Amazing Grace

Regarded as one of the most elegant and best remembered bridal gowns of all time, the timeless and classic wedding dress worn by the amazing Grace Kelly when she married Prince Rainier III to become Princess Grace, is still as influential today as it was back in April 1956.

When 26 year old Grace Kelly went from Hollywood starlet to real-life Princess it didn’t just change history but rewrote it by elevating bridal fashion to dizzying new heights. Her gown brought about the rebirth of extravagant wedding dresses by departing from traditional designs, chosen by the majority of brides of the time, to firmly plant its stake as one of the most celebrated designs in history.

The honour of creating the gown was given to Oscar-winning MGM costumier Helen Rose who, notably, was the costumier that dressed Kelly in the smash-hit film High Society. The dress took six weeks to create and was worked on by over 30 highly skilled seamstresses. In style and detail the dress was conceived to complement the “fairy-Princess” image of the bride-to-be. Miss Rose articulated that the gown should reflect the personality of the actress by being “simple but elegant, feminine and ladylike but not necessarily regal” adding that it should not “overpower her beauty”. Her vision was a triumph because, as history confirms, the union between gown and bride was a perfect harmony.

Grace requested that some detail remain traditional by stating her wish to include a high neckline and long sleeves. How right she was as these have become some of the most iconic details of the dress. Other well-known features included a high waist, fitted bodice, a full skirt, pleated cummerbund and a long, dramatic train. However, it was the superbly exquisite detailing of the gown which has made it a legend in its own right.

What seems to have inspired several generations of hopeless romantics, whilst melting the hearts of the rest of mankind, and still continues to do so to this day is the intricate, priceless, 125 year old delicate Brussels Rose point lace that features elaborate floral motifs. Cleverly designed to create a seamless lace bodice cascading into long delicate lace sleeves, which themselves were embroidered and accented with lustrous seed pearls, a true lace masterpiece was born.

The ivory skirt made of Peau de Soie- a soft silk fabric of satin weave with a dull finish- perfectly balanced and contrasted the Brussels lace with its heavy pleating and voluminous size.

At the time the fashion world’s media was in a frenzy and was as inquisitive and excited about the dress as the modern media were about Kate Middleton’s bridal gown. In the build-up to the unveiling of Grace Kelly’s gown seemingly every wedding dress manufacturer on the planet desperately wanted to get their hands on a copy of the sketch. A mere suggestion of what the designer was doing was headline news and pictures or details of the royal gown almost became an issue of national security.

Gossip columns, periodicals and newspapers alike abounded with articles on the dress which became so famous in its own right that their headlines did not even need to include the name of the bride!

Before the gown was even revealed to the public it had achieved legendary status and when it finally did make its dramatic appearance had an impact on the fashion scene like none that had gone before it.

When Miss Grace Kelly momentously presented herself to the world, ready to begin the new chapter of her life as a Princess, at the extravaganza dubbed the ‘Wedding of the Century’ the commentary on the triumph of Helen Rose’s gown ensued.

After months of gossip and speculation the revealing made headline news all over the world. The New York Times described it as the ‘loveliest example of the American product’ and it was even metaphorically portrayed as ‘flowing like a river of whipped cream among the plush red floor’. Some, however, weren’t as enamoured with the gown as most, even commenting on how it was a ‘charming dress not a superb one’, yet the general reaction to the gown was that it was magnificent.

When we look closer at the features of this majestic dress we start to realise just how much it has inspired a multitude of brides over the last 56 years. We should therefore ponder over such a wonderful creation, stop and ask why?

Maybe one reason is that Grace Kelly, from star of the silver screen to real-life Princess, was a captivating, demure and gentle human being possessed of an almost ethereal beauty who seemingly lived out our little girl dreams and fairy-tales albeit in a sadly ephemeral way. 

From her on-screen portrayals of leading-lady characters to her real-life relationship she seduced us to believe in true love, passion and romance and she still continues to do so 30 years after her death when we recount her poignant bitter-sweet story.

Her unique style, timeless elegance and angelic beauty are as relevant now as they ever were and are an inspiration to every bride-to-be. Not only have brides of weddings past emulated Princess Grace’s style and choice of dress but modern brides still pay homage to the timeless creation worn by her and strikingly none more so than the Duchess of Cambridge. 

Her Sarah Burton gown respectfully incorporated many similar design features to the Helen Rose masterpiece and how fitting that such a dress was worn by a modern day Princess.

Other famed ladies who were heavily inspired by Helen Rose’s creation included Nicole Richie who wore an exquisite custom-designed Marchesa wedding dress when she married Joel Madden in 2010. 

Another was Ivanka Trump’s, Vera Wang designed wedding dress, that made a fresh statement to the wedding world in 2009, which had become so accustomed to strapless gowns, by incorporating the addition of lace sleeves

It is not just brides who have taken, and still do take, inspiration from this historic dress but designers also continue to do so. 

Sassi Holford's 2010 'Samantha' bridal gown

Rosa Clara 2012 'Adorno' bridal gown

Atelier Aimee bridal gown

A quote which sums it up succinctly is by fashion designer Oscar de la Renta who said: ‘On her wedding day, Grace Kelly gave new meaning to the word icon. Her whole look, from the regal veil to the feminine lace details and the conservative gown, made her an ageless bride’. 

Where is the dress now? Her Serene Highness The Princess of Monaco, who was a native of the city of Philadelphia, gave her gown, Juliet cap, veil, shoes and prayer book to the Philadelphia museum shortly after her wedding. Although the wedding ensemble was superbly exhibited by the museum in 2006 sadly it is no longer on show. 

Nevertheless, her gown will continue to remain in our consciousness, will inspire future generations of brides-to-be and no doubt be at the heart of many a wedding design. Such designs are works of art, real manifestations of beauty and often brought to life by truly unique characters. Together they can be a perfect coupling, for both the wearer and the worn can create history, become a legend and reach the ultimate status reserved for only the very select few of being a truly genuine icon. 

Here at Vintage Rose Wedding Designs we have our sights firmly fixed on the future but we take our inspiration from the past, from the familiar imagery that pervades our senses and which give substance to what we call ‘Vintage’. 

We know that our brides want something special, that quintessential vintage feel but with a modern twist. If you are one of those brides-to-be and want a wedding design that is a perfect coupling of you and your wedding theme then contact one of our in-house design team at info@vintageroseweddingdesigns.co.uk and we will help you to make your vision become a reality.


Love, VR x