From Hollywood to Bollywood: How Audrey Hepburn revolutionized the female fashion

"Very alert, very smart, very talented, very ambitious." That was director William Wyler's verdict after watching a 1951 screen test for Roman Holiday by a young chorus girl named Audrey Hepburn. We celebrate the timeless elegance and enduring legacy of the one and only Audrey Hepburn as she graces the world with her presence, even beyond the realms of time. Born on May 4, 1929, Audrey Hepburn continues to captivate hearts with her grace, sophistication, and indomitable spirit.

For decades, Hepburn has been adored for her graceful beauty and style. With her short hair and thick eyebrows, she single-handedly changed how leading ladies looked in Hollywood. In the age of Elizabeth Taylor and Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn held her own as she ushered in a new era of femininity and changed the way movie audiences perceived women. Not just Hollywood, she shaped the heroines of Bollywood of that era. Childish and romantic, yet bold, the cinematic appearances and the actresses' roles changed. Audrey revolutionized the fashion and style of the actresses of the two worlds. 

The early 1950s in America was all about leisure, drive-through restaurants, and post-war affluence. It saw the rise of modern-day jazz, television, and societal conformity. As World War II ended, the characters in the film world were usually conventional portrayals of your average, everyday men and women. 

Movie audiences sought after these pictures because they felt something was missing. After the war, people wanted to feel a sense of normalcy again.

When Roman Holiday was released in 1953, it was greeted with critical and financial success. She starred as Princess Ann in Roman Holiday. Only 24 years old, Hepburn was a refreshing change from the glamorous movie stars of that era. Her character in Roman Holiday epitomized elegance with her simple yet sophisticated style, tailored silhouettes, boatneck tops, and the iconic pixie haircut. She won an Oscar in her film debut and radically changed how women dressed.

Following the success of 'Roman Holiday,' Hepburn solidified her status as a style icon with her role as Holly Golightly in 'Breakfast at Tiffany's' (1961). 

Audrey Hepburn is considered one of the first prominent actresses who used a cigarette holder as a fashion accessory in the film 'Breakfast at Tiffany's'. The image of Hepburn adorned in a black Givenchy dress, accessorized with pearls and oversized sunglasses, remains one of the most iconic moments in cinematic fashion.

Whether wearing a little black dress or a sleek evening gown, Hepburn always made people look at her with jaw-dropping interest. She was often photographed wearing tailored trousers, ballet flats, and oversized sunglasses, creating a signature look that epitomized timeless elegance.

Audrey captivated Hollywood and inspired Bollywood. Her iconic elegance, timeless charm, and effortless grace have impacted Indian cinema and its actors.

Saira Banu, one of Bollywood's finest actresses, was called the Indian Audrey Hepburn. Saira's pixie cut and elegant updos remind everyone of Hepburn in her iconic film Roman Holiday. Remember Mumtaz, who was in Sone Ki Chidiya(1958), Stree (1961), and Sehra (1963)? She had a remarkable resemblance to Audrey. The way they used to apply eyeliner was quite similar. 

As mentioned earlier, Audrey epitomized classic elegance with her simple yet sophisticated style. Actresses like Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Deepika Padukone are known for their graceful and refined fashion sense, reminiscent of Audrey Hepburn's iconic style.

Audrey Hepburn effortlessly combined casual pieces with a touch of sophistication, creating a chic and laid-back style. This influence can be seen in Bollywood films, where actresses portray characters in casual yet stylish attire, often featuring cropped pants, fitted sweaters, and ballet flats. 

Actresses like Kareena Kapoor Khan, Alia Bhatt and Aditi Rao Hydari are known for pulling off elegant casual looks, drawing inspiration from Hepburn's iconic casual chic style.

Audrey Hepburn's hairstyles, exceptionally her iconic pixie cut and elegant updos, have been replicated by Bollywood actresses on numerous occasions. Bollywood actresses like Priyanka Chopra and Sonam Kapoor have sported Hepburn-inspired hairstyles at various events and red-carpet appearances.

Her portrayals of strong, independent, and sophisticated women have influenced characterizations in Bollywood films. Her memorable roles in movies like 'Breakfast at Tiffany's' and 'Roman Holiday' have inspired Bollywood filmmakers to create similar characters who exude confidence, charm, and elegance. 

Actresses like Madhuri Dixit and Vidya Balan have portrayed characters with shades of Audrey Hepburn's iconic roles, showcasing a blend of poise, grace, and strength on the silver screen.

As Audrey said, 'I believe happy girls are the prettiest girls'. So, however, you dress after taking inspiration from Hollywood or Bollywood, always be happy. As we honour Audrey Hepburn today on her birthday, we celebrate the icon herself and the enduring impact she continues to have on art, culture, and humanity—Happy birthday to the eternally enchanting Audrey Hepburn.

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