L'HISTOIRE: Audrey Hepburn's Feathery Red Givenchy Dress at the CFDAs in 1989
The style icon and actor's striking, head-to-toe red ensemble proves why her fashion choices continue to transcend decades.
L'HISTOIRE explores fashion history moments you should know, from what actors wore on a red carpet to celebrities who made cameos on the runway. Some are unsung, and some are better known. Each is part of the fabric of today’s fashion world, be it barrier breakers or culture makers.
The partnership between Audrey Hepburn and Hubert de Givenchy remains one of the most legendary collaborations in fashion history. Their relationship, spanning three decades, gave way to some of the most iconic looks seen on screen and beyond. From the ethereal, off-the-shoulder gown in Sabrina (1954) to the iconic black dress Hepburn wears in Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961), their creative synergy never faltered. Even as trends evolved, Givenchy continued to craft pieces that perfectly complemented the actor's timeless grace. By the 1980s, fashion was fraught with theatricality, and Hepburn—always a vision of poise—leaned into the drama with a striking red ensemble at the 1989 CFDA Fashion Awards.
The actor donned a bold floor-length gown, in tune with the daring silhouettes of the decade. It featured a top that cascaded into a sequined bodice and then cinched in the waist, creating a striking contrast in shapes and textures. A red and matching feather boa added another dose of grandeur to the ensemble. Hepburn accessorized with gold, diamond-shaped earrings and carried a red clutch, a pop of color that subtly broke up the monochromatic outfit.
Hepburn styled her hair into a sleek, pinned-back look, likely to prevent the feathers from disturbing her polished appearance. Makeup-wise, she opted for softly smoked-out eyeliner and a pink lip, striking the perfect balance between drama and relaxedness. Though bolder than Hepburn's typically understated style, this 1989 look embodied the kind of poised elegance that would earn her the CFDA’s Lifetime of Style Award just three years later.
As one of the defining figures of Old Hollywood, Hepburn’s influence on fashion remains unparalleled. She had an innate ability to exude both elegance and larger-than-life glamour, making her a muse not only to Givenchy but to generations of designers and fashion lovers alike. Her on-screen outfits cemented her as a fashion icon, yet it was her personal style—timeless, refined, and always impeccably curated—that solidified her legacy.
Hepburn’s approach to style was nothing short of masterful, proving that true elegance transcends time. To recreate her look from the 1989 CFDA Awards, try a mini dress that flaunts a feathery extravagance like Hanifa's Leona or Fanci Club's frock with floral appliqués. Accessorize with matching pointed toe red pumps and a sparkly clutch.
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