Fashion Game Changers: Grace Kelly

Grace Patricia Kelly was born on November 12, 1929 and died on September 14, 1982. She was an American actress who, in April 1956, married Ranier III, Prince of Monaco, becoming Her Serene Highness The Princess of Monaco.

Grace Kelly's eternal style has shaped and influenced many fashionists, not least the newly crowned Duchess of Cambridge, with her elegant, timeless and graceful (no pun intended!) wedding dress. Ms. Kelly's dress is often sighted as one of hte most elegant and best-remembered bridal gowns of all time.

Designed by MGM's Helen Rose, it was a high-necked, long-sleeved gown with a fitted torso, and billowing skirt. The dress materials included 25 yards of silk taffeta (gotta love it!), 100 yards of silk net, peau de soie, tulle and 125-year-old Brussels rose point lace. The Juliet cap was dejewelled with seed pears and orange blossoms. Her veil, made of tulle, was 90 yards long. The future princess also carried a small bible, and a bouquet of Lilly of the Valley.

Another classic Grace Kelly outfit was the Edith Head-designed, pistachio-green suit with the white halter-necked blouse, belt, and hat with white veil, in the 1954's Rear Window.

During her first pregnancy in 1956, Princess Grace was often photographed carrying a distinctive leather hand-bag manufactured by Hermes. The purse, or Sac a depeches, was most likely a modest shield to hide her baby bump, but it went viral, and soon became known as The Kelly Bag. It can still be purchased today, although there is said to be an extremely long waiting list.

The Kelly Bag

As a princess, Grace also took an interest in fine jewelry and ornate tiaras. In particular, the French jewelry house, Cartier, asked her to wear their designs. Cartier soon become the royal family of Monaco's official jeweler.