Early Influences:
* Her Mother: Ella van Heemstra, an artist and dancer, instilled a love for art and beauty in Hepburn.
* The War: Growing up in the Netherlands during World War II, Hepburn experienced firsthand the horrors of conflict and the importance of compassion and resilience. This experience would later fuel her humanitarian work.
* Ballet: Her passion for dance started early, and she trained rigorously. Even though she didn't achieve professional ballet success, her discipline and graceful movement were evident in her acting career.
Professional Influences:
* The Stage: Her early work in musical theatre, particularly in London's West End, helped her refine her acting skills and develop her stage presence.
* The Screen: Actors like Katharine Hepburn and Greta Garbo served as role models for her elegance and poise, inspiring her to create her own unique screen persona.
* Costume Designers: Hepburn's collaboration with designers like Givenchy significantly shaped her iconic style. Their shared vision elevated fashion to an art form, creating timeless looks that continue to inspire.
Personal Values:
* Simplicity and Elegance: Hepburn valued grace and natural beauty, rejecting the excesses of fashion trends and embracing a minimalist aesthetic.
* Humanitarianism: Her experiences during the war solidified her commitment to helping others. She dedicated a significant part of her life to working with UNICEF, becoming a powerful advocate for children around the world.
Beyond these specific influences, it's important to note that Hepburn's own unique personality and talent also played a crucial role in her success. She was known for her humility, kindness, and genuine desire to use her platform for good. These qualities, combined with her captivating on-screen presence, made her a true icon, both in film and in humanitarian work.