American Icons: Audrey Heburn

It has been over 22 years since actress Audrey Hepburn passed away to cancer, but her legacy lives on thanks to her indomitable spirit, confidence and grace, especially under the most trying of circumstances.

That spirit would be tested several times during her life, perhaps none more than when she was living with her grandparents in the Netherlands when the Nazis invaded the country. Though she survived the occupation, she suffered greatly, both physically from malnutrition and emotionally after witnessing several of her family members being shot.

It was during that time she began to study ballet, becoming a star pupil in Amsterdam and later in London, setting the stage for what was to come later in life.  She made her theater debut in London in 1948.

She would attain even larger success at the age of 22 when she arrived in New York City, starring in the Broadway production of Gigi. Two years later, she became a worldwide sensation thanks to her portrayal as Princess Ann, playing opposite Gregory Peck in the 1953 film “Roman Holiday.” The performance would earn Hepburn her one and only Academy Award.  

That would be the start of a film career that would span more than four decades, ending in 1989 when she appeared in the Steven Spielberg move, “Always.”  Her list of credits includes such classics as the musical “Funny Face”, Billy Wilder’s “Love in the Afternoon” and the romantic comedy “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” which featured Hepburn in her iconic sunglasses.

To this day, Hepburn is considered one of the most fashionable stars of not only her generation, but any generation. A quick Google search reveals a bevy of recent articles (like this one and this one) detailing how readers can emulate the sophisticated look of Hepburn, even though she is no longer with us.

Once her film career ended, Hepburn did not stop making an impact on the world. In her later years, she became a champion for UNICEF, traveling the world to raise awareness and money for children in need. Today that charitable work continues thanks to her children, Sean Ferrer and Luca Dotti, who established the Audrey Hepburn Memorial Fund in honor of her humanitarian efforts.

This month, we’re taking a moment to remember Hepburn for all of her accomplishments. She was more than just a pretty face. She was an artist, she was courageous, she was a thinker, she was a philanthropist and she was a true icon.  

So being like Audrey is not a bad thing. In fact, it’s a compliment. To honor her, we’re offering 20% off Ray-Ban sunglasses, through August 16. Check out the Wayfarers which reflect Hepburn’s class and style. Just use the code AH2015 when checking out.

Words of an Icon: “Nothing is impossible. The word itself says, ‘I’m possible.” – Audrey Hepburn