We all know the iconic image of Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golightly in 'Breakfast at Tiffany's', why is she so iconic even today?
Despite debuting as an actress in 1948, Audrey Hepburn remains a household name today having starred in iconic Hollywood films such as 'Breakfast at Tiffany's'. However, her style is so iconic that people who have not even seen her films will recognise an image of her.
Audrey Hepburn was a fresh face in post-war Hollywood. The 1950s being post-war meant clothing was no longer rationed. Christian Dior famously said that this was a time where "Women long to be women again" - in 1947 Dior introduced the 'New Look' - a very feminine silhouette that emphasised women's curvaceous figures by accentuating a tiny waist. This look became iconic in the 1950s and re-established Paris as a hotspot for fashion. This 'New Look' was regularly seen on Hollywood starlets such as Marilyn Monroe, who was largely known and praised for her body shape. However, many women in the 1950s felt this look was unrealistic and unachievable.
"Women long to be women again" - Christian Dior
When Audrey Hepburn starred in Roman Holiday in 1953, she was described by Photo Play as 'Flat chested, slim-hipped and altogether completely un-Marilyn Monroeish' - however, this is what set Audrey Hepburn apart from other actresses of the time, she was appealing to women as she paved the way for a new body type in the media. In an autobiographical piece written by Allison Fell called 'Rebel with a cause', Allison writes about how unrelatable Hollywood starlets were and that 'Only Audrey Hepburn gives cause for hope'
"Only Audrey Hepburn gives cause for hope" - Rebel with a Cause by Allison Fell
Hepburn is known for having one of the most iconic fashion partnerships in history with Parisian couturier Hubert de Givenchy. Givenchy is still a major fashion house today, but the early designs created a movement with women wanting to dress like Audrey, whether it was the simple, but elegant ball gowns such as the iconic black dress in Breakfast at Tiffany's or Hepburn's personal simple, chic style characterised by capri pants and oversized white shirts.
Hubert de Givenchy's career had a very successful start after he opened his own fashion house in 1952. He had previously gained relevance within the industry after moving between some of the most famous couturiers of the time. His experience came from working with Lucien Lelong, Robert Piguet and Elsa Schiaparelli. It was within the first year of the house that Audrey Hepburn came to purchase some French clothing to wear in her film 'Sabrina'
It was said that Givenchy originally thought it was Katherine Hepburn that had come to see him and he was surprised to see Audrey. Givenchy showed Audrey several dresses for 'Sabrina' which when she tried on, 'seemed as if they were made for her'. Givenchy had found his muse, from then on all collections he designed had Audrey in mind - she was the personification of the 'Givenchy client'.
Givenchy's and Hepburn's professional relationship soon became a friendship that would last 40 years - until Audrey Hepburn sadly passed away in 1993.
When the 1954 movie 'Sabrina' opened in Paris, Givenchy was awarded an Oscar for the film's costumes, this led him to naming his new range of Italian fabrics 'Sabrina' - as a token of good luck. Hepburn went on to be dressed by Givenchy in all of her films that were not historical. Some of the most notable films include Funny Face, Love in the Afternoon, Paris when it Sizzles, Charade, How to Steal a Million, and of course, Breakfast at Tiffany's.
In 1962, Ciné-Revue interviewed Audrey Hepburn and she declared that "Everything I have worn for the last 10 years has come from Givenchy, I will probably remain faithful to him for the rest of my days". She described that she felt she had been born to wear Givenchy dresses.
"I will probably remain faithful to him for the rest of my days" Audrey Hepburn, 1962, in reference to Hubert de Givenchy's clothing.
The iconic looks of Audrey Hepburn hold relevance today with modern fashion referencing her continuously. A notable, recent look that displays Audrey Hepburn's and Hubert de Givenchy's relevancy in the modern day is Kendall Jenner's 2021 Met Gala gown. She wore a sheer dress, embellished with crystals, sparkling shoulder pads, and a neckpiece that pays homage to Hepburn's character, Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady. Kendall Jenner's look was designed by Matthew Williams, the current creative director of Givenchy. Modern-day references to Audrey prove that her style will always be a timeless classic.
Sources/References of information:
'Audrey Hepburn: Fashion, film and the 50s' (Women and Film: A sight and sound Reader’ Edited by Pam Cook and Phillip Dodd p36-40)
'Givenchy’ (p86-86)
'Elegance: The Beauty of French Fashion' (Megan Hess, p86-89)
'The external relevance of Audrey Hepburn' by Mina Le on YouTube
https://www.harpersbazaar.com/uk/fashion/fashion-news/news/g34837/diors-new-look-revolution/?slide=2
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lifestyle/style/you-could-own-audrey-hepburns-iconic-sabrina-gown-1041205/
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lifestyle/style/you-could-own-audrey-hepburns-iconic-sabrina-gown-1041205/
loved this! i didn't know much about audrey hepburn and how her style is still relevant today but this was super interesting! <3