceESole]

Still is....her work and her talent..

[@caroldry9262]

What a beautiful lady. Loved Roman Holiday.

[@cindydufala7646]

Brilliant artistry in design, by Edith Head blends in with the scene. Love her work.

[@ftarica]

“Just watch me” ✨😍

[@danielbrosky]

This was GREAT - great history AND great TV! Oh! - If only we had more of interview shows like this today.

[@KingRoseArchives]

We love great history and great TV :)

[@KingRoseArchives]

It's part of the wardrobe test and a promo film that was done about Edith Head.

[@nibsvkh]

Audrey..perfection as a woman and for any and all outfits!

[@1Kent]

After a decade or so in obscurity she became an overnight success!

[@bloodySunday77]

And quoting Wikipedia from a book on Head by D. Chierichetti: "Although Edith Head won an Oscar for Best Costumes, most of Audrey Hepburn's "Parisian" ensembles were, in fact, designed by Hubert de Givenchy and chosen by the star herself."

[@MS-qb3cp]

Yes. She basically stole the Oscar from Givenchy for "Sabrina"

[@parisbreakfast]

Not for Roman Holiday. You got the wrong movie.

[@pettypossum724]

Lol at the givenchy propaganda. Stop trusting Wikipedia.

[@edithlazenby5839]

So cool, thank you EH, for all the masterpieces you created...❤️

[@bloodySunday77]

Seeing this after all these years... priceless. I didn't even know the video of this interview or the dress rehearsals existed. But Head might have had different feelings later on because Audrey only wore her best friend's dresses in films after this... Givenchy's.

[@MS-qb3cp]

Thats because Head stole credit and the Oscar from Givenchy for "Sabrina ". Audrey and Givenchy met because of Sabrina, and he was so enchanted by her that he agreed to help her with the Paris fashions needed for the film, despite his busy schedule. They becsme best of friends ( really more like siblings) from that point on. Audrey was horrified that Givenchy was treated in such a way by Head ( taking credit for his designs and losing the Oscar) that she vowed to only wear his clothes in films....

[@drawnhere]

They sound like they're reading lines. But still fascinating to watch. Thanks for uploading this !!!!

[@CdoubleyouC]

Just saw Wait Until Dark for the first time today on WTTW 11, I loved it.

[@66kprdwd]

She was such a character. She always wore those dark blue glasses and the same hairstyle for most of her life. She had no problem playing herself whether on screen or off. She managed to market herself quite successfully. She died in 1981. Her last film was the Steve Martin movie "Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid".

[@kevinwoplin9322]

She published a book in the 60s called How to Dress for Success...the language is a bit dated, but every bit of advice still holds true

[@Apollo_Blaze]

Edith Head was a master of talent...but it could not have been easy to work for her.

[@SterlingSanders]

That's because Edna Mode was was based on Edith Head. ;)

[@charleslumpkin6170]

Thumbs up if Edna Mode led you here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@cance7984]

Thumbs up if the 1950s led you here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@DavidPakmanFan]

I really enjoyed this video. I wish there was one about Irene Serif. I think that's how her name is spelled. She was a designer and made some beautiful things for Judy Garland to name one.

[@publiushamilton4030]

Wonder what kind of super-hero costume Edith Head / Edna Mode would have designed for Miss Hepburn?

[@donatord]

From Sabrina on nearly all of Audrey Hepburn‘s clothes were designed by famous fashion designer Hubert de Givenchy. Her contracts always stipulated that she would be the only designer listed in the movie, even if she didn’t actually design the costumes herself.

[@robinsoncaruso1424]

My friend Peter Lombard Mercurio was a huge Audrey fan. This makes me think of him. I'm sure he's hanging out with her now :-)

[@haboab0216]

natural beauty , audrey is so addorable..

[@ChrisPeck-niganma]

Edith Head started out as A Spanish teacher, lol. She went on to earn three more academy awards before she died in 1981.

