AUDREY HEPBURN A FASHION ICON
A new documentary on Audrey Hepburn has just come to Netflix. It is almost thirty years since Audrey Hepburn left us. . The new documentary looks at the life of Audrey Hepburn.
Filmmaker Helena Coan examines the remarkable life and career of actress, fashion icon and humanitarian Audrey Hepburn. Audrey Hepburn won her first Academy Award at the age of 24 and went on to become one of the world's greatest cultural icons: a once-in-a-generation beauty, and legendary star of Hollywood's Golden Age, whose style and pioneering collaboration with Hubert de Givenchy continues to inspire. But who was the real Audrey Hepburn? Malnourished as a child, abandoned by her father and growing up under Nazi occupation in Holland, Hepburn faced a life-long battle with the traumas of her past, which thwarted her dreams of becoming a ballet dancer, and cast a shadow over her personal life. Yet she found inner peace using her superstardom for good as a global ambassador for UNICEF and bringing her life full circle; first a victim of war, then a source of relief to millions.
excerpt taken from IMDb
AUDREY HEPBURN A FASHION ICON
It is no surprise that the fascination with Audrey Hepburn is still alive and well in 2021. I have always been an avid lover of old Hollywood and especially fashion in film. While many Hollywood stars have impacted fashion, probably no star has been a bigger influence than Audrey Hepburn.
The influence of a Hollywood actress's fashion persona on the screen differs from the one made off-screen. However, Audrey Hepburn is an exception. Hepburn's screen style, was inspired by her collaboration with the designer Hubert Givenchy. This relationship not only created her on-screen style but also perfected her off-screen style. It is this affiliation that helped create Audrey Hepburn as a fashion icon.
From her first appearance on the screen until today, women have emulated and been inspired by the style of Audrey Hepburn. Everything from her pixie hairdo to her exquisite evening gowns has inspired generations of fashionistas. While I do not encourage you to copy anyone's style, being inspired is a different thing. Hepburn's effortless style comprises classic pieces presented with ease, elegance, and sophistication. Here are some of those classic looks and elements that every woman should have in her wardrobe.
AUDREY HEPBURN A FASHION ICON
EVENING GOWN
When Audrey Hepburn made an appointment with Hubert Givenchy to find costumes for the film Sabrina, Givenchy expected Katharine Hepburn. At the initial meeting, Givenchy was disappointed to see the tiny framed Audrey Hepburn. It wasn't long before a friendship and partnership was formed, it served them both well.
One costume chosen by Hepburn for her role was this exquisite ball gown. The feel of this gown is youthful and sophisticated. The sheer volume of this dress makes it a standout. Therefore, to create a similar look, pay attention to the silhouette. For those who would like to channel this look, here are my choices.
AUDREY HEPBURN A FASHION ICON
LITTLE BLACK DRESS
Here is Audrey Hepburn wearing the array of little black dresses in Breakfast At Tiffany's. Hepburn's costumes in the film are again designed by Hubert Givenchy. While the creation of the LBD (Little Black Dress) belongs to Coco Chanel and deservedly so, that was in the 1920s. However, the modern interpretation of it belongs to the team of Givenchy and Hepburn.
The LBD is on the fashion map because of Breakfast at Tiffany's. The essence of this dress in all its manifestations is simplicity, elegance, cleanliness, and versatility. Hepburn, like the influencers of today, brought fame to the classic black dress. The popularity it still has today. Here are my selections of the LBD of today. Find one you love and add this classic to your wardrobe.
AUDREY HEPBURN A FASHION ICON
MIDI CIRCLE SKIRT
The above shot is from the 1953 film Roman Holiday the costumes are by legendary designer Edith Head. Edith Head is one of the most admired Hollywood costume designers. When Head designed the wardrobe for the young Hepburn, on-screen magic was made, and a fashion icon was born.
The premise of Roman Holiday is a young princess is in disguise as an ordinary Roman girl. However, there is nothing ordinary about the on-screen image of Audrey Hepburn. Like the partnership formed with Givenchy, Hepburn and Head had a creative collaboration that incorporated Hepburn's style with her character.
The short-sleeved shirt(which Hepburn rolled up the cuffs), circle skirt, and strappy sandals have become summer classics. If you want a summer look with flair and style, this is a chic blueprint.
AUDREY HEPBURN A FASHION ICON
CROPPED PANTS AND BALLET FLATS
If I select one look to summarize the influence of Audrey Hepburn, it is Capri pants and ballet flats. While this look is simple, it is in this simplicity that the classic beauty lies. The all-black look above is from the 1957 film Funny Face. Since Audrey Hepburn was a trained ballerina, she knew how to carry herself. Because of her erect posture and perfect poise, Hepburn could easily pull off a minimalistic look. Sometimes less is more. This total black ensemble is one of those times.
Hepburn made Capri pants an iconic wardrobe staple. Hepburn not only wore the pants on the set but wore them in her off-screen wardrobe. Hepburn was a much-photographed movie star, and it was these real-life photographs that positioned Hepburn as a fashion icon.
I have chosen a selection of Capri pants and ballet flats to help you get this perfect relaxed style .
IN CONCLUSION
Defining your style is something that can take a lifetime. For most of us, this is a work in progress. We will define, and redefine our fashion persona. While most of us do not have access to a personal designer or stylist like a Hollywood star, we can learn from those who do. Audrey Hepburn is the perfect example of someone to look at, study, and be inspired. Hepburn's influence lies in classic pieces, elegant lines, and the ease with which you wear them. While dressing up as a fashion icon should be saved for Halloween. Being inspired and influenced is for every day. Therefore incorporate the elements of Hepburn's style that you love.
CIAO FOR NOW J.ANDREW