Grace Kelly remains one of the most fashionable icons of our time. While she retired from the big-screen at 26-years-old when she married Prince Rainier of Monaco in 1956, the icy-blonde starlet left a lasting legacy. Her sophisticated style during the 1950s influencing a taste for twinset-and-pearl combos and nipped-in waists.
In 2010, the V&A dedicated an entire exhibition to the actress-turned-royal, which featured dresses from her starring roles in Hitchcock’s classic Rear Window to High Society. Her iconic wedding dress, created by Helen Rose who was head costume designer at MGM film studios, is still cited as one of the most famous bridal gowns over to be worn. She was the muse behind Hermès’ Kelly Bag - the ultimate status symbol.
To mark what would have been the princess’ 90th birthday on 12th November, here’s 12 most memorable fashion moments from Grace Kelly, six decades on…
Grace Kelly's Best Moments
1 of 11The Oscar-winning Dress
Grace Kelly opted for an ice-blue, French satin gown designed by Edith Head when she picked up her Oscar for Best Actress in 1954 drama The Country Girl. Unforgettable.
2 of 11The Princess Bride
The wedding gown of all gowns. The elegant dress took 30 seamstresses, six weeks of hard labour, 25 yards of silk taffeta, antique rose-point lace and pearls to create. It was worth it.
3 of 11Timeless Elegance
Fact: Grace Kelly once used an Hermès scarf as a sling for her broken arm.
4 of 11Jewel Dressing
Wearing an emerald strapless gown to celebrate St.Patrick's day in 1954.
5 of 11A Dress To Catch A Thief
We still can't go over this floaty chiffon dress she wore in Alfred Hitchcock's film To Catch A Thief. 'Hitch was virtually clinical in his precise ideas for Grace's wardrobe,' recalls Donald Spoto, in his book Spellbound by Beauty: Alfred Hitchcock and his Leading Ladies. 'There was a reason for every style.'
6 of 11Pretty In Pink
The sweetest shade this season.
7 of 11Sheer Darling
Opting for a cream silk nightgown-style dress for a portrait in the early '50s.
8 of 11Suited and Belted
A tomboy chic look we've tried over and over to imitate.
9 of 11High Society Dressing
Remember this light blue chiffon ball gown she wore in High Society in 1956?
10 of 11The Power Of Pearls
"I favour pearls on screen and in my private life" – Grace Kelly
11 of 11Capri Pants In Cannes
The epitome of elegance.