Fall Minimalism Inspired by Audrey Hepburn

After watching countless viewings of the wonderful film, Breakfast at Tiffany's, I have become captivated and stunned by the beauty of Audrey Hepburn. Without a glimpse of effort, a layer of grace and elegance seems to surround the actress in her movies, as well as in reality.

Naturally, her stylish and mature taste in fashion is an aspect that has been injected into all her films and has also helped her to work in the world of modeling. This made me wonder; is she purely just an icon of the 60's? Or has Hepburn in fact, had a significant influence on 21st century fashion? I myself, think the latter; her simplistic and traditional choice of dress is the backbone to any runway.




"My look is attainable. Women can look like Audrey Hepburn by flipping out their hair, buying the large sunglasses, and the little sleeveless dresses." - (Hepburn). After reading this quote, it is evident that she was surprisingly modest about the stylish figure she was, although to this day, designers are continuing to create clothing much alike Hepburn's iconic taste. 

Vogue's prediction for fall fashion 2010 states 'minimalism', including the knee-length black dress; the beige, collared trench coat; plus boot cut, plain trousers. The beauty lies in the fact that the clothes are far from attention-grabbing, instead they combine an elegant effect of simplicity and chic. 

Subsequently, using Breakfast at Tiffany's as a prime example, these three fashion pieces were worn, by Hepburn, repeatedly throughout the film. Therefore, it is impossible to say that her overwhelming style has been forgotten; in fact, i feel that it has been treasured and continuously refreshed throughout the seasons, for example the 'New Minimalist' trend of Autumn 2010.









Echoes of this minimalist trend have been bouncing off catwalks all over Paris; remarkably of all, Givenchy's Riccardo Tisci gave the Lang-esque key pieces of next season. These involved, slim trousersuits, double-breasted tailored coats (over polo-necks); plus his own signature gothic twist, with slashes of blood red at the throat and sheer, high-necked white blouses. It is being named 'Feminine minimalism'; the change of direction can be clearly seen in catwalk reports everywhere from Twitter to the Herald Tribune. 

There is a definite praise on collections, as 'precise' is the now the new 'fabulous' and the best shows are no longer 'dazzling', but 'clean and serene'. So can we see Hepburn's influence on the runways of 21st century fashion? I believe so.





However, the imprint she has left on the fashion industry doesn't stop at her fluent taste in cloth; her unusual and elfin-like features made a refreshing statement in the modelling world amongst the 'Bridgitte Bardot's' and 'Grace Kelly's' of her time:

"I think sex is overrated. I don't have sex appeal and I know it. As a matter of fact, I think I'm rather funny looking." -(Hepburn). 

However, although she did not, stereotypically, project a sexually appeasing shape, her slight frame and pixie facial features made her one of the very first few starlets to form the face of fashion. With her sharp jawline, prominent collar bone and twiglet legs, designers discovered the perfect frame for their clothes, as they were free to drape their garments in such a way. Still to this day, models sport those striking cheekbones, and of course that infamous pin-straight figure; so has Hepburn made a mark on the industry of dress? Absolutely.

Consequently, it is clear that whatever direction the runway points this fall season, whether it is the McCartney ruffles, grunge glam or romantic lace, the one trend that will never go out of style is simplicity. Hats off to the queen of natural beauty, Audrey Hepburn, we salute you!

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