LBD: An Homage to Breakfast at Tiffany’s

June 15–August 13

In 1961, in the early morning, a cab pulls to a stop in front of Tiffany’s. Audrey Hepburn, as Holly Golightly, emerges with coffee and a pastry, in a little black dress designed by Hubert de Givenchy, creating what is possibly the greatest fashion moment in the history of film.

LBD: Chan Luu

Fifty years later, this iconic design and a select group of vintage and contemporary little black dresses by notable fashion and costume designers, will pay homage to the film and its indelible impact on fashion and style.

On loan from Hubert de Givenchy Couture, scene one’s black Italian satin gown, with a thigh-high slit and the cutout décolleté back embellishment, set the glamour-standard for the 20th century. Coco Chanel created an early version of the little black dress in the 1920’s as a versatile wardrobe essential: its practicality and popularity never waned. Commonly referred to as the LBD, designers ever since have been inspired by this timeless classic.

LBD: Kevan Hall

LBD: An Homage to Breakfast at Tiffany’s will showcase exceptional contemporary examples from Kevan Hall, Monique Lhuillier, Chan Luu, Audrey Fisher, Marlene Stewart and more. A 1940’s Christian Dior piece and other examples from the FIDM Museum’s permanent collection will provide an opportunity to explore the wide range within this design ideal.

Here are some of the pieces that will be presented in this intimate installation:

• Rip-away dress by Marlene Stewart (FIDM graduate), 1994, worn by Jamie Lee Curtis in the James Cameron film, True Lies.
• True Blood, Latex dress collaboration between True Blood Costume Designer Audrey Fisher and Syren Couture, worn by Kristin Bauer van Straten as Pam in the HBO series. Illustration by Imogene Chayes (FIDM graduate).
• Alias, little black dress worn by Jennifer Garner as Sydney Bristow, in the ABC TV show. Costume designed by Laura Goldsmith.
• Christian Dior cocktail dress, c. 1949 (Loan courtesy of Linda Plochocki)

True Blood Illustration by Imogene Chayes

Accompanying the dresses will be illustrations from FIDM students. Costume Design students will present their new looks for the Holly Golightly of 2012, and Fashion Design students will display the latest interpretations of the epitome of chic.

LBD: An Homage to Breakfast at Tiffany’s opens June 15th and will run through August 13th, Tuesday–Saturday 10am–4 pm. The installation is free and open to the public. A special, free lecture series will be announced. Check Facebook for details.

FIDM Museum Shop

In the Shop

The Little Black Dress by Simon Henry

Visit the FIDM Museum Shop for a wide range of Breakfast at Tiffany‘s and LBD inspired merchandise. From shopping bags to notepads, faux and real pearls, to cocktail glasses and bar accessories, these products, like the film itself, run the gambit from quirky and silly to serious and sophisticated.

The Black Dress by Valerie Steele

For serious fashion enthusiasts, the shop will offer the definitive books on the Little Black Dress. The Black Dress by Dr. Valerie Steele, celebrates this fashion classic with gorgeous images from films, runways, vintage fashion plates, and paintings.

Dressed in Black by Valerie Mendes

Dressed in Black by Valerie Mendes includes images from the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. In chronological order and with complete histories, the outfits show the progression of women’s fashion over the course of the last 100 years. Rounding out the selection will be books on the film, Hubert de Givenchy, and Audrey Hepburn.

Shopping Bag

2011 Exhibition Calendar

LBD: An Homage to Breakfast at Tiffany’s

June 15–August 13

Fabulous! FIDM Museum Acquisitions, 2000–2010

September 13–December 17, 2011