Nothing is impossible, the word itself says ‘I’m possible’!

Think Marilyn Monroe! Think Jayne Mansfield! Immediately images of the curvy hourglass figures of the 1950s spring to mind. 

In fact the women of the day were actively encouraged to replicate the voluptuous Hollywood silhouette. 

However one icon of both the Silver Screen and fashion bucked the trend. Audrey Hepburn was not curvaceous and was often seen with a cropped hair style.


Although her style and figure had boyish elements about them there is no question that Audrey was one of the most feminine and glamorous of actresses to grace the movie screen. 

Perhaps a little known fact is that Audrey Hepburn was ranked third (behind movie legends Katharine Hepburn and Bette Davis) in the American Film Institute list of the greatest Female screen legends.

Born Audrey Kathleen Ruston in Belgium in 1929 she was inducted into the International Best Dressed list Hall of Fame in 1961. 

Her first starring roll was alongside Gregory Peck in the 1953 romantic comedy film Roman Holiday; going on to be recognised through many accolades including Academy, Emmy, Grammy and Tony Awards, and devoting much of her later life to UNICEF working in some of the poorest communities of Africa, South America and Asia.

It is Hepburn’s iconic and unique style on which we shall focus. 

For many her place as an iconic fashion role model was cemented in Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961) and a Givenchy gown. 

Her relationship with Hubert de Givenchy began in 1953 when she travelled to Paris to source her own wardrobe for the 1954 movie Sabrina and the two were introduced. He would go on to design many of her personal ensembles as well as many outfits worn in her film roles.
Sabrina gave us a neckline previously known as the bateau (or boat) neckline but subsequently renamed after the character. Favoured by Hepburn because it hid her skinny collarbone but emphasized her good shoulders.

The silhouettes considered synonymous with Hepburn were not boundary breaking but the fashions of the times. “Capri pants, the full skirt, the sweater with the hankerchief around her neck. 

So how do we recreate her look nowadays? 

We shall be using Roman Holiday as the basis of a Hepburn look to recreate. 

Firstly hair and the pixie cut that was revealed by Hepburn in Roman Holiday. An enduring image and very much associated with her.

A white button-down shirt; fitted and with an open v-neck collar that shows off a glimpse of décolletage.

From http://www.vivienofholloway.com Raglan Blouse White (£39.00). 

The circle skirt; mid-calf in length, and cinched at the waist with a belt to create a demure yet alluring look. 

Also to be found at http://www.vivienofholloway Circle Skirt White Sateen (£49.00).

To complete the a casual yet sophisticated look  strappy, gladiatorish sandals.

From http://m.ebay.com/itm/370847234527?_mwBanner=1 Flat Gladiator Sandals for Women in White Ivory Leather and Handmade in Italy (US$97.00). 

Thanks for reading and Happy Shopping.

Cx.

3 thoughts on “Nothing is impossible, the word itself says ‘I’m possible’!”

Leave a comment