Gentlemen Prefer Blondes launched Miss Marilyn’s career in 1953, and an international sex symbol and style sensation was born. One of the greatest and most recognisable fashion and beauty icons of all time, she defined glamour for a generation.

Like Dior, Balenciaga’s influence on the 1950s silhouette is now legendary. Between 1953 and 1957 he gave us the balloon jacket, the tunic dress, empire lines, and baby dolls – all contributing to a feminine look.

A lead role in Roman Holiday kicked off Audrey Hepburn’s career in 1953, as her success grew, she started to collaborate with the Parisian designer, Givenchy. Givenchy’s first costume design was this gold embroidered gown for Audrey’s character Sabrina in 1954.  Hepburn and Givenchy’s collaborations were genius, and their relationship helped shape 1950s fashion.