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ETERNAL STYLE

Why Audrey Hepburn is still our favourite fashion icon – 25 years after her death

As this weekend commemorates the 25th anniversary of the actress’ death, we look back at Audrey’s most iconic style moments throughout the years

WHEN you think of stars from Hollywood’s Golden Age, it’s hard not to picture Audrey Hepburn, who we still celebrate for her fashion as well as her films.

Born in 1929, the British actress held an impressive career for over 40 years, and inspired generations to don pearls and an LBD to channel their inner ‘Holly Golightly’.

 1951: An early portrait of the star, taken on a beach in East Sussex
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1951: An early portrait of the star, taken on a beach in East SussexCredit: Getty - Contributor

After a few smaller acting roles, the British beauty shot to fame in 1953 starring in Roman Holiday, and became the first actress to win an Academy Award, Golden Globe, and BAFTA for a single performance.

Her 1954 role in Sabrina introduced her to designer Hubert de Givenchy, who later designed more of her famous gowns – which we still adore today.

Speaking of her style, he said: “I always respected Audrey’s taste. She was not like other movie stars in that .”

Their friendship grew as they worked together, and Hubert fondly spoke of her: “She is not only a legend but an extraordinary human being.”

 1953: Audrey Hepburn starred in Roman Holiday
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1953: Audrey Hepburn starred in Roman HolidayCredit: Alamy
 1954: Audrey wears a classic yet bright dog print blouse on the set of Sabrina, the film that introduced her to designer Hurbert de Givenchy
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 1954: Audrey wears a classic yet bright dog print blouse on the set of Sabrina, the film that introduced her to designer Hurbert de GivenchyCredit: Corbis
 1954: Audrey is pictured with her husband Mel Ferrer during a press reception at the Dorchester hotel. Her minimal eye make-up and strong eyebrows suit her delicate features
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1954: Audrey is pictured with her husband Mel Ferrer during a press reception at the Dorchester hotel. Her minimal eye make-up and strong eyebrows suit her delicate featuresCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
 1957: Posing for a publicity still for Funny Face, Audrey hides her pixie haircut with a double bowed hat
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1957: Posing for a publicity still for Funny Face, Audrey hides her pixie haircut with a double bowed hatCredit: Getty - Contributor
 1961: The iconic little black dress in Breakfast at Tiffany's, which became one of the most iconic gowns of the twentieth century
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1961: The iconic little black dress in Breakfast at Tiffany's, which became one of the most iconic gowns of the twentieth centuryCredit: Alamy

However, her most notable on-screen role was Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, and the little black dress designed by Hubert de Givenchy again quickly became one of the most iconic fashion items in the twentieth century.

That dress eventually sold for £467,200 – the highest price ever for an on-screen gown, and demonstrates the legacy that Audrey had on the fashion world.

Audrey Hepburn’s make-up and hairstyles are equally iconic, and her strong arched brow, pixie cut, and feline eyeliner could still rule any runway.

 1961: Audrey poses for a still promoting Breakfast at Tiffany's. Her heavy jewellery, coiffed hair, and feline flick still make her a pin-up today
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1961: Audrey poses for a still promoting Breakfast at Tiffany's. Her heavy jewellery, coiffed hair, and feline flick still make her a pin-up todayCredit: Getty - Contributor
 1963: Audrey looks elegant in a trench coat on the set of Charade
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1963: Audrey looks elegant in a trench coat on the set of CharadeCredit: Getty - Contributor
 1963: Audrey poses in a Stanley-and-Livingstone hat, with a black blouse and tweed skirt by Givenchy
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1963: Audrey poses in a Stanley-and-Livingstone hat, with a black blouse and tweed skirt by GivenchyCredit: Corbis
 1966: On the set of How To Steal a Million, Audrey channels the look of the sixties with her chunky sunglasses
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1966: On the set of How To Steal a Million, Audrey channels the look of the sixties with her chunky sunglassesCredit: Alamy
 1966: Wearing a double breasted jacket and high necked shirt, Audrey looks elegant and chic
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1966: Wearing a double breasted jacket and high necked shirt, Audrey looks elegant and chicCredit: Channel 4

Not only did the world fall in love with Audrey’s elegant and elvish looks, but she also stole hearts through her inner beauty, eventually devoting much of her life to UNICEF.

She was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, recognising her work as UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador in December 1992, just one month before her death from cancer.

Richard Dreyfuss, who starred with Audrey in her final film says: “She did the best that we could be; she was perfectly charming and perfectly loving."

"She was a dream. And she was the kind of dream that you remember when you wake up smiling.”

 1970: Audrey is caught off guard at an airport in New York, wearing a classic cream coat and bold sunglasses
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1970: Audrey is caught off guard at an airport in New York, wearing a classic cream coat and bold sunglassesCredit: Getty - Contributor
 1975: Audrey looks fabulous at 46 and is pictured in huge sunglasses and a bright blouse
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1975: Audrey looks fabulous at 46 and is pictured in huge sunglasses and a bright blouseCredit: Corbis
 1992: Audrey reports to the press on her visit to Somalia at the UNICEF special ambassador. At 62, she still wears a subtle eyeliner flick
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1992: Audrey reports to the press on her visit to Somalia at the UNICEF special ambassador. At 62, she still wears a subtle eyeliner flickCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd

Envious of Audrey's timeless beauty? Celebrity make-up arist Lisa Sloneen gives you her tips to achieve pin-up style.

And we reveal how Audrey Hepburn's children discovered her films on a projector in the attic - and only realised how famous she was at her funeral.

If you love Audrey, you're not the only one - she was chosen as the ULTIMATE beauty icon by 2,000 other women. But who else was on the list?

Celebrity make-up artist Lisa Sloneem shows you how you can look like Audrey Hepburn