Audrey Hepburn Sunglasses 

From the ‘Holly Golightly’ Sunglasses to Round Frames we take a deep dive into the evolution of her famed Sunglasses

Known as a style icon, Audrey Hepburn was a model, actress, and humanitarian. She is renowned for her exquisite, timeless, and traditional sense of style. Her outfits frequently included plain, well-tailored dresses and suits, accessorized with statement pieces like pearls, big sunglasses, and ballet flats. Even the most casual attire could look smart and put together thanks to Hepburn, whose modest yet elegant style is still adored and imitated by fashion enthusiasts worldwide.

Sunglasses were a crucial piece of Audrey Hepburn’s outfits and helped to define her enduring fashion. She was frequently spotted using large eyeglasses that served as both functional and style. Sunglasses worn by Hepburn were renowned for their classic, ageless charm as well as their capacity to elevate any outfit with a dash of glitz and elegance. They’ve since become a crucial component of her defining aesthetic and are still linked to her enduring status as a fashion star to this day.

We will delve further into Audrey Hepburn’s eyewear in this post and examine the numerous designs she has worn over the course of her career. Additionally, we’ll talk about the sunglasses she liked to wear and address the issue of whether or not certain particular models are still sold today. This post contains something for everyone, whether you admire Hepburn’s sense of style or are just seeking ideas for your own collection of sunglasses. So read on to discover more about the renowned actress’s defining eyeglasses.

The Sunglasses in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”

Based on the Truman Capote novella, the 1961 classic movie “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” is now a cultural icon of film and cinema.  Holly, played by Hepburn, is a socialite and aspiring actress who is renowned for her outlandish way of life and passion for designer clothing. She is shown wearing a variety of fashionable and elegant costumes throughout the movie, including the well-known “little black dress” and the aforementioned huge, cat-eye spectacles (more on this later). The movie follows Holly and explores her relationships with the people in her life, especially her turbulent history and her neighbor George Peppard.

Hepburn can frequently be seen using a pair of enormous sunglasses with thin cat-eye frames throughout the movie (see the video clip above). One of the most famous and well-known parts of Hepburn’s outfit in the movie, these sunglasses are sometimes referred to as the “Holly Golightly” or “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” Sunglasses. Holly’s demeanor is further characterized by her sunglasses, which also enhance her chic and sophisticated appearance. The lightweight, tortoise-colored plastic frames have an upswept, pointed form that gives them a distinctly feminine charm. Additionally, colored lenses offer both utility and style. Even to this day, these sunglasses are still fashionable showcasing their timeless appeal, and are frequently copied and sold across the world.

audrrey-hepburn-eyewear

What Brand of Sunglasses are used by Audrey Hepburn?

At the time of writing it is unclear what brand of sunglasses Hepburn wore in the film Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Since the glasses are so well-known and frequently reproduced, it might be challenging to pinpoint their precise origin. Some accounts claim Audrey Hepburn used sunglasses from the Italian company Oliver Goldsmith, which was renowned in the 1960s for producing high-quality and stylish eyewear. Although it hasn’t been proven, it’s plausible that the sunglasses were developed just for the movie.

That being said, due to the fame of Hepburn, and the desire to copy her appearance, many eyewear companies have begun producing sunglasses in a similar style readily available on the market. You may also be able to find more vintage pairs on the likes of Etsy or ebay – it’s worth a look. Here are just a few of our recommendations at varying price points.

tiffany-and-co-helpburn-sunglasses
Photo of Oliver Goldsmith’s Tiffany & Co Sunglasses
 The Evolution of Hepburn’s Sunglasses Style

Aside from the glasses worn in her films, Hepburn was frequently photographed wearing a wide and ecliptic array of different eyewear styles. According to reports, and as we’ve already mentioned, she preferred the Italian brand Oliver Goldsmith, which was well-known for its stylish and high-quality frames in the 1960s. Hepburn was also pictured using sunglasses with frames made by another well-known company at the time, Ray-Ban. Below is a brief overview of some of the different styles of sunglasses/eyewear Hepburn wore throughout her life.

– Breakfast at Tiffany’s Sunglasses: Tinted lenses and slender, cat-eye frames in a tortoiseshell color. The Classic Hepburn look and what helped define her style.

Round frames: Additionally, Hepburn occasionally sported round-framed sunglasses, which gave her appearance a softer, more bohemian feel. These eyeglass frames frequently had colored lenses and were composed of metal or acetate.

Aviator-style frames: On multiple occasions, Hepburn accessorized her ensembles with aviator-style sunglasses with metal frames and tinted lenses, giving them a sporty and chic look.

Oversized frames: Hepburn frequently chose big frames in a variety of shapes, such as square and rectangular frames, which served a practical and fashionable purpose. These eyeglass frames frequently had tinted lenses and were composed of plastic or acetate.

hepburn-sunglasses
Photo of Hepburn from the Film Breakfast at Tiffany’s

A Lasting Legacy in Eyewear

The sunglasses worn by Audrey Hepburn have an enduring impact on style and continue to serve as an inspiration for modern sunglasses designs. Glamour enthusiasts all across the world continue to be inspired by her ability to seamlessly blend fashion and function.

Although we are unsure of the precise glasses Hepburn wore (mostly due to the fact that she wore so many), we can be certain that without her celebrity and influence, eyewear, as we know it today, could not have existed. Now we’d like to hear from you. Do you rock a pair of Hepburn Glasses? Do you have any more information or recommendations we missed? Feel free to get in touch.