The actual auction will be in London a week later, but on 1st & 2nd December 2009 in Paris you can take a look at 36 dresses belonging to the actrice, dating from the 50s and 60s, designed by famous names such as Hubert de Givenchy, Elizabeth Arden and Valentino…

She was the embodiment of effortless chic, impeccable taste. Audrey Hepburn knew what she liked – black, ivory, sometime touces of pastel. Some dresses that she particularly liked were even ordered in both white and black!

Audrey used to pass her dresses on to Tanja Star Busmann, a friend since she was 15 years old, so that Tanya or others could get some pleasure from them. She even went so far as to donate a dress she was due to wear for her wedding to James Hanson which was eventually cancelled. This “tradition” continued between the two friends for several decades.

The last time a dress belonging to Audrey Hepburn was auctioned (the one from Breakfast At Tiffany’s) it went for £467,000 ($770,000). For this sale, 50% of net profits will go to Unicef.

If you would like to see these 36 beautiful dresses before they are auctioned off, get down to Sotheby’s Paris, 76 rue du Faubourg Saint Honoré (here) on 1st & 2nd Decembe 2009 between 10am and 6pm.

You can also see photos of the lots on offer (lots 283 – 331) on the official auction site here.

UPDATE: The collection of dresses raised a total of £268,320 ($437,320).