Audrey Hepburn, a timeless style icon, epitomized sixties fashion, evolving with the decade’s trends from elegant sophistication to the free-spirited hippie aesthetic. Her influence, cemented in the 1950s with films like Roman Holiday, continued to shape fashion in the 1960s.
Early Sixties Fashion: Elegance and Grace
Hepburn’s early sixties fashion reflected the decade’s initial elegance. The 1961 film Breakfast at Tiffany’s showcased her iconic style in collaboration with designer Hubert de Givenchy. The film’s little black dress remains a symbol of sixties fashion. Givenchy’s designs for Hepburn, both on and off-screen, created a classic, accessible look for women. This simple yet stylish wardrobe became highly influential.
Mirroring the style of First Lady Jackie Kennedy, Hepburn often wore feminine skirt suits, complete with gloves and hats. This is evident in the green Givenchy suit she wore in the 1962 film Paris When It Sizzles. Her wardrobe in the 1963 film Charade further showcased this elegant aesthetic, seamlessly blending with Parisian chic.
Mid-Sixties Fashion: Embracing the Mod Look
The mid-sixties saw a shift towards the “Mod” style, characterized by bright colors and minidresses. Hepburn effortlessly adopted this trend, incorporating it into her evolving wardrobe. In the 1966 film How to Steal a Million, she embraced the Space Age trend with white-rimmed sunglasses and a stylish bob, accentuated by dark eyeliner for the popular doe-eyed look.
Late Sixties Fashion: A Transitioning Era
By the late sixties, fashion began embracing Eastern influences and longer hemlines. While the world transitioned, Hepburn remained true to her personal style. In 1969, she married Andrea Dotti in a pink minidress, reflecting a segment of society, including designers like Givenchy, who hadn’t yet fully adopted the new bohemian styles.
Audrey Hepburn’s Lasting Impact on Sixties Fashion
Audrey Hepburn’s influence on sixties fashion remains significant. Her collaboration with Givenchy, her adoption of iconic trends, and her enduring elegance solidified her status as a fashion icon. Hepburn’s style journey throughout the sixties provides a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of fashion during this transformative decade. She continues to inspire and influence fashion today.
