Through her choices in attire and in publishing, Crespi played a major role in influencing the fashion world and giving a boost to the careers of designers such as Fendi and Missoni. Valentino credited Crespi with giving him a break into the fashion industry and it was a Valentino dress worn by her twin sister that convinced Jacqueline Kennedy to try out the designer. In addition to her role as editor of Italian Vogue, Crespi's appearances at social events such as the Black and White Ball thrown by Truman Capote in 1966 were widely reported. In a best-dressed list published in 1958 by the New York Dress Institute, Crespi was ranked third, behind the Duchess of Windsor, but ahead of Queen Elizabeth II in fourth place and Audrey Hepburn in fifth.via Associated Press. "Best-Dressed Women Named", TimesDaily, January 3, 1958. Accessed October 24, 2010. She was included on the International Best Dressed List and was recognized by the Fashion Hall of Fame for her "faultless taste in dress without ostentation or extravagance".
