Audrey Hepburn has been a fashion icon ever since her first major starring role in “Roman Holiday,” alongside Gregory Peck. In the movie, she completely cuts all of her hair off and was one of the first women to rock a pixie cut, making the style very popular in the late 1950s.

From her all-black ensemble in “Funny Face” to her white and black dress in “My Fair Lady,” Hepburn was the go-to girl for fashion trends in the past. She was known not only for her incredible sense of style in films, but also her elegant style on red carpets and everyday life. Hepburn oftentimes worked with Hubert de Givenchy, the founder and designer for
the French luxury brand Givenchy, both on and off movie sets to help create her timeless looks.

Hepburn’s most famous role is definitely Holly Golightly in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.” The opening shot of her in the long black dress and pearls has been the inspiration for women everywhere since the movie first premiered in 1961. It’s funny that one of Hepburn’s most enduring looks appears in the film for only about five minutes; it’s now plastered on many college dorm walls.

Audrey Hepburn is one of my favorite actresses as well as fashion inspiration. So many of her looks have stood the test of time and are still considered some of the best ever created. That’s something that I would like to emulate myself.

One thing about Hepburn that seems to be forgotten is how incredibly accomplished she is. Her work as an actress and humanitarian is unparalleled. She is one of 12 people to have received an EGOT — an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony. She could speak five languages, including Dutch, French and Spanish.

Hepburn worked with UNICEF from the 1950s until the end of her life, but she increased the amount of work she did in her later years. One of her biggest concerns on her trips with UNICEF was the children and ensuring that they would get the help they need.

“Taking care of children has nothing to do with politics,” Hepburn once said on a trip to Somalia. “I think perhaps with time, instead of there being a politicisation of humanitarian aid, there will be a humanisation of politics.”

Even many years after she first starred in a major film, Hepburn continues to be among the most recognized fashion icons of the past century. Her style still inspires generation after generation. But more importantly, she is an example of the importance of empathy and work ethic that is an inspiration to us all.

_Edited by Katherine Rosso | krosso@themaneater.com_