Some Enchanted Evening
Posted in Uncategorized on April 23rd, 2012 by John Agee
Dear Stylish Readers,
It has probably occurred to you that I love Paris. You would be correct in assuming this fact. There’s a poetic and haphazard charm to the place which continues to fascinate me, the feeling that something delightful and unexpected might be waiting for me around the next corner or behind the next door. Or in this case, the next email.
Imagine a friend sends you an email asking if you would like to attend a private dinner for thirty people at the Château de Chantilly. Imagine further that you’d be dining in glorious splendor in the Galerie des Cerfs where the Duc d’Aumale (son of King Louis-Philippe, and the former owner of the château who rebuilt it in the 19th century) himself dined. Imagine further still that Leslie Caron and Hubert de Givenchy would be the guests of honor. For any human being who has not been declared clinically insane or who is not currently institutionalized, there is of course only one correct answer to this proposition.
The American Friends of Chantilly hosted the evening, and it was an interesting opportunity to become acquainted with an organization of which I was not previously aware. In the end, Madame Caron could not make it because of illness, but Monsieur de Givenchy was there, and he shared with us his memories of doing the costumes for Audrey Hepburn for the 1957 film, “Funny Face”, part of which was filmed on the grounds of the château. It was very touching as he teared up a bit while recounting his stories of Ms. Hepburn, and it was clearly apparent to me at that moment just how special their friendship must have been.
I could of course rhapsodize ad infinitum about this magnificent evening, or I could just show you the pictures. Enjoy.




The glorious picture gallery where we had drinks before the dinner. The art collection housed at the Château de Chantilly is considered the second most important in France after that of the Louvre.

Monsieur de Givenchy reminiscing about Audrey Hepburn and “Funny Face”.

An evening to remember: Monsieur de Givenchy and Yours Truly conversing in the Picture Gallery before dinner.
Have a look at this clip (which is the final scene of “Funny Face”) which was filmed at Chantilly. Monsieur de Givenchy was there on the day of filming and gave a humorous account of how all the birds had to be corralled until exactly the right moment (at which point they were “directed” into frame!) Though you can’t tell, it was apparently freezing cold as well.
Best,
John


















































