A partnership, a collaboration all began publicly in the 1950’s, to curate Hepburn’s wardrobe for her new film, Sabrina. She wanted to be transparent with whom she is, through expression of fashion, her style. Audrey has grace, elegance, class, dignified with a bit of rebellion in her heart, or shall we say, a lady with some edge, in other words, her style showcased her characteristics in her films. Audrey came across this un-known, up-and-coming fashion designer, early in his career, Herbert Givenchy. Givenchy was looking to established himself and he believed this pairing between himself and Audrey for the Sabrina film would be a perfect fit. Little did either one of them ever realize, this relationship in modern history, was going to be the beginning of something special.
In the process it would make an impact on women’s image and fashion, transitioning Ms. Audrey Hepburn to the style icon as we know her to be today. Leaving behind countless fashion and style, timeless elegant pieces that will never go out of style. From the iconic Tiffany dress from Breakfast at Tiffany’s, to the black sweater, black leggings and black flats, with Audrey riding on a bicycle to Funny Face’s gowns to the lace mask to everything in between, including the perfume L’Interdit. Oh, how we must not forget the parfum.
A pairing that is the most defining muse-designer relationships in modern style. Audrey became the face of his aesthetic and he became the architect of her iconicity. Their partnership shaped film, couture and the global idea of elegance.
The Meeting that Changed Fashion
Their story begins in 1953, when Audrey — preparing for Sabrina — sought “a real Parisian dress.”
She visited Givenchy’s atelier expecting to find Katharine Hepburn’s designs; instead, she found a young couturier who didn’t yet know her name. But once they met, the chemistry was instant. She chose pieces from his current collection, and those looks became the foundation of her on‑screen transformation in Sabrina.
The iconic Sabrina white gown.
By 1953 Hubert Givenchy and Audrey Hepburn had developed a friendship after having dined together upon meeting about a year prior when a young twenty-four Audrey Hepburn had wrapped filming her first picture, Roman Holiday, when in the middle of the release of the film in the United States. Hepburn was considered to be a revolution in the film world, a breath of fresh air, if you will.
So, by the time the film Sabrina had rolled around these two up-and-coming stars had collaborated on their first project together for this film, thus this friendship now became public along with their collaboration.
At the age of twenty-six, while Hepburn was filming her breakthrough role in Rome, Hubert de Givenchy was debuting his first collection, which faced overnight and international acclaim in Paris, was praised for his fresh take on style and was named the one to watch. Both of whom were on the brink of success. Givenchy and Hepburn has first met in the early 1950’s, around 1952, after having dined together their friendship blossomed. It wasn’t until this Sabrina, when their friendship went public and marking this as their first collaboration and the result lead to worldwide sensation not only the clothes themselves were hugely successful
In the same year, Ms. Hepburn had been nominated for Best Actress for her portrayal in Roman Holiday, which she had opted for a Givenchy floral white gown to wear to the Academy Awards (Oscars). Audrey had won the prestigious award, along with the many hearts of fashion and style lovers and enthusiasts, whom had dubbed this particular dress one of the most iconic dresses of the 20th century.
All the while, Audrey Hepburn was tied in fifth place, along side with actor Marlene Dietrich, n the Couture Group of the New York Dress Institute’s 1956 list of the World’s Best Dressed Women.
Funny Face, is known more for the fashion, than the actual movie itself. Audrey Hepburn starred along side Fred Astaire in this musical. There are many iconic gowns Givenchy had curated.
Then came the dress of all dresses, the dress that defines the LBD (little black dress), probably the most famous of all dresses, specifically the LBD, that ruled the world. You know which dress I’m referring to. The Breakfast at Tiffany‘s LBD.
Refined and timeless elegance continued to define this partnership, as years continued to pass, these staples had sustained in the curation of Ms. Hepburn’s style, even when their bond had continued to flourish.
The dress as it appears in the opening credits, exuded all things French, from the chignon with a tiara, croissant, cafe au lait (coffee), the dress, pearl necklace designed by Roger Scemama, who designed jewelry for Givenchy., over-sized sunglasses, the kitten heel shoes, the black elbow length gloves. It became iconic not only in film but in fashion. This dress was described as the little black dress of all little black dresses.
This little black dress is made up of Italian satin, it is said, The dress influenced many women’s wardrobes and is also a part of the most iconic garments from the 20th century. Officially part of fashion history. After all, when you think of Breakfast at Tiffany’s, what do you think of? When you think of Audrey Hepburn, what do you think of? What is the mental tattoo? This iconic look.
As the 1960’s rolled in, Audrey was now considered to be Givenchy’s muse to the public with their collaboration still being intact in film. From the 1963 comedy-thriller, Charade to the 1964 romantic-comedy film Paris When It Sizzles. By now, Givenchy’s designs flowed right into each setting and storyline of the film Hepburn had starred in.
It wasn’t until 1966, when Givenchy would now be regarded to solidify himself as a powerhouse in the fashion industry, when comedy-crime film, How to Steal a Million was released. When Hepburn’s character is portrayed in disguise at a restaurant, wearing black lace dress paired with black lace pantyhose and a black lace mask, creating a fashion moment of glamour that will be forever instilled in fashion history.
This ensemble had showcased timeless elegance that left a lasting impression with its versatility of lace in haute couture. This black ensemble left an impact on women’s fashion in the 1960’s mod blending romantic elegance of modernity or “mod” of the 1960’s.
When Audrey Hepburn retired full-time from acting in 1967, and went into semi-retirement, she and Givenchy still sustained a personal relationship as friends, by getting together for dinner or going for walks.
I’m Stacey Hobbs, thanks for reading. Until next time!
“His are the only clothes in which I am myself”
Audrey Hepburn of Givenchy
A line that captures their synergy.
I’m Stacey Hobbs, thanks for reading Face by Stace! Until next time.
do you feel fabulous today?
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