Audrey Hepburn


Born the daughter of a Dutch baroness and an English banker in 1929, Audrey Hepburn arrived in London at the age of sixteen with hopes of pursuing a career in ballet. Sadly her dream of dancing at Covent Garden was never realised, but the move had opened up a world of possibility. Hepburn began to audition for a number of small acting parts and it was whilst working on a Broadway version of ‘Gigi’ in 1951 that she was offered a part alongside Gregory Peck in ‘Roman Holiday’. Hepburn’s portrayal of the young Princess Ann lit up the screen, and despite the fact that her slender figure and flat chest were in stark contrast to the then prevailing standards of female beauty, her evanescent image bewitched audiences. Female cinema-goers the world over began to imitate her short hair style, tied white shirt and long, full skirt. Over the coming years, Hepburn would establish herself as one of the most admired and emulated women of the century.Audrey Hepburn died of cancer in 1993, aged 64, having devoted much of her adult life to helping underprivileged children in the Third World. She is perhaps most fondly remembered for her role in the film which provided the little black dress with all manner of sophisticated connotations – Capote’s ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’. The captivating image of Hepburn lingering in her Givenchy dress, complete with white gloves and beehive hairdo, is one which has sealed her reputation as a fashion goddess. In fact, it is with some thanks to Hepburn that the little back dress remains an enduring classic to this day. The epitome of style, Audrey Hepburn has inspired generations of women across the globe. With her charm, grace and understated glamour, she is universally regarded as one of the 20th century’s best-loved fashion and film icons. Source: FST