There is a truth which is universally acknowledged that every woman has a female style icon that they secretly admire.
Often, when we want to look ravishingly elegant and stunning features we draw upon these icons for inspiration. For many, it is a Hollywood actress from the glory days of black & white cinema.

From Marilyn to Grace Kelly, these goddesses have inspired young fashionistas across the globe with their sense of shear elegance and style. So much so that the V & A museum has recently launched a collection dedicated to the beautiful actress, Grace Kelly.These icons have left a huge mark on the fashion industry, one that is still very visible today. Their evident glamour and innate beauty have transcended the screen and entered popular culture in a way that had never before been seen.

There are however many and I include myself in this category, that consider there to be only one style icon - Audrey Hepburn.
Hepburn’s elegant grace and doe-eyed quality has been envied by women for generations, ever since she glided outside Tiffany’s jewellery store in the beating heart of New York City. It was the combination of Ray Ban sunglasses with that little black dress that made her the epitome of style for women everywhere. Further more, her character, Holly Golightly was the queen of fashion and gave us some great style tips, such as “personally I think it’s tacky to wear diamonds before 40”. We owe a greater amount of respect to the regal Miss Hepburn than she has previously been given credit for. She was a key fashion icon and gave us more than just the LBD.

Hepburn was one of the first movie stars to have her own fashion designer creating  garments specifically for her. Her relationship with French designer, Hubert de Givenchy was an important one that lasted throughout her lifetime. He created stunning ball gowns for her, for example the white dress with the intricate black embroidery that she famously wore in the film, ‘Sabrina’.

Hepburn was also a keen fashionista long before either Gaga or Madonna were even born and she was often photographed sporting the latest trends. The Louis Luitton Speedy 25 handbag was a personal favourite of Hepburn’s and over the years it has become her signature purse. Audrey Hepburn was a real style icon both on and off screen. She not only had designers flocking to her but she also knew how to look glamorous and stylish 100% of the time. From beautiful ball gowns to the latest fashion trends, she knew how to dress to impress whatever the occasion. Further more, she made the look her own.

From beige Mackintosh coats to belted blazers, Audrey wore clothes not just for comfort but she experimented with fashion. She even managed to make ankle trousers look sophisticated and stylish. A look, consequently, that has returned this season. Audrey was a beacon of light for fashion addicts everywhere. Her sophisticated style and elegance was regularly seen on the front of magazines across the globe.

So this season why not try taking a leaf out of Audrey Hepburn’s book and adapt a classy and sophisticated look perfect for this summer. As Audrey famously once said, “My look is attainable. Women can look like Audrey Hepburn by flipping out their hair, buying the large sunglasses, and the little sleeveless dresses.” She obviously didn’t realise how much of an iconic figure she would turn out to be for the modern woman.

Words by Siobhan Holt. All images from Fanpix

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