Audrey Hepburn - In Praise of a Style Icon
Audrey’s Effortless Style Is The Epitome Of Elegance And Fashion
Nov 3, 2009
Audrey Hepburn was one of a kind. Since bursting onto the screen in 1953 as Princess Ann in Roman Holiday, alongside established actor Gregory Peck, Audrey defined a look that was rarely seen in Hollywood. In the 1950’s Hollywood glamour was all about curves and accentuating them. Audrey with her elfin face, pixie crop, bushy, thick eyebrows and skinny frame was a far cry from the screen sirens that dominated the cinema screens. With her unique sense of style, Audrey Hepburn became a style icon, and to this day, Audrey’s wardrobe staples are still the height of fashion. Perhaps shoe designer Manolo Blahnik describes it best when he says, “The imprint of Miss Hepburn is absolutely, totally present. Like it or not, she will be the most important look of the twentieth century.”
Audrey Hepburn and Fashion
Audrey had an avid interest in fashion and was always in control of her own look. She created a look that was distinctly her own and bought European style to Hollywood. Audrey’s style was simple and elegant; clean lines, nipped in waists that accentuated her tiny frame, turtlenecks, Capri pants and ballet pumps. Her style was effortless and her longstanding partnership with designer Hubert de Givenchy was truly inspired. A match made in fashion heaven. Both had similar tastes in clothes and Audrey’s delicate features and tiny frame complemented Givenchy’s elegant designs. The two met in 1953. Hepburn was just about to star in Sabrina, her second major film role, opposite Bogart. The two hit it off famously, becoming lifelong friends, a friendship that would last until Audrey’s untimely death in 1993. Hubert De Givenchy said of his close friend, “Audrey had a big personality. In the choice of her dresses, in wearing them with such elegance, chic, and simplicity. In a very personal way, she created her own look – The Hepburn Style.”
The Hepburn Look
Audrey Hepburn’s look is perhaps one of the most imitated looks of all time. Her style is timeless and her look can be easily attainable. Speaking to Barbara Walters in 1989, Audrey said of her look, “My look is attainable. Women can look like Audrey Hepburn by flipping out their hair, buying the large glasses and the little sleeveless dresses." It takes more than a sleeveless dress and sunglasses to achieve Audrey’s unique style. However, the Hepburn look is important precisely because it is more attainable than other Hollywood style. Designer Cynthia Rowley concurs, stating, “I would look at some of the other stars like Sophia Loren and Marilyn Monroe, and I would think – there’s just no way, I could never be like that. That was a man’s idea of beauty, and Audrey was more like a woman’s idea of beauty.”
Since her death in 1993, Audrey’s style is still influencing fashion trends to this day and will undeniably continue to inspire fashion for the foreseeable future.
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