Posts Tagged ‘style icon’
There are plenty of different women that have been classed as style icons over the years but Grace Kelly is probably one of the most recognised for her style throughout the world. The current exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London pays homage to her evolving style from glamorous Hollywood actress to fashion royalty as Princess Grace of Monaco. Her sudden, tragic and premature death in car crash 1982, ended her life as the worlds most photographed woman admired by so many for her elegance and style.
Grace Kelly’s image in the early days was very much related to her career in the movies. Her look was the perfect combination of glamour and wholesome, a classic style that has been copied by so many and is still popular now. She was recognised for always getting the look just right no matter what the situation and was definitely one the early pioneers of understated chic. Her simple shirt waist dresses and casual shirts and trousers combined with her immaculate grooming became her signature style on and off screen during her career as a movie star.
As Grace Kelly progressed through her life and gave up her Hollywood career for a place in one of Europe’s oldest royal family when she married Prince Ranier of Monaco. A a princess she wore some of the finest clothes around including those by Balenciaga, Dior and Chanel. Highlights of the exhibition include the beautiful lace bodice and skirt that she wore for the civil ceremony of the wedding. For her wedding day she looked amazing in a Gown by Helen Rose made from 450 yards of Brussels Rose Point Lace and silk Faile. She also wore jewellery from Van Cleef and Arpels that the Prince had given her for the engagement.
Grace’s style does encompass many different looks from elaborate couture ball gowns to her elegant casual wear but probably the most memorable is the capri pants, head scarf and  sunglasses or Pringle twin sets worn with a Hermes scarf. She was also the inspiration for the Hermes Kelly handbag which still enjoys huge popularity and has been copied so many times. The prominent way that she carried her handbag over her stomach whilst she was pregnant changed the way that women carried handbags.
With such a glamorous life, it is not surprising that Grace Kelly was known for the beautiful clothes that she wore and her style. There was something about Grace Kelly though that made her such a style icon. As the old saying goes, ‘it is not what you wear, it is how you wear it. Her name was so perfect and really described her so well.
The V & A Grace Kelly Style Icon exhibition runs until 26th September and shows many of her clothes alongside photographs and film. It includes the dresses from her films including High Society and Rear Window, as well as the gown she wore to accept her Oscar in 1955. It also examines her role as a style icon, her glamorous Hollywood image and her enduring appeal.
For a modern take on Grace Kelly’s twin set combine this Ivory Sleeveless Flower Print Vest with this Ivory flower print long sleeved knitted cardigan.
Audrey Hepburn is a true style icon and probably one of the biggest of our time. Her style is admired, copied and written about by so many. But what is it about her style, that makes her so iconic?
Audrey Hepburn’s style was simple and classic. She wore clothes that complimented her body shape perfectly. She never over accessorised or wore colours that didn’t go. Perhaps the beauty of Audrey Hepburn’s style lies in its simplicity. Her style is not quite simply about what she wore though, there is also something about how she wore it. She was both witty and elegant both traits which contributed to her overall look.
There are so many pieces of clothing that we still associate with Audrey Hepburn. For many of them Audrey Hepburn can at least in part be credited for their lasting popularity and status as classic pieces. Top of the list would have to be the little black dress. This was featured in the film Breakfast and Tiffany’s and ever since it has become a must have item for all women, not just because of its style but also its versatility. An Audrey Hepburn style little black dress is inspiration for both day dresses and evening dresses and looks great with a string of pearls or some bold and chunky jewellery. The original little black dress in Breakfast at Tiffany’s was by Hubert Givenchy and whilst most of us probably can’t afford a Givenchy dress, there are countless similar styles in the high street shops.
Capri pants were another of Audrey Hepburn favourites, most notably worn in the films Sabrina and Funny Face. Again the popularity of capri pants is very much about their simplicity. When worn with a simple shirt or top in a contrasting colour, they make an instantly elegant and stylish outfit. Ballet flats are another Audreyism that is still very much in fashion. The gracefulness and practicality of these shoes just can’t be beaten.
Hubert Givenchy designed many of Audrey’s clothes for films such as Funny Face (1957), Love in the Afternoon (1957), Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961), Paris When It Sizzles (1963), Charade (1964), How to Steal a Million (1966), and others. Whilst Audrey Hepburn was immensley feminine, she was well known for wearing clothes inspired by menswear. When she appeared in Roman Holiday with short hair and wearing full skirts cinched at the waist and shirts with button down collars, women everywhere copied her.
She was also known for her amazing handbags, turtle necks and trench coats, all classic pieces that every woman wants to own. Audrey’s style differed greatly from some of the other icons of the fifties including Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor. This was mainly due to her figure, she was much taller and more slender. Instead of trying to create the popular curvy look, she emphasised her slim frame and delicateness. If you are inspired by Audrey Hepburn’s style, here are some great pieces of clothing, that you will love.
