On what would have been the actress' 94th birthday, L'OFFICIEL recounts the history and rise to fame of Audrey Hepburn's iconic Breakfast at Tiffany's little black dress.

Happy birthday <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/pop-culture/unseen-photos-audrey-hepburn-tribute-valentino-co-founder" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Audrey Hepburn</a>! One of the world's most beloved actresses and undisputed icons of Old Hollywood, Hepburn was considered the muse of French designer Hubert de <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion/givenchy-4g-bag-pre-fall-2021-collection-matthew-williams" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Givenchy</a>, to whom she was linked throughout her career by a lasting friendship and professional partnership. The two met on the set of the 1954 film Sabrina&nbsp;when director Billy Wilder turned to Givenchy at the advice of Hepburn after designer <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion/designers-azzedine-alaia-cristobal-balenciaga-museum-exhibition" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Crist&oacute;bal Balenciaga</a>&nbsp;refused to create the costumes for the film. The French designer asked Hepburn to choose some dresses from his collection and from that moment on, Givenchy designed most of the clothes worn by the doe-eyed actress in her movies.

Hubert de Givenchy and Audrey Hepburn at a dress fitting in 1950s.

Givenchy's most widely recognized design for Hepburn was the little black dress worn by the Belgium-native, British actress in the 1961 romantic comedy <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion/jewelry-moments-chanel-cartier-breakfast-at-tiffanys" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Breakfast at Tiffany's</a>, where she starred alongside actor George Peppard. In the famous opening scene of Blake Edwards' movie, <a href="https://www.lofficiel.at/en/art%20&amp;%20culture/audrey-hepburn-and-her-influence-in-fashion" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hepburn</a>'s character, Holly Golightly, is filmed getting out of a yellow cab in a long black satin dress and with a coffee and croissant in hand while observing luxury <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion/kate-middleton-royal-jewels-wedding-anniversary" target="_blank" rel="noopener">jewelry</a> store <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion/gal-gadot-tiffany-co-high-jewelry-collection-botanica-2022" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tiffany and Co.</a>'s windows.

Considered one of the most influential dresses in the history of 20th century clothing and costume design, Givenchy's black cocktail-style frock was the most modern interpretation of the little black dress, following French designer Coco <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion/coco-chanel-hidden-wertheimer-family-fashion-legacy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Chanel</a>'s introduction of the concept in the <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion/return-of-the-roaring-20s-for-fashion" target="_blank" rel="noopener">1920s</a>.
But the original version of the Givenchy black dress, which was actually shorter and never worn in the film, has a life of its own, currently residing in the house of Givenchy's archives. Another copy lives at the The Garment Museum in Madrid, and a third was ultimately&nbsp;<a href="https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-4832498" target="_blank" rel="noopener">sold</a> at a Christie's <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/art/emily-ratajkowski-nft-richard-prince-instagram-painting" target="_blank" rel="noopener">auction</a> in 2006 and purchased by an anonymous buyer for the final sale price of 467,200 pounds ($649,641), with the profits being donated by Givenchy to the City of Joy Aid to benefit those in need in Calcutta, India.
Over the years, the little black dress has been revamped by designers including <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion/john-galliano-christian-dior-best-moments-designer" target="_blank" rel="noopener">John Galliano</a>, <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion/alexander-mcqueen-curve-bag-spring-summer-2021" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Alexander McQueen</a>, <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion-week/burberry-fall-winter-2021-riccardo-tisci-runway" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Riccardo Tisci</a>, Clare Waight Keller, and most recently, <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion/shop-matthew-williams-first-givenchy-collection-teaser" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Matthew Williams</a>, all of whom carried on the creative direction of the illustrious French house in their own way. From McQueen's leather version that modernizes the shift silhouette to Waight Keller's more literal interpretation for her first Haute Couture collection at the helm of the storied fashion house, each designer put their own spin on the iconic look.

Givenchy Haute Couture by Alexander McQueen Fall/Winter 1998

Givenchy by Matthew Williams Fall/Winter 2021

Ultimately, Hepburn's little <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion/best-backless-black-dresses-fashion-moments" target="_blank" rel="noopener">black dress</a> has reinforced its status as a pop culture and fashion staple thanks to other music and movie stars referencing the original style, such as <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/music/everything-you-need-to-know-about-ariana-grande-engagement-ring" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ariana Grande</a> for Givenchy's Fall/Winter 2019 campaign and <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/pop-culture/where-celebrities-went-to-college-meryl-streep-natalie-portman-oprah" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Natalie Portman</a> for Harper's Bazaar <a href="https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/entertainment/2006-10/08/content_703258.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">November 2006 cover photo</a> in which she wears one of the three original versions.

Ariana Grande for Givenchy's Fall/Winter 2019 campaign.

Natalie Portman for "Harper's Bazaar" November 2006 cover.

Proof of its enduring prominence, the Givenchy little black dress remains a well-referenced style, and with it, Hepburn's legacy of simple, timeless glamour.

The Legacy of Audrey Hepburn's Givenchy Little Black Dress

Tags

Related Articles

Film & TV

An Audrey Hepburn TV Series is Coming Soon

Fashion

Givenchy Unveils New 4G Bag for Pre-Fall 2021 Collection

Pop culture

Valentino Co-Founder Shares Unseen Photos of Audrey Hepburn

Recommended posts for you

Film & TV

Everything to Know About the New 'Dune' TV Series, a Must-Watch

Travel & Living

The Most Chic Places to Have Thanksgiving Dinner in NYC

Fashion

Carolina Herrera's Resort 2025 Collection Captures the 'Intensity' of Mexico City

Fashion

Inside Louis Vuitton's NYC Store Opening Party and Best Dressed Celebrities

Fashion

Mikey Madison Redefines Dog-Walking Fashion in Mugler and Stilettos

Beauty

Rhode's Cinnamon Roll Lip Tint Is Finally Here

Fashion

These Timeless Luxury Accessories Were Made to Cherish for a Lifetime

Beauty

The Evolution of Rocker Hair