Audrey Hepburn's Givenchy haute couture black silk evening coat, Autumn-Winter 1959-60, labelled and numbered 12317, with curving front and back seams, large moulded porcelain 'liquorice'-like buttons, fold-over collar, chest 92cm, 36in; together with a letter of authenticity from the Audrey Hepburn Foundation (2)This was previously sold at KTA, 8.12.2009, lot 299. The coat was given as a gift to her friend Tanya Star Busman in the late 1960s. Audrey had had it shortened to a mini in line with the prevailing fashions of the period.She was photographed wearing the coat in January 1960 by both Cecil Beaton and Jim Pringle, on the terrace of her hotel suite at the Hotel Hassler, Rome. We are grateful to Fernando Eduardo Sousa for the additional footnote information and supplying the images of Audrey.

Top neck button is missing – a small black silk button has been made to replace it. The two ‘liquorice’ buttons have been moved closer to the edge of the coat. Slight rubbing to inside of collar. Exterior fabric is generally clean and good. Black silk lining is generally good, small area needs re-stitching at left underarm. The hem was shortened in the mid to late 1960s by Audrey – but it is a couture alteration, probably by Maison Givenchy.