Audrey Hepburn, a prominent figure in 1950s and 60s cinema, epitomized the evolution of women’s fashion during the sixties. Her influence, established through iconic films like Roman Holiday, Sabrina, and Funny Face, extended well into the decade, shaping 1960s fashion trends.
Hepburn’s role as Holly Golightly in the 1961 film Breakfast at Tiffany’s solidified her status as a style icon. Her iconic black dress, designed by Hubert de Givenchy (Fig. 17), became synonymous with chic sophistication. Givenchy’s collaborations with Hepburn, both on and off-screen, produced a minimalist yet elegant wardrobe that resonated with women of all backgrounds.
The early 1960s saw Hepburn embrace feminine skirt suits reminiscent of Jackie Kennedy’s style. She accessorized with gloves and hats, mirroring the First Lady’s polished look. The green Givenchy suit she wore in the 1962 film Paris When It Sizzles exemplifies this aesthetic (Fig. 18). Hepburn’s wardrobe in the 1963 film Charade showcased a similar elegance that resonated with the era’s prevailing trends (Fig. 15).
As the decade progressed, Hepburn’s style evolved alongside sixties fashion trends. She embraced the Mod movement with its vibrant colors and minidresses. In the 1966 film How to Steal a Million, she sported white-rimmed sunglasses, reflecting the Space Age trend, and a stylish bob paired with dark eyeliner, capturing the popular doe-eyed look of the period (Fig. 16).
By the late 1960s, Eastern influences and longer hemlines began to dominate fashion. However, Hepburn, marrying Andrea Dotti in 1969, chose a pink minidress (Fig. 19), representing a segment of society that hadn’t yet embraced the changing styles. While fashion continued to evolve, Hepburn’s enduring style influence remained.
