Audrey Hepburn: Style Icon

Over a decade after her death, Audrey Hepburn is still classified as one of Hollywood's most influential style icons. Audrey experienced unbridled success throughout her film career, which extended into her humanitarian efforts. Her success stemmed from her charismatic persona and unique look. Audrey's sharp features, cropped auburn hair and slim figure defined her as an exquisite beauty, setting her apart from her Hollywood counterparts, who were desired because of their tousled blond hair and voluptuous figures. Audrey is remembered for her understated elegance, her ability to look effortlessly chic and of course, her skill for flawlessly accessorizing the little black dress. Sabrina, Funny Face and Breakfast at Tiffany's are among Audrey's most fashionable films.

In the 1954 film, Sabrina, Audrey plays a timid chauffeur's daughter who returns home to Long Island after two years in Paris. Upon her arrival, both Larrabee brothers (Humphrey Bogart and William Holden) fall for the sophisticated and stylish women she has become. It was during this film that Audrey developed a lifelong personal and professional relationship with French designer, Hubert de Givenchy. Givenchy first outfitted the timeless style icon in A-line gowns and a high neckline black cocktail dress in Sabrina and continued to dress Audrey throughout her remaining film career and personal life. Givenchy's creations were elegant and sophisticated in Audrey's simplistic and timeless way, a theme that continued throughout his designs.

Funny Face (1957) portrays Jo (Audrey) as a shy bookstore clerk turned top model after she is discovered by a famous fashion photographer (Fred Astaire). Audrey's style throughout this film ranges from effortless, casual and chic to overstated extravagance. I think everyone remembers the 2006 Gap commercial featuring a clip of Audrey from the film Funny Face. The clip portrays an absurdly dancing Audrey against AC/DC's "Back in Black" advertising Gap skinny black pants. It doesn't seem to matter that Audrey's pants were designed for her by Givenchy, except that her timeless style transcends decades.

Breakfast at Tiffany's is often referred to as the fashion film. Filmed in 1961, Audrey plays Holly Golightly, an eccentric New York socialite who becomes infatuated with a struggling writer (George Peepard) living in her building. Breakfast at Tiffany's is best remembered as the film that solidified Audrey's role as an iconic fashion influence. Throughout the film she appears in numerous little black dresses, oversized sunglasses, giant pearls and chic gloves, instilling within many the desire to emulate her simplistic and classic approach to fashion.

Audrey Hepburn will forever remain one of the world's most influential and imitated style icons due to her exquisite beauty and her simplistic and classic approach to style.