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Journalism of Courage
Remembering the serene beauty and elegance of the erstwhile Hollywood sweetheart and first lady of Monaco
This is a timely moment to take a fresh look at the silken blonde hair,the pearls laid on peachy skin,the decent,ladylike clothes and the serene beauty that was Grace Kelly. The film star of the 1950s became Princess Gracealthough she had that title in her movie roles and in the American minds eye long before Prince Rainier of Monaco met her at the Cannes film festival in 1955 and made her his bride.
Even though Grace Kelly: Style Icon, at Londons Victoria amp; Albert Museum,shows Princess Grace growing older and wider,with only Diors haute couture skills allowing her to keep a level of gracious glamourit is the Hollywood version that visitors adore.
Princess Grace may not have been happy ever after in her rigid role as wife,mother of three and Serene Highness of a toy-town monarchy. But outwardly,she played her part perfectly,from early wardrobes by costumers like Edith Head,provided by the Hollywood studio,onward. Even her wedding involved MGMs Helen Rose,who helped create pieces that looked pictureperfect,as the skirts spread froma tiny waist. The exhibition also shows the hats and swooped-up hairstyles that were,as much as her white gloves,the essence of the Kelly look. That look still resonates today,as when Kate Winslet wore a simple dress and a perfectly coiffed hairstyle to the 2009 Oscars.
Suzy Menkes / NYT
