The spectacular wardrobe of Grace Kelly, actress and princess, fashion icon, will go on show at London’s Victoria & Albert museum, Saturday 17th. The unique exhibition will provide a glimpse into the fairytale life of one of Hollywood’s most glamorous stars of the 1950s, who became Princess Grace of Monaco.On display will be dresses from many of her most famous films, including High Society and ‘Rear Window’; the gown she wore to accept her ‘Best Actress’ Oscar in 1955, for ‘The Country Girl’; the outfit she wore for her first meeting with Prince Rainier of Monaco; and pieces from her opulent haute couture wardrobe of the 1960s and 1970s by her favorite Paris couturiers.
The exhibition spans fashion across four decades, and includes eight dresses by Christian Dior, an extravagant, beaded Balenciaga jacket, Yves Saint Laurent’s ‘Mondrian’ dress of 1965, Coco Chanel suits jewellery by Van Cleef & Arpels, and, of course, the famous, original Hermès ‘Kelly’ bag. Archive film and video footage, film posters, family photographs, film clips and magazines will complete this close-up study of a woman who became a global fashion icon.
Grace Kelly: Style Icon, sponsored by Van Cleef & Arpels, April 17th-26th September, Victoria & Albert Museum, London; admission £6; book in advance online www.vam.ac.uk
