Grace Kelly exhibition coming in the New Year

Called “Grace Kelly: Style Icon”, the display will feature a number of amazing fashion items as modelled by Grace, both on duty in front of the cameras and as the dutiful wife, along with special mementoes, these broken day into three sections: “The Actress”, “The Bride” and “The Princess”.

Numbering over 50 outfits in total, the collection boasts such screen treasures as the black chiffon dress from Rear Window (pictured) and an evening dress and Grecian-style dressing gown as designed by MGM designer, Helen Rose. Also boasting a Hollywood connection is the gown she wore to the Oscars ceremony in 1955 when she won Best Actress for The Country Girl.

Other stunning wardrobe includes the belted shirtdress by Branell of New York which she wore when announcing the news of her engagement, the lace skirt and bodice that she wore to the actual civil marriage ceremony and other top designer treasures including the original Hermès “Kelly” bag (named after her), suits from Chanel, jewellery by Van Cleef and Arpels and 35 haute couture gowns from such names as Yves Saint Laurent, Christian Dior, Givenchy and Balenciaga.

Much of the collection will be loaned from the Palace Princier in Monaco and has excited both the museum and Grace’s son, Albert II. “Throughout her life she exuded effortless elegance,” says the current ruler of Monaco, “whether she was appearing at the most spectacular public occasion, or a simply family gathering.”

While, Jenny Lister, a curator of fashion and textiles at the V&A adds: “Grace Kelly epitomised the ladylike glamour and sophistication of the 1950s. She epitomised ‘style’ as opposed to ‘fashion’, and her appeal has remained timeless, with women today still emulating her understated chic.”

The collection will go on display to the public from 17th April to 26th September 2010. For more info, hit the Victoria & Albert Museum website here.

[via The Telegraph]