Grace Kelly Style

The Exhibition

Erwin Blumenfeld, Portrait of Grace Kelly, New York, 1955. © The Estate of Erwin Blumenfeld 2009

The thing that made her stand out is what we call 'style'. McCall's magazine, 1955
When people think of Grace Kelly (1929-82), one of the most photographed women of the 20th century, what they usually recall is her beauty and elegance. She rose to fame as an actress in the 1950s, starring in films by Hitchcock and others. Her image was cultivated by the movie industry, which fed cinema-goers' growing appetite for pictures of glamorous stars through magazines and newspapers. The types varied, from voluptuous sirens and 'sweater girls' to the girl next door. The young Grace Kelly seemed to combine both qualities: wholesome, but distinctly glamorous at the same time.
She came to symbolise the classic, understated look she wore both on and off screen. Grace Kelly became known for her impeccable dress sense. This exhibition explores, through her surviving clothes, the story of her transformation from Hollywood actress to a princess of one of Europe's oldest royal families. Examining her enduring appeal as a style icon, it features her film costumes, the much-publicised dresses made for her trousseau and wedding, and the French haute couture - a different kind of costume - that she required for her subsequent role as Princess of Monaco.

• Actress

After training in New York, Grace Kelly intended to be a stage actress. But her cool beauty, subtle sex appeal and professionalism attracted the attention of Hollywood directors. From 1951 to 1956, she made eleven films, from High Noon with Gary Cooper to High Society.

• Bride

A working trip to the south of France for the Cannes Film Festival in May 1955 changed the course of Grace Kelly's life. Although arranged as a photo opportunity for the French magazine Paris Match, her meeting with Prince Rainier III of Monaco initiated a brief courtship, and a year later, the couple were married.

• Princess

As Princess of Monaco, Grace Kelly devoted herself to her new life, focusing on her husband and family, but also using her celebrity and considerable drive to support the principality, and many charities and cultural causes.

• Enduring Icon

Princess Grace remained faithful to the classic, streamlined style she had favoured as an actress. But she adapted it to the changing silhouette of the 1960s and 1970s, developing a suave look incorporating fine jewellery and elaborate hairstyles.

For any Grace Kelly fans why not come and stay at the stylish Rembrandt Hotel
Let the Rembrandt make you feel like a princess or why not treat your princess. Upgrade to a celebration package for only £50 and we will arrange for flowers, champagne and chocolates to be placed in the room

Submitted by House Keeping at The Rembrandt