Here’s How Audrey Hepburn and Her ‘Pearls’ Inspired Bollywood

On Audrey Hepburn’s birthday, we look at how Bollywood is still in love with her style.

With her easy smile, beautiful eyes and classic style, Audrey Hepburn has inspired a generation of fashionistas. Nobody could have predicted that this petite beauty, from the times of glamorous icons like Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor, would go on to become such a huge style icon and find an immortal place in the world of fashion.

The LBD (little black dress), often characterized as a must have in the wardrobe of every sophisticated woman, has become almost synonymous with Hepburn. In fact, her iconic Givenchy dress from Breakfast at Tiffany’s lends itself as an inspiration to celebrities even today.

On Audrey Hepburn’s 87th birth anniversary, we show you how her influence on Bollywood fashion is an enduring phenomenon.

Breakfast at Tannishq!

What makes the LBD a style staple? The fact that you can literally wear it anywhere – whether it is at parties, clubs or even at your workplace, the LBD never goes out of style.

Clearly, Deepika and Kangana agree with us. While Kangana’s look is a clear ode to Holly Golightly, Deepika has reinterpreted it in accordance with her own sense of style.

The Charade of Pink

Alia’s gown might not be an exact replica of Audrey Hepburn’s outfit, but the soft makeup, jewellery, and feminine gown are clearly influenced by this dress worn by Hepburn for a photo shoot with Norman Parkinson in 1955.

Kangana’s love for Audrey Hepburn’s style is well documented, and can be seen in various other outfits, along with this pale pink cocktail dress (below).

Hat-ing it out!

No one can go wrong with a large hat and a black dress. Aishwarya Rai, whose personal style has always remained within the stiff barriers of elegance, is the perfect candidate to borrow a look out of Audrey’s style-book. On the other hand, Lisa Haydon has not only borrowed the hat but has also nailed that coy look.

A Not-so Funny Face

Aditi Rao Hydari channeled her inner Audrey Hepburn on the red carpet by replicating Hepburn’s makeup, and the result was utter perfection. Malaika Arora Khan’s powder blue dress was the exact copy of the pale pink dress donned by Hepburn.

The Fair Ladies

Sonam Kapoor’s Dolce and Gabbana dress seems to be a dead ringer of the dress Hepburn wore to the Oscars in 1954.

Hepburn preferred fuss-free and relaxed clothing in her personal life, and Deepika’s white midi dress seems, once again, an ode to Audrey’s effortless style.

What are you waiting for – go and channel your inner Audrey Hepburn right away!

(This story was first published on 4 May 2017 and has been reposted from The Quint’s archives to mark Audrey Hepburn’s birth anniversary.)

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