Katharine Hepburn: Rebel Chic [Hardcover]

Jean Druesedow (Author), Kohle Yohannan (Contributor), Barbara Cohen-Stratyner (Contributor), Nancy MacDonell (Contributor), Judy Samelson (Contributor)

Book Description

Release date: October 2, 2012

The first book to celebrate the irreverent and original style of Katharine Hepburn -- icon of stage and screen. Glamorous when she wanted to be and tomboyish when she didn’t, Katharine Hepburn developed her personal style and public image as a style rebel. Whether on stage, on screen, or in private life, Hepburn had a firm grasp on the power of her appearance. Rather than submit to studio image makers, she controlled her image and drew on her own proclivities to create a distinct antifashion persona. This book presents the famously headstrong star in a new light: as a style icon. Through images of Hepburn’s on-screen and off-screen wardrobes and essays by top fashion historians, this book reveals how modern Hepburn’s insouciance and idiosyncratic manner of dressing really was and shows her as an inspirational, self-styled counterpoint to the over-managed looks of celebrities today. Full of never-before-published images of Hepburn’s costumes and personal wardrobe, Katharine Hepburn is a refreshing look at a true fashion original.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Apart from her performances, Hepburn had a style far ahead of its time. Maybe we take that for granted. I loved a picture of Hepburn in "Rebel Chic." Taken in 1932, around the time she made "A Bill of Divorcement," she's on the RKO lot wearing a pair of faded jeans and a mink coat, with a scarf knotted at her neck. That image could have been taken today, with the difference that Hepburn wasn't trying to be someone cool or chic. She just was." ~New York Times

"Along with insightful, beautifully written essays, the book includes many never-before-published images of Kate the Great's costumes and personal wardrobe..." ~Fashioninformer.com

About the Author

Jean Druesedow is the director of the Kent State University Museum and was formerly the president of the Costume Society of America. Barbara Cohen-Stratyner is the curator of exhibitions at the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts. Nancy MacDonell is a fashion journalist and author. Judy Samelson is the former editor of Playbill magazine. Kohle Yohannan is a historian, curator, and the author of several fashion books, including Valentina (Rizzoli, 2009).

Product Details

• Hardcover: 176 pages
• Publisher: Skira Rizzoli (October 2, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0847838919
• ISBN-13: 978-0847838912
• Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 0.8 x 10 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #281,606 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful book, beautiful woman October 5, 2012

By Lyric VINE™ VOICE

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

This is a collection of essays by writers, fashion historians, and fashion curators focused on the iconic actress Katharine Hepburn through the prism of her influence on American fashion. Hepburn had a wonderful fashion sense which was demonstrated in her every day wardrobe of beautifully tailored trousers, turtlenecks, sweaters, pantsuits and the many hats she accumulated over the years. She always looked modern regardless of her age and she always was unique. The essays convey the fact that Hepburn was very aware of her clothing and the impression they made even though she appeared to not care. The book also discusses the fact that when Hepburn was being dressed for stage, screen, or private wear, she was an active participant in the designing of those clothes. The many designers with whom she worked recognized that she was very knowledgable in regard to what worked best and they appreciated that she was a professional in her approach to what she wore, on and off screen or stage. Hepburn was blessed with a splendid figure for fashion along with a photogenic face and added to that was a keen intelligence and awareness of what worked best for her. The essays provide context and commentary for the many photographs in the book -- many photos not previously seen by the general public. The book grew out of the 2010 exhibition at Kent State University of Hepburn's theatrical and film costumes. Now the exhibit has moved to the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts at Lincoln Center (Oct. 18 2012 through January 12, 2013)and this book includes photos of the costumes from the exhibit.

This book is a "must have" for any Hepburn fan and for anyone interested in American sportswear and one of the women who made it acceptable for women to wear pants everywhere.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Katharine the Great February 13, 2013

By Roselyn W. Bruder

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

Marvelous. Gave this to my daughter for her birthday - she loves Katharine too. She was a wonderful actress and is still my favorite (close runner up to Bette Davis.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Katharine Hepburn: Rebel Chic January 4, 2013

By ginger

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

I am a big fan of Hepburn, have always loved her style of clothes and they way she wore them. In the book tells how she did love clothes as she would have some things made for her to wear after the movie. She had her own style, could wear a dress or her pants and pull it off with great class as only Katharine could.