19/08/2010

'Hollywood amuses me. Holier-than-thou for the public and unholier-than-the-devil in reality'

Grace Kelly





I recently went to the Grace Kelly exhibition in Victoria & Albert Museum and funnily enough, I was weirdly disappointed but in a positive way. If there is one thing that should be noticed about Grace Kelly is her odd success in making no statement a statement. While I was there I silently strolled around each dress, accessory and shoe that had been carefully placed in perfect lighting for each guest to see. However, what I was waiting for was something that stood out and caught my eye that made her undoubtedly a fashion legend but I failed to find this. This is what made me more interested in her fashion sense. Can not trying to stand out be the best way to do it?

Taken during a trip to Jamaica with her sister in 1955.

What made Grace Kelly's style and elegance so potent was probably also down to the fact that she NEVER WENT WRONG. I think it is safe to say, for every fashionista with an outstanding fashion sense and outrageous looks, there is a point where people can definitely say that they shouldn't of left their home that day. By keeping it classic and understated it was virtually impossible for her to be caught out looking less than wonderful. This was her big statement. The photos above are perfect example of her looking natural yet glamorous.

"The thing that made her stand out is what we call 'style'."McCall's magazine, 1955

As I got further down the the exhibition another thing struck me; she left everything to the imagination. While woman were revealing what they could without revealing everything, Grace liked her necklines high and the hems of her skirt to waver between her knee and her ankles. This is something I adored as the majority of my clothes do not touch my knee, not for any particular reason other than the fact that clothing stores (including vintage) have no made skirts collect dirt of the ground or resemble an oversized belt. I for one have not complained but my mum being the devoted Christian that she is has sent me to my room to change countless number of times.



The next time you dig into your wardrobe looking for that outfit that will turn heads when you walk into room why not do the later and bear in mind, Hollwood actress to Princess of Monaco, Grace Kelly and how she managed to do this without having to think about that. I pose this question once more... Can not trying to stand out be the best way to do it?





Title is a qoute by: Grace Kelly herself