The Hepburn Style: Katharine and her Designers

Katharine Hepburn (May 12, 1907-June 29, 2003) left the New York stage for Hollywood in 1932. Compared to theatre, movies offered an affordable form of escapism from the Depression. Movies also had a greater influence on culture, as millions of Americans crowded theaters. Costume designers delighted audiences by creating unique and glamorous costumes worn by stars like Katharine Hepburn. The costumes were fashionable, contemporary garments that blurred the line between costume and fashion, and women in audiences wanted to emulate the styles they saw.

Katharine Hepburn’s style is often perceived as a conflation of her on-screen costumes and her personal fashion taste, as her style has been described as: “all-time movie chic,” or “easy, un-self-conscious and American.” As an actress, Hepburn worked with costume designers, always pushing for comfort, movement, and proportions that complimented her, which are key elements of her personal taste. Costume designers incorporated these key elements into their designs, which naturally blended Hepburn’s personal style preferences with their costume designs.

Among the designers that helped Hepburn meet these criteria were Valentina, Adrian and Irene. The designers were both costume designers and ran their own fashion businesses. In Stager gallery, the exhibition showcases the designers’ fashions and costumes. The garments represent the public-facing Hepburn, and many were worn by Katharine Hepburn herself.  The Blum gallery showcases examples of Katharine Hepburn’s personal wardrobe--ensembles she would wear at home. Throughout the exhibition, you will see the elements of comfort, movement and proportion represented in Katharine Hepburn’s fashion choices and in the costumes she wore.

The Hepburn Style is curated by KSU Museum Collections Manager and Registrar, Professor Joanne Fenn.

Producers Sponsor: Karen and Ken Conley; Ken Robinson

Friends Sponsor: Pat Brownell in honor of Logan Brownell

A sustainability grant from the Ohio Arts Council