Audrey Hepburn’s timeless elegancedidn’t just happen by chance —it was the result of one of the most legendary collaborations in fashion and film history.In 1953, while preparing for her role inSabrina, Hepburn sought the perfect wardrobe to reflect her character’s transformation from a shy girl to a sophisticated woman. EnterHubert de Givenchy, a young French designer whose effortless, chic designswould not only shape Hepburn’s image but also define a new era thatmerged Hollywood glamour with Parisian sophistication.Their first meeting, which could have been a fleeting professional encounter, blossomed into a lifelong, creative friendship that still influences the fashion industry today. During production, however,Givenchy was overshadowed by Paramount Pictures’s head of wardrobe,Edith Head, who won her sixth Oscar forSabrina. Yet it was truly the teamwork between Audrey Hepburn and Givenchy that inspired the film’s most iconic outfits.
Upon Meeting, Givenchy Mistook Audrey Hepburn for Katharine Hepburn
Audrey Hepburn had alreadygarnered attention for her role inRoman Holiday, for whichshe won an Academy Award for Best Actress.Her delicate beauty, poise, and grace had captivated audiences, but for her role inSabrina, she sought something more. The icon wanted a unique wardrobe that could reflect the transformation of her character, Sabrina Fairchild,from a shy chauffeur’s daughter into a sophisticated, stylish womanwho had spent time learning and growing in Paris,only to return home anew.
Hepburn, with a growing interest in fashion, had heard of this particular rising French designer. At the time,the relatively young designer established his own house just a couple of years earlier in 1952. His designs were alreadymaking waves in Paris,known for their simplicity, elegance, and modernity. Hepburn, looking for something fresh and elegant, decided to visit his atelier in Paris to seek out designs forSabrina. According toThe New York Times, when Hepburn arrived at Givenchy’s studio, there was an unexpected mix-up. Givenchy, who was busy preparing his new collection,had assumed that the “Miss Hepburn” coming to visit him was the established Hollywood star Katharine Hepburn — not Audrey. The designer wanted to help Audrey, but he politely informed her he was too busy to create new designs for her film. However, Hepburn asked to see the dresses from the current collection, which she tried on.
Givenchy Became Audrey Hepburn’s Best Friend and Loyal Designer After ‘Sabrina'
Luckily, the designs were exactly what Hepburn was looking for, and the customized collection would go on to play a pivotal role in her character’s transformation.The most memorable of these is the elegant white strapless gown with black floral embroiderythat Sabrina wears to the Larrabee family party in the film, which was an instant success. The simplicity, sophistication, and timeless quality ofGivenchy’s designs perfectly suitedHepburn’s own exquisite, understated beauty.
The fashion inSabrinaalso demonstratedhow costume design could be usedas a narrative device.As Sabrina transforms from a naive girl into a worldly, elegant woman, her wardrobe evolves to reflect that journey, and Givenchy’s designs play a crucial role in telling that story visually. The clothing wasnot merely an accessory to the character but an essential part of her identity,reflecting her personal growth and newfound confidence. While Edith Head,the legendary Hollywood costume designer,was credited with the film’s overall wardrobe,it was widely known thatGivenchy was responsible for the most iconic pieces that Hepburn wore in the film.Speaking toThe Wall Street Journal,Givenchy commented, “[Sabrina] won an Oscar for the dresses but I didn’t get any credit. [Audrey] was furious. She demanded ‘Each time I’m in a film, Givenchy dresses me.’”
Sabrinawas a critical and commercial success, andthe collaboration between Hepburn and Givenchy was so well-receivedthat it became the beginning of a lifelong partnership. The impact of Givenchy’s designs inSabrinawas immediate,establishing both Hepburn as a global fashion iconand Givenchy as a designer of extraordinary talent. In fact, this teamwork between a Hollywood actress and a Parisian couturier was unprecedented at the time,setting a new standard for costume design in cinema.Their friendship extended well beyondSabrina. Givenchy designed Hepburn’s costumes for some of her most iconic roles, includingBreakfast at Tiffany’s,where she wore the famous little black dress,andFunny Face, where she donned chic, modern ensembles that emphasized her natural elegance.PerThe New York Times,Givenchy once said of Hepburn, “She knew exactly what she wanted. She knew herself perfectly, and it was a pleasure to work with such a personality.“Hepburn, in turn, described Givenchy as not only her favorite designerbut also a dear friend. She famously said,“His are the only clothes in which I am myself. He is far more than a couturier, he is a creator of personality.”
Together, Hepburn and Givenchy transcended the usual boundaries of actress and designer.Hepburn’s style — defined by Givenchy’s elegant, minimalist designs — became a symbol of timeless beauty and grace. Even after Hepburn retired from acting,she remained loyal to her “big brother”,wearing his designs in her personal life and during her humanitarian workwith UNICEF. Their friendship was not just about clothes or film — it was about a shared vision that would leave an indelible mark on both the fashion world and popular culture.
