KATHARINE HEPBURN, IN SUMMERTIME 1955

by Accent Aigu

Summertime (1955), directed by David Lean, stars Katharine Hepburn as Jane Hudson, a middle-aged, unmarried American secretary who travels to Venice alone, seeking beauty, adventure, and perhaps something more elusive: connection.

Set against the languid, sun-drenched canals of postwar Venice, Summertime captures a portrait of solitude and yearning. Jane is proper, reserved, but visibly aching for something real. When she meets Renato (Rossano Brazzi), a charming Italian antiques dealer, she’s swept into a fleeting romance.

The film is rich with slow gondolas, sun-bleached squares, and that iconic shot of Hepburn falling into the canal (unscripted), painfully real. But beyond the romance, Summertime is about the ache of desire in the middle of life, about how vulnerability can arrive in a place that looks like a postcard. The city glows, but the loneliness lingers.

Katharine Hepburn, Summertime (1955) Directed by David Lean. Costume Design by Rosi Gori

Katharine Hepburn , Summertime (1955)

Eliou Fish Necklace, Rosie Assoulin Shirt Dress, Miu Miu Sailor Bag, Manolo White Ballet Flats

Katharine Hepburn, Summertime (1955)

Saint Laurent ( second hand ) Sunglasses, Isaac Mizrahi Vintage pink 90s Mules, Rohe White dress, MARIA LA ROSA Gold Woven Tote Bag

Katharine Hepburn , Summertime (1955)

Chan Luu Red Mesh Tote, Toast Red Dress, Black Ferragamo Fringe Shoes, Vintage Schiaparelli Red Scarf

Katharine Hepburn, Summertime (1955)

YSl Red Satin Evening Poche, Merlette Black Cotton Dress, White Ray Ban Sunglasses, Red Ferragamo Heeled Sandals

Katharine Hepburn , Summertime (1955)

The Row Kelly Sunglasses, White Tkees Sandals, White Rixo Lace trimmed dress, LIZZIE FORTUNATO pearl earrings

Katharine Hepburn , Summertime (1955)

Massimo Dutti Black Straw Hat, Sophie Buhai Drop Earrings, Tory Burch Red bow Wedges, Attersee white dress, RAGBAG STUDIO Emberly Tiger's Eye Necklace, Cos Black Straw Bag

Katharine Hepburn , Summertime (1955)

Attersee Black Nylon Bag, Posse Red Rouched Dress, Heaven Mayhem Black Necklace, Tory Burch Mini Bow Espedrilles

Katharine Hepburn , Summertime (1955)

Akila Sunglasses, Margaux Brown Woven Sandals, The Frankie Shop Brown Shirt Dress, Elsa Peretti Bean design Pendant with Green Jade, Chan Luu Mesh Beaded Tote

Katharine Hepburn , Summertime (1955)

Valentino Gold Mules, Chan Luu Beaded Scarf, Green Siedres Halter dress, Vintage Schiaparelli Gold Metal Mesh Bag Wristlet Clutch

Katharine Hepburn , Summertime (1955)

Green Shell Earrings, Saint Laurent Black Satin Mini Tote, Massimo Dutti Brown Silk Dress, Vintage YSL Silver Chain Belt, Ferragamo Green Thong Heels.

Black Rabanne Disk Bag, Merlette Black Cotton Dress, Totem Black Thong Mules

Katharine Hepburn , Summertime (1955)

Vintage Schapparelli Red Earrings, Vintage Green Saint Lauren Bag, Brown FERRAGAMO Handkerchief Hem Stretch Cady Dress, Brown Raffia Hat, FRĒDA SALVADOR Sera Raffia Fisherman Sandals