Audrey Hepburn and Hubert de Givenchy’s collaboration remains one of the most legendary in fashion history. Their partnership lasted three decades and resulted in some of the most iconic looks on and off the screen.
From the flowing, off-the-shoulder gowns in Sabrina (1954) to the iconic black dress Hepburn wore in Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961), their creative synergy never wavered. Even as trends evolved, Givenchy continued to create pieces that perfectly complemented the actor’s timeless elegance.
By the 1980s, fashion was all about drama, and Hepburn, ever the coolest, tapped into the drama at the 1989 CFDA Fashion Awards in a striking red ensemble.
The actor wore a daring, floor-length gown that complemented the bold silhouettes of the time. The skirt was tiered to match the sequined bodice and cinched in at the waist, creating a stark contrast in shape and texture. A matching red feather boa added a touch of glam to the look. A splash of colour subtly broke up the monotony of the look with gold diamond-shaped earrings and a red clutch.
Hepburn wore her hair slicked back, perhaps to prevent the feathers from detracting from her sophisticated look. For her makeup, she chose soft smoky eyeliner and pink lipstick, striking the perfect balance between drama and ease.
Though bolder than Hepburn’s usual understated style, this 1989 look embodied a calm elegance that would earn her a Lifetime Fashion Award from the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) just three years later.
As one of the icons of Old Hollywood, Hepburn’s influence on fashion remains unmatched. She was born with a temperament that combined elegance and charisma, making her not only a muse for Givenchy, but also an inspiration for generations of designers and fashion lovers.
While her onscreen looks established her as a fashion icon, it was her timeless, sophisticated, and always-crafted personal style that cemented her legendary status.
Hepburn’s fashion sense was a masterpiece, proving that true elegance transcends time. To recreate her look from the 1989 CFDA Awards, try a mini dress that showcases lavish feathers, like Hanifa Leona’s dress, or the floral appliqué dress by Fanci Club. Pair with matching red pointy-toe heels and a sparkly clutch.