[@TheOriginalCyber3d]

Awesome. I thought Audrey passed away in the USA. She was so beautiful even in her seventies. Edith was such a character.

[@stockjonebills]

My god what was the measurement of her waist. She was really skinny.

[@gregorymagarshak7953]

"A little gayer" -- sounds nice to hear the original meaning used

[@alexandra3ogden]

Gregory Magarshak Yes Thank you!

[@normadesmond6017]

Edith Head was the best.

[@Trojan0304]

Audrey was magical

[@sarahbee126]

I like her better than Edna from the Incredibles.

[@MHollywood5]

same person...

[@nickj12]

Audrey was adorable.

[@pukalani100]

Audrey is such a natural girl..

[@meepmorp6878]

i love Audrey and i love fashion WHAT A GOOD MIX!!! XD

[@marymc-g4710]

Edna Mode's appearance and character was in fact based off of Edith Head

[@alfredbonnabel7022]

Lovely lady and a good person.

[@janiehelms4895]

Miss Hepburn one word Gorgeous

[@bigahl1]

They're talking about the movie, Roman Holiday, so I would say it is about 1953; and a comment further down says it was on the TV show "You Asked For It."

[@lovefeist]

The TV program was called "You Asked For It". You can read about it on Wikipedia.

[@janelparesh4615]

isn't Audrey Hepburn just adorable?

[@MicaRayan]

1:14 would you like to see the result?.... I like how she elegantly stand for further explanation

[@NicoleSheaChannel]

This is a KZbin gem!

[@FoxWife]

Edna Mode is based on Edith Head. I heard it in the DVD extras for The Incredibles.

[@TheDriftwoodlover]

If you were old enough to know who Edith Head was, it was blatant that Edna was Edith from the first frame. Very nice reference to wonderful Edith in The Incredibles. 😀

[@victoriafuentes271]

Very interesting. Thanks for sharing this.

[@KingRoseArchives]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Pro-Deo]

Loved your designs Edith :)

[@thomashead4812]

its interesting how Edith keeps going to the projector whenever a film clip comes on, Its like people would have difficulty understanding that what was being shown was not happening at that moment. She had to make it overtly obvious to the audience that they were seeing a film clip. How far we have come...

[@angelasimons3473]

Roman Holiday came out in 1953, motion pictures had existed for decades. The audience wasn't stupid just because it was a long time ago, they just had a different style of filming and making TV dynamic.

[@ellenbernardino6199]

Great clip! Happy birthday to Edith..

[@MoxieMalone]

I came because of the google graphic - the costumes looked lovely. Then I saw that it was Edith Head's birthday and couldn't imagine that she was still alive. She isn't. Still, I was interested to see the video with Audrey.

[@siskmeli]

"I kind of see another Academy Award coming" ... yup!

[@sam-k7n]

Anna Mae was her characters name in breakfast at Tiffany’s bizarre!

[@andreaescudero5986]

From what year is this interview??? Is for a homework assignment

[@More13Feen]

"... they diden't know about it"

[@grblade]

I love this.

[@lyricoaj8832]

Edna. Mode.

[@w9gb]

Brad Bird’s wonderful character salute to Edith Head.

[@flufflebunn3514]

(and guest)

[@nanaogden]

Edna Mode IS Edith Head -- she was one of the 'models' for the character :P

[@HappiDoc]

I saw Google's doodle on Edith Head, and I immediately knew on whom the Edna Mode character of The Incredible was based.

[@grace777d]

When I watch this video, I realize how dead on Brad Bird's Edith Head impression was when he did the voice work for the character Edna Mode.

[@frightenedchaos]

Now I know where the character from the incredibles came from. The sad fact is that I didn't know who Edith Head was.

[@CKLee-rs4kl]

I haven't care for Edith since she took credit for Hubert deGevincy's designs for Miss Hepburn in one of her movies.