Celebrating an Icon and why I never tire of looking at pictures of Audrey Hepburn!

I have a bit of thing for old Hollywood movie stars. Not in a weird way – just that I am endlessly fascinated by the true glamour of yesteryear.

I can’t even tell you how many books I have on Marilyn Monroe, Grace Kelly, Brigitte Bardot,  Elizabeth Taylor and of course, Audrey Hepburn. 

I enjoy reading autobiographies about them all – but my favourite is finding style and photography books that show a more visual side. Coffee table books. As much as I love flipping through all those classic and iconic images –  what I really like is seeing the more personal, off-duty ones.

So, it comes as no surprise that I am already excited about the new Audrey Hepburn: Portraits of a Icon exhibition that is opening this Thursday at The National Portrait Gallery in London.

The exhibition (which will run until October) – shows the Hollywood star, style icon, mother and in her later years a UNICEF ambassador – in a series of over 70 images that have been lent by her sons from their personal collections.

Some of the images – including vintage magazine cover and movie stills – have never been seen and will feature photographs by such greats as Richard Avedon, Irving Penn, Cecil Beaton and Norman Parkinson. 

So, for me it will be great to see photographs and archival material that maybe isn’t in one of my books at home. I never, ever tire of looking at pictures of Audrey – she is one Hollywood actress that although not classically beautiful (her words) was breathtaking and only seemed to improve with age.

She was graceful, elegant and above all classy – her honestly about her war-torn childhood, her quotable quotes and love of simple pleasures (and animals) make her seem more real somehow. I remember watching her being interviewed by Jonathan Ross when I was a teenager – and it was maybe a year or so before she died – and being totally captivated by this 60+ woman and I still am. 

Literally, I cannot wait to see the exhibition  So, until then how about a little fashion (and beauty) inspiration from a true style icon? Who’s quote (about style) still rings true today…

“Why change? Everyone has his own style. When you have found it, you should stick to it.”  Audrey Hepburn

Exactly. And, something I truly believe too.

* Stylish Inspiration from Audrey Hepburn *

Sweater Boss Orange || Swimsuit Topshop || Skirt Whistles || Blouse Whistles || 

Sunglasses Yves Saint Laurent || Hat H&M || Hybrid Bike Mango Bikes || Cropped trouser Boden || Flats French Sole || Breton MIH Jeans || Brogues Clarks ||

Kitten heels J.Crew || Eye Mask Etsy || Nightshirt Bodas || Dress Markus Lupfer at Net-A-Porter || Earrings Ted Baker | Bag River Island || Dress Coast || Skirt Coast || Blouse Coast ||

Necklace John Lewis ||

Audrey Hepburn Beauty School 

Define and frame the face with Brow gel by Eyeko

For the classic heavy ‘eye line’ Tight line Cake Eyeliner by Laura Mericer

Finish off those cat-eyes with some Natural lashes by Shu Uemura

A perfume created for Audrey in 1957 and rarely available today  L’Interdit by Givenchy

For added lift and height you need to backcomb and this is perfect Teasing Brush by Head Jog

Another scent that was created just for Audrey (and only available to us since 1996) full of fruits and of course, flowers Spring Flower by Creed

Audrey’s fave go-to facial soap was Organic Sea Mud Soap by Erno Laszlo

After meeting her in 1974 the infamous hair and scalp expert wanted to help her keep her hair in tip-top condition so created this in her honour (and it’s said she has tubs shipped to her too!) Elasticizer Pre-Shampoo Treatment by 

Phillip Kingsley

The perfect coral for day or night! Shine Automatique lipstick in Jardin de Bagatalle by Guerlain

** Audrey Hepburn: Portraits of an Icon opens at The National Portrait Gallery on 2nd July until 18th October 2015. Tickets start at £9 and booking is recommended.