Why These Celebrities Are Still Turning to Audrey Hepburn for Inspiration—And How She Shaped Their Careers

Audrey Hepburn, one of the most beloved figures in film and fashion history, continues to inspire generations of women both in and out of the entertainment industry. Known for her iconic roles in Roman Holiday (1953), Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961), and My Fair Lady (1964), Hepburn’s influence extends far beyond her cinematic contributions. As a passionate advocate for children’s rights through UNICEF, Hepburn’s legacy is not just one of beauty and elegance, but of compassion and integrity. Numerous celebrities have cited her as a role model, emulating her style, grace, and humanitarian spirit. Here’s a look at some of the stars who have openly expressed admiration for Hepburn and the lasting impact she’s had on their careers and lives.

Lily Collins: Channeling Hepburn’s Grace in Emily in Paris

Lily Collins, the star of Emily in Paris, has frequently drawn comparisons to Audrey Hepburn, especially with her elegant style and refined demeanor. Collins has openly referenced Hepburn’s influence on her own fashion choices. In her portrayal of Emily, she has worn costumes directly inspired by Hepburn’s roles, such as a black off-shoulder gown and Cartier tiara reminiscent of Funny Face, and a fur-lined ensemble echoing Charade. Additionally, Collins has adopted Hepburn’s signature micro-fringe hairstyle, a style revival noted in an article in Vogue in February 2024. This homage, consistent across her work and public appearances, signifies a deep admiration for Hepburn’s poise and style, marking her as a role model in both fashion and character portrayal.

Sabrina Carpenter: Emulating Hepburn’s Elegance

Actress and singer Sabrina Carpenter has also found inspiration in Audrey Hepburn’s style, particularly from her role in Funny Face. In a 2024 interview with Vogue, Carpenter discussed how Hepburn’s minimalist dance attire in the film influenced her “Short n’ Sweet” era. Carpenter admired Hepburn’s ability to move with grace in simple, sleek black clothing, noting that it allowed her movements to shine through. This tribute to Hepburn’s elegance and timeless simplicity reveals that Carpenter looks up to Hepburn not only for her fashion but for her ability to radiate elegance effortlessly—an enduring quality that transcends time and trends.

Ariana Grande: A Modern-Day Hepburn in Wicked

Ariana Grande has been another celebrity who draws clear inspiration from Audrey Hepburn’s iconic style. During her Wicked press tour, Grande wore a pale yellow Givenchy gown and a black dress with a pearl choker, both reminiscent of Hepburn’s legendary look in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. She has also sported Hepburn’s famous micro-bangs, a hairstyle that has become emblematic of Hepburn’s timeless beauty. Grande’s admiration goes beyond fashion; she was also considered for a role in a Hepburn biopic, according to a post from Access Hollywood X. This suggests that Hepburn’s impact on Grande extends to both her career and her personal ethos, as Grande admires Hepburn not just as an actress, but as a symbol of sophistication, versatility, and humanitarianism.

Leighton Meester: Blair Waldorf’s Hepburn-Inspired Wardrobe

On Gossip Girl, Leighton Meester’s character, Blair Waldorf, frequently paid tribute to Audrey Hepburn, especially her portrayals in Breakfast at Tiffany’s and Sabrina. A 2014 Elle article noted that “nobody has channeled Audrey Hepburn like Blair Waldorf in every other episode of Gossip Girl,” referencing the character’s consistent use of Hepburn-inspired fashion and sophistication. Although Meester herself may not have explicitly called Hepburn her role model, the character’s constant references to Hepburn’s style indicate a deep admiration for the actress. Blair Waldorf’s affinity for Hepburn’s elegance symbolizes how the star’s influence extends far beyond the red carpet, influencing even fictional characters who emulate her grace and class.

Nicole Kidman: Hepburn’s Fashion Legacy Lives On

Nicole Kidman has also paid tribute to Hepburn’s influence, especially when it comes to fashion. In particular, Kidman was seen wearing a My Fair Lady-inspired ensemble designed by L’Wren Scott. The choice was a clear nod to Hepburn’s unforgettable portrayal of Eliza Doolittle, reflecting Kidman’s respect for Hepburn’s versatility both as an actress and as a style icon. Kidman’s admiration for Hepburn suggests she views the legendary star not only as a role model for her acting career but also for her ability to command attention with elegance, blending high fashion with cinematic artistry.

Other Celebrities Inspired by Hepburn

While the aforementioned stars have been vocal about their admiration for Audrey Hepburn, others have also cited her as an influence, particularly in the realm of style. Kim Kardashian, for example, underwent a transformation in 2014 that was directly inspired by Hepburn’s look in Sabrina, while Ivanka Trump’s gown at the 2025 inaugural ball was reportedly influenced by Hepburn’s character in Sabrina as well. These examples demonstrate Hepburn’s lasting influence on fashion icons across generations, solidifying her place as a style legend.

Hepburn’s Lasting Legacy

Audrey Hepburn’s impact on modern celebrities cannot be overstated. Her elegance, grace, and commitment to humanitarian causes continue to resonate with a new generation of actors and public figures who see in her an ideal to strive towards. Whether through style choices, career ambitions, or personal ethics, celebrities like Lily Collins, Sabrina Carpenter, Ariana Grande, and Nicole Kidman have not only embraced Hepburn’s fashion legacy but have also made her a source of inspiration in their own professional journeys.

As Hepburn’s iconic looks and profound humanity remain timeless, it is clear that her influence will continue to guide and inspire for generations to come. Through these tributes, we see that Hepburn’s role as a cultural and artistic touchstone remains as significant today as it was during her lifetime.