Audrey Hepburn - Women Who Inspire

 

Audrey Hepburn (1929-1993)

Kindness

"Pick the day. Enjoy it- to the hilt.  The day as it comes. People as they come... The past, I think, has helped me appreciate the present - and I don't want to spoil any of it by fretting about the future." 

"To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow." 

The Shift

In our current upside-down apple pie world, many are struggling with the overload of information on the virus or election. The airwaves, print, social media, or any form of communication is constantly swirling at a high voltage.  The never-ending fables, unrest, destruction, statistics, changes our way of life and follows the path of what I call - The Shift.  A shift that we have no control over but can deal with as gracefully as possible. The Shift where everything we did for pleasure, work or play is on temporary hold or gone forever.  These shifts have happened throughout history.  Be patient. Be kind. It will pass and resolve. 

The chaos for some may lead to anger, hate, disillusionment, and possible sadness.  These feelings only hurt the person who clings to vitriol and dislike.  No one else.  This saying is the perfect mantra to live by, "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never break me."   Thus, tune out what is negative and seek out the positive.  Be Audrey. 

The Shift will have a silver lining.  I promise.  New habits, new strengths, and new resolve along with fresh creativity will bring about a new path for all of us.  All will rise from the chaos. Just be patient.   And, of course, the deaths from Covid 19 are tragic. We must all pray for those that have lost loved ones.   A vaccine will happen.  It will take time.  Another mantra to live by, "Patience is a virtue."

Why Audrey Hepburn? 

"Living is like tearing through a museum.  Not until later do you really start absorbing what you saw, thinking about it, looking it up in a book, and remembering - because you can't take it in all at once." 

We need Audrey now more than ever for what she stood in life.  She was a woman of tremendous fashion style, actress and a humanitarian.  By all accounts, she loved her life, being a woman and who enjoyed giving back with kindness at every turn. She made people feel good about themselves.  She was the word - kind. 

Of course, she was not perfect, nor had a sugar candy-coated existence.   Her early years were grim during WWII and the scars left from her experiences, including malnutrition, were never forgotten.  And, her life, like all lives, had valleys and peeks, heartaches and joy, which in turn creates resilience.  Hepburn was a fighter and her struggles are what made her an icon and remains constant in 2020 and will continue for years to come. 

Audrey Hepburn has millions of followers today on every social media and print platforms. There are countless Facebook pages, Instagram accounts along with numerous books written.   Hepburn is a role model for any person of any age.  Her ageless beauty, real beauty inside and out, her life values, her words and actions make her someone to emulate.  Kindness is at the essence of Hepburn with her valuable and wise quotes along with a winning smile and classic fashion mantra's. 

When a world is changing at warp speed, we need a role model to believe in and remind us to be positive, to be light, to give back and to not take everything so seriously.   After all, the sun will come up tomorrow. 

Her Story

Why is Audrey Hepburn a woman to be admired? 

"People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed. Never throw out anyone. 

Audrey Hepburn had style, grace, and poise.   As stated, she was an actress, fashion icon and humanitarian.  In 1992, she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.  There are many biographies about her life.  My goal is to share a bit of what makes her so special.  In 2020, Hepburn remains a legend with her infamous fashion style, her numerous quotes on kindness and a reminder that being thoughtful, likable, and giving to others is paramount in the odyssey of life. 

She was a Belgian-born British actress and humanitarian who grew up in Brussels and Belgium.  As a youth, she spent her time in England attending a boarding school. Her father was a British consul and her mother a Dutch aristocrat.  She traveled extensively with her family and learned five languages.  Hepburn lived a privileged childhood that shifted with the commencement of WWII.

During WWII, she attended Arnhem Conservatory in the Netherlands. Hepburn trained as a ballet dancer.  The war scared her mentally after the invasion of the Nazis. She saw events as did others that remained ingrained in her mind forever.   Her mother and her struggled to survive and often were starving.  Along this passage, they helped with the resistance.   

At the young age of 22, she was in the Broadway production of Gigi.  Her best-known roles are for Roman Holiday (1953), Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961), and My Fair Lady (1964).   She devoted her later years of life in humanitarian work.  As for married life, she was married to fellow actor and director Mel Ferrer until 1968.  She has a surviving son, Sean Hepburn.  Additionally, was awarded Best Actress for Roman Holiday (1954) and Golden Globe for Roman Holiday (1954) along with numerous and prestigious awards. 

Her Greatest Achievement - Giving Back 

"I can testify to what UNICEF means to children, because I was among those who received food and medical relief right after World War II." 

Giving back was important to Hepburn.  In her later years, she was the UNICEF Special Ambassador in 1988 and Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF in 1989.  After a mission to Ethiopia, where she witnessed drought and civil strife causing famine, she proceeded to be a spokesperson in the United States, Canada, and Europe.   She worked tirelessly and gave as many as 15 interviews a day.  This set the precedent for her commitment to the organization.  

Over the years, she made a series of field trips to third world countries for UNICEF, overseeing numerous projects to help those in need.  Whether it was programmes for women, projects for drinking water or schools, she was fierce in her mission to create awareness. 

