Fashion Icons - Audrey Hepburn

Audrey Hepburn: 20th century fashion icon 

Audrey Hepburn. Radiant, sophisticated, glamorous, no one has captured our hearts and inspired our wardrobes like this iconic lady. Even today, twenty four years after her death her status as a style icon still remains, with Victoria Beckham and The Olsen Twins taking style inspiration from Hepburn. A tall and naturally slim women with a sophisticated updo, Hepburn trained as a ballerina, however due to the war, was denied this opportunity. So she tried her hand at acting, and the rest is history. Hepburn favoured clean, simple, practical lines, however wore them with a feminine touch so she always had the distinct look of grace and beauty. Below is a photo of Hepburn in crop trousers and embellished ballet flats. 

Audrey in Breakfast at Tiffany's

 Over the years, from her breakout role in breakfast at Tiffany's, she has been described as  " the most stylish woman who ever lived," by Mary Quant, designer of the mini skirt, and "a gift from on high," by Givenchy, who designed her world famous Little Black Dress which was worn in the opening scenes of Breakfast at Tiffany's. Moon River by Henry Mancini and Johnny Mercer plays in the background, as Hepburn gazes longingly into Tiffany's shop window wearing her black dress, Oliver Goldsmith sunglasses and Tiffany pearls around her neck, while the early morning silhouette of New York hangs proudly in the background. It's a graceful, romantic opening that sticks in the viewer's mind and helps to characterise Hepburn as style icon, thanks to Givenchy. The original Little black Dress was designed by Coco Chanel in the 1920's, a few decades previous to Tiffany's, and in 1926 Vogue described the dress as "the frock that all the world will wear." And so they did. With the release of this film in 1961 and Givenchy's designs, the Black dress skyrocketed into iconic fashion and still remains a staple in every women's wardrobes today.  In the film, Hepburn plays a humorous yet moving  Holly Golightly, which I feel is the way she should always be remembered.

Since then, Hepburn emerged as Givenchy's muse, with the house designing many of Hepburn's outfits. The pair not only as a professional relationship that helped to immerse them both further in stardome, but also an affection for eachother. In 1957, Givenchy launched his first perfume, L'interdit. The perfume was promoted by Hepburn helping its success. This hit headlines as the first time the world had seen an actress as the face of a perfume. (Vogue 2011)  

    

Audrey in My Fair Lady

A visionary masterpiece, the 1964 film My Fair lady tells the timeless story of a poor flower seller with a broad cockney accent named Eliza Doolittle blossom into a beautiful lady fit fit the higher classes and expectations of Edwardian society, with the help of Professor Henry Higgins. The film itself is based on the 1913 stage show, Pygmalion by George Bernard Shaw.

With costume designes by Cecil Beaton, he depicts perfectly Eliza's change of status throughout the film. During the first scenes. Eliza wears a long brown coat, and full skirt, which represents the fashions the lower class of society in the Edwardian  period.

However, as Eliza grows and develops into a beautiful lady, so does her fashion and this is reflected through her costumes. Her iconic dress worn to Royal Ascot as seen above, is the reflection of true Edwardian glamour, wealth and style.

Personally I adore Audrey Hepburn's style, and I believe it will continue to be worn by countless women in years to come. it captivates grace and feminine beauty; a style that needs to be brought into fashion again in my opinion.

Until next time
Anna xx



Image references: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Audrey_Hepburn

https://www.fragrantica.com/perfume/Givenchy/L-Interdit-2003-855.html
https://www.thinglink.com/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/my-fair-lady-costumes-834685scene/765185583407431682