Beauty - Princess Grace Kelly
Originally published here for Vanity Stories
“I would like to be remembered as someone who has accomplished useful deeds, and who was a kind and loving person. I would like to leave the memory of a human being with a correct attitude and who did her best to help others.”
Grace Kelly: the blonde Hitchcock queen of the silver screen turned princess of Monaco. When she appeared opposite James Stewart in the 1954 mystery thriller Rear Window, Kelly had only been in 4 films. Rear Window kick-started her whirlwind romance with the Hitchcock film universe and secured almost instant stardom worldwide. Moviegoers everywhere fell in love with Kelly’s ethereal beauty. Her elegant stature, sweet smile, perfectly placed gold locks and confident gaze. Kelly was truly a natural on-screen, having had very limited acting experience before taking on Hitchcock’s history-making films. Whether she played a divorced wealthy socialite with an affinity for drama or the secretive daughter of a wealthy widow, she did so with unparalleled grace.
It should also be noted that Grace Kelly not only dominated the world of film during the seven consecutive years leading up to her fairytale wedding to Prince Rainier III of Monaco (during which she wore a custom scent created for her by Creed) but also the world of fashion. Credited as being one of the most sought-after celebrities in Hollywood during the 1950s, Kelly’s style was undeniably classic and worldly. Kelly’s magazine-worthy face, defined by her rosy cheeks, glowing, pearlescent skin, and pristine, defined brows were only touched by her and her alone. Her wardrobe basics consisted of brightly printed hermés scarves often worn at the neck, structured button-down shirts, well-tailored slacks, and swoon-worthy chiffon or silk evening gowns.
After becoming the princess consort of Monaco and embracing a life away from the rolling cameras of Hollywood’s giants, Kelly remained the very picture of elegance and worldliness. Her philanthropic work included becoming a patron of the Rainbow Coalition of Children (an orphanage run by Josephine Baker) and founding AMAE Mondiale, a Monaco-based, non-profit organization recognized by the UN. She was also actively involved in the improvement of Monaco’s art institutions and formed The Princess Grace Foundation in support of local artisans.
Grace Kelly will forever be remembered as one of the most influential actresses of Hollywood’s Golden Age. She was the true embodiment of her name; inspiring those who watched the starlette on their screens to become the best, and beautiful versions of themselves possible.
- V.S.