Additionally, she testified before the US Congress, participated in the World Summit for Children, and launched UNICEF's State of the World's Children reports, hosted events and concert tours plus many speaking engagements. 

For her acclaim, Hepburn received the highest civilian award in the United States, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, in December of 1992.  Even after being diagnosed with cancer, she continued traveling to Kenya, Somalia, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, France, and the United States. She became the standard barrier for other influential women making a difference.  Princess Diana and Angelina Jolie are just a few who have followed in Hepburn footsteps.  

All of these women are reminders of giving back to people who are in distress and want.  We know many women today who spend countless hours on charities raising awareness.  They do this for no other reason than to help.  Not for fame, money, or awards.  It is the Hepburn outcome.  

We all can be warriors of peace, while offering a Hepburn helping hand.  Instead of worrying about what is happening in our world, perhaps we can step out of our own shoes, and see where we are needed.  Instead of spreading discontent and fear, we can embrace it.  Instead of trying to control, we can learn to go with the flow and accept The Shift.  Life is always evolving.  We cannot stop what is coming yet we can thrive.  

Are you ready to join in the power of kindness and accepting change?  We can survive with grace.  Audrey grace that is. 

"Whatcha got ain't nothin new.  This country's hard on people, you can't stop what's coming, it ain't all waiting on you.  That's vanity."  

- No Country for Old Men (2007)

Audrey Fashion - The Fashion Icon

"Givenchy's clothes are the only ones I feel myself in.  He is more than a designer; he is the creator of personality." 

Hepburn was known as a fashionista for her elegant, and classic apparel.  Hubert de Givenchy, a renowned designer, chose Audrey as his muse for 40 years.  They were influencers in the fashion industry and started the gold standard of designers choosing an actress to promote a fashion brand.  Givenchy and Hepburn were the first. 

They were friends before either of them ever was famous.   The rest is history.  Their influence over the fashion industry remains intact today.   The classic style formula is the basis of Forever Chic Style and apparel.  Buy the best you can afford.  Seek out classics and avoid or buy less of trends.  In fact, speaking with a girlfriend this week, we noted that it is wise to buy high end work out gear than a cheaper brand.  Why? Because it will last through many washes and over the years.  Cheaper always fades, pills, and eventually ends up unusable.   This mantra applies to all purchases.  Best to have one incredible handbag or coat, instead of several that fall apart over time.  

You too Can Dress Like Audrey

"The beauty of a woman is seen in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides." 

Three Looks

Black Pant, Black Turtle & Black Flats

Audrey fashion is simple and elegant.  The style is classic and never trendy.  For instance, black pants with a black turtleneck, earrings and flats are always flattering on anyone.   People will remember Audrey rather than the clothing she wears. 

"A woman can be beautiful as well as intellectual." 

The Classic White Shirt

A crisp white shirt can be worn repeatedly with pants, skirts and shorts.  It pairs well with almost everything.  Add a necklace, scarf and jewelry and you are set for the day. 

"My look is attainable. Women can look like Audrey Hepburn by flipping out their hair, buying the large sunglasses, and the little sleeveless dresses. 

Sweaters & Coats

Pull on a sweater in red or a vibrant hue, with jeans, belt, and accessories.   Perfection.  Or black stretch pants, boots with a trench coat.  Easy.   What you remember is Hepburn.  She wears the clothes and not the other way around. 

"And the beauty of a woman, with passing years only grows." 

Iconic Dress - The Little Black Dress

Hepburn revolutionized The Little Black dress with her role in Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961).   A sheath cocktail dress on anyone looks divine and is show stopping.   Classic and elegant.  Audrey style. 

"The dress must follow the body of a woman, not the body following the shape of the dress." - Hubert de Givenchy

Famous Hepburn Quotes to Live By

Hepburn quotes are the balm in the wind, the pick me up when life is uncertain and assurance that being kind and happy are everything in life.  These are a few of my favorites.  And, I am certain you have heard, read or seen many of them.  After all, her way with words were just as profound as her fashion, acting and as an humanitarian. 

Audrey Hepburn remains an icon with her quotes, fashion sense and humanitarian efforts.  Her quotes can be a source of strength, resolve and a reminder to be kind.  Be kind.  Along with efforts to extend kindness is accepting change or The Shift.  We are not in control.  Nor have control. We can only do what we can. 

Additionally, every event, challenge or experience good or bad makes you stronger.  You must look for the rainbow because there is and will be one.  You just cannot see it yet.   Do not let anger, and hate fool you.  Life is amazing and a precious gift to not be wasted or fear, anger, or angst. 

I just finished a book by Mary Alice Monroe, Last Light over Carolina.  I was struck by this dialogue about change or what I call The Shift:

"It breaks our routine, and that shakes us up a bit.  We get nervous and afraid because we aren't sure what's coming next. But change is nothing to be afraid of.  It's all in how we face it. If we accept change, it opens us to new possibilities we would have missed if we clung to the status quo."

"So change is a good thing?"

"It can be. It can also be hard to face.  You have be to willing to sweep away the past and welcome whatever comes in the future. That takes courage. And faith.  And love. When it comes to change, there's only one word that matters."

"What's that?"

"YES"

Until Next Time!

 Kim