Grace Kelly- Inspired and loved by FASHION

Grace Kelly's Forever Look, Vanity Fair, Author: Laura Jacobs, May 2010 Issue

In Vanity Fair's May issue, Grace Kelly takes the cover on how an American dreamer from Philadelphia became a princess and her legacy still inspires. Grace Kelly was an ethereal goddess as the articles states that was also always in control, well groomed and well mannered, delightful and kind. As a young girl, she played with her dolls by using her imagination and this is where she excelled at. Kelly went to to pursue an acting career on Broadway but was not very successful. She became a commercial model, selling soap, cigarettes in print ads. People started to notice her walk as it was unique, regal in the waist, shoulders back and head high and a glide like that of a geisha. In 1955, Grace Kelly took center stage as Hollywood's most highest earning female star, and recognized by her fellow peers like Bob Hope who said, "I just want to say, they should give a special award fro bravery to the producer who produced a movie without Grace Kelly" (Vanity Fair, pg. 191). Janie Bryant, the costume designer for Mad Men said, " Every time I see Grace Kelly I'm influenced by what she wears." Another prominent designer, Tommy Hilfiger said, "When I branched out into women's wear, I really began to study icons of style and Grace stood out." A beloved daughter, sister, actress, wife, mother and princess to the people of Monaco, she inspired those by her grace, beauty and style.

I chose to do the article of Princess Grace Kelly of Monaco because is she an icon not only in the academy but also in the fashion industry. One would consider her a muse for her time but designers still look at her for inspiration for their future collections. For me it takes us back into history to relive the life she lived in Philadelphia, to her life in Hollywood and lastly her life as the Princess of Monaco. For me, I look at the entertainment industry to see what is in fashion and it influences me for what I purchase at the stores. Grace Kelly became a household name once she won the Oscar in 1955, but also become that style icon people looked up to when they went to the store. Fashion recycles itself as a fad can become a trend but a classic always stays a classic, just like Princess Grace Kelly.

*source: Vanity Fair May 2010 Issue No. 597