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.
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
If you are searching for "the" perfect wedding dress but are realising that maybe perfect isn't quite good enough or you have reached the point at which you can't exactly put into words just what it is you are looking for then take a deep breath, put your Louboutin clad feet up, relax and pop the cork on that bottle of Cristal Champagne which you have been keeping for that special moment when you set eyes on "your" wedding dress, because your search is over!
Ladies, let me introduce you to the world of Ian Stuart Brides where you will find bridal gowns the likes of which you have never before experienced.
Ian Stuart is arguably (and believe me Vintage Rose would definitely argue this point) THE world's leading designer of bridal gown couture.
If you needed any more assurance that you are in capable hands Ian Stuart is a Multi Award-winning designer. He cut his teeth at Bellville Sassoon, one of London’s finest couture houses who specialise in creating gowns for socialites and members of the Royal Family (we rest our case). He is passionate about the arts, theatre and music and is renowned for his interest in period costume to which he adds his own contemporary interpretation and thus brings to life gowns with stunning shapes and dramatic silhouettes for the modern bride.
Ian Stuart's previous collections have taken bridal gown design to a whole new level and have quite simply been out of this world. So, in his inimitable, award winning style, Ian Stuart has sought to excel himself and reach for the stars.
The result is a selection of interstellar, cosmically beautiful bridal gowns that is quite simply of astronomical proportions and has been suitably named the Supernova collection.
The Collection Designed by Ian Stuart Ltd launched its new 2013 bridal collection in May. For those of you ladies who have not yet had the privilege to take a peak (what have you been wasting your time with???) you really have missed out, but, darlings, do not fret or worry as Vintage Rose is here to whet your appetite in preparation for a veritable feast of bridal gown sumptuousness!
The new collection is aptly named and is definitely not an overused superlative because it suggests something extremely luminous which can briefly outshine an entire galaxy. In the galaxy of wedding gown designs each Ian Stuart dress in this new collection sees the birth of a new star whose brightness, elegance and majesty outshine any other as each dress is an explosion of creativity and innovation fused with historical influence in a way that only Ian Stuart can accomplish!
The collection showcases gowns that incorporate traditional bustiers accentuated with avalanches of cascading roses through to more daring and extravagant dresses to match any bride's individual personality. His fabric choice is gloriously exquisite combining traditional silks and taffetas with flowery brocades, fairy tale prints and silk organza trains.
Taking inspiration from period costume we are introduced to skirts both short and long and ruffles added to structured bodice pieces with over-the-top embellishments. We are also seduced by textures for which he uses new fabric treatments on his signature sophisticated draping. Added to this is fine hand-crafted detailing such as subtle crystal beads onto luxurious sheer fabrics.
The opulence and elegance of the gowns are presented to us through the use of a rich palette of understated and sweet, sugary pastels, café crèmes and traditional pearl tones that are delicate yet decadent.
Yes, this 2013 collection is beyond heavenly and if you have not yet found that wedding gown of your dreams then look no further because Mr Stuart will have it in one of his collections.
It is a rare thing in the fickle, fashion conscious world that a designer will create a plethora of designs where each piece is a part of him or herself, representing their loves, passions and interests. As Ian Stuart explains himself “my philosophy is to design with my heart - each creation epitomises the grace and beauty that every bride-to-be deserves to have on her wedding day”.
There is no doubt about it once you see these gowns for yourself it will be the beginning of a love affair with his work. If you are not convinced, then take it from me, you need to pop along to your selected local bridal boutique which has the privilege of stocking his gowns and try one on ! Or why not arrange an appointment via his website to attend a Designer Day whereby you can view a larger selection of the collection than is normally available in bridal boutiques.
I hereby offer a warning though!! Once you try one of his dresses on you will not want to take it off! It will become a part of you, a second skin, your best friend even! There is also a good chance that you will be so enamoured by it that you could possibly be more excited that your dress is with you on your wedding day than your groom! At the end of the day you will be saddened that you have to take it off and leave it behind as you sail away on your honeymoon, but you will think of it often and with great fondness, that, I guarantee.
On your wedding day you will be so glad you chose one of his dresses because when you appear for the first time in all your radiant glory to your family and guests and walk down the aisle it will take everybody’s breath away in a truly magical moment that is the inner desire of every bride on her special day.
Despite the fact that these are serious wedding gowns which are not to be messed with you will find yourself gliding down the aisle, standing effortlessly, sitting comfortably and mixing graciously with your guests as though you were wearing a dress that is made out of nothing heavier than a snowflake.
All of this I can say from experience and I have indulged myself (hope you don't mind) by including a photograph of me in my wedding dress. Oh, how I love that dress, thank you Ian Stuart !!
Here at Vintage Rose Ian Stuart has truly been an inspiration. Not just because he creates bridal gowns of stunning quality, individuality and uncompromising elegance and beauty but because he consistently pours his heart and soul into his creations.
His ethos is clear, he wants to make something that for the bride will be unforgettable, timeless and will not just complete her special day but be an integral part of it.
We at Vintage Rose echo that ethos in our work. We want to work with you to create a wedding design that you will treasure forever, that you will remember with fondness and which you know has been made with you in mind but with our heart and soul.
At Vintage Rose we promise that we will continue, just like Ian Stuart, to reach for the stars in our search for excellence because we know that for our brides-to-be the sky is NOT the limit.
Love VR, x
www.ianstuart-bride.com
