Women Who Made History: Princess Grace of Monaco

Princess Grace of Monaco; otherwise known as the actress Grace Kelly, lived every little girl’s fairytale dream – of being a world famous Hollywood actress and marrying a Prince.  After tragically dying in a car accident aged just 52, Grace’s life itself was like an onscreen movie. Here, in our opinion, is why she was a woman who made history.

Grace Kelly was one of Hollywood’s most popular actresses in the 1950s. Ranked 13 in the list of top female stars of American cinema by the American Film Institute, Grace’s name is spoken in the same breath as silver screen legends Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe.  These women were in a league of grace, dignity, class and elegance of their own that most actresses nowadays can only dream of, but more importantly, they were amongst a group of early female go-getters. During a time where male stars dominated, women such as Grace Kelly fought to become on a par with their counterparts.  From the 50s; at the height of Grace’s career, the era in which she won her first ever Golden Globe for her part in ‘Mogambo’,  Grace and the elite few, unbeknown at the time, set the standards for female actresses of today.

Grace had more to offer than just being a beautiful and talented actress; she wanted to show more depth to her character instead of what was portrayed from her Hollywood persona.  At the tender age of 26, Grace gave up the life of flashy lights and fame to take on her role as the Princess of Monaco, alongside her husband Rainier III, Prince of Monaco. A mother to three children – Caroline Louise Marguerite, Princess of Hanover, Albert II, Prince of Monaco and Princess Stephanie Marie Elisabeth – Kelly still managed to start and actively be involved with improving arts institutes in Monaco, leading to the ‘The Princess Grace Of Monaco Foundation’ to support local artisans.

After much outcry in Monaco over movies she starred in, and not being able to fulfill her yearning to act, Grace began a series of poetry readings and narrating television shows.  Arts was Grace’s passion; a passion left behind in Hollywood but never forgotten.  In 1963, Grace founded the Association Mondiale des Amis de l’Enfance (AMADE) – in Englsh, the World Association of Children’s Friends – an organization which promotes and protects children’s rights. AMADE is still going strong till this day, ensuring that Grace Kelly’s legacy lives on further than her superficial reputation of just being an actress and marrying a Prince.

Grace Kelly was a princess, a mother, a wife, a movie star, a fashion idol and a humanitarian, and will forever be an icon to women all across the globe.

If anyone is interested in finding out about the evolution of Grace Kelly as a style icon, her wardrobe will be on display at the V&A museum in London.  Accompanying the contents of Grace’s wardrobe - from her time as a Hollywood actress and as Princess Grace of Monaco – will be film clips, posters, photographs and also her Oscar statuette. The ‘Grace Kelly: Style Icon’ exhibition will begin on the 17^th April 2010 and run through until the 26^th September 2010.

Image Layouts: Yee

Fifty Dresses That Changed the World

London’s Design Museum, the world’s leading museum devoted to contemporary design released two books: Fifty Dresses That Changed the World and Fifty Shoes That Changed the World. The books take you on a virtual historical tour through the ages highlighting the most significant designs in each category.

Fifty Dresses That Changed the World include notable greats from Coco Chanel, Madeleine Vionnet to Hervé Léger and Gianni Versace. Famous faces from Jacqueline Kennedy, Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn grace the pages in dresses that are all too familiar to us. Who doesn’t think of that famous photo of Marilyn Monroe and her white halter dress and she stands over a subway vent? Each dress selected has made it’s own mark on fashion history and has a brief description as to how it came to be, and what is impact on fashion was.

Fifty Shoes That Changed the World

Fifty Shoes That Changed the World explores the most important footwear designs of the last 150 years. From Jimmy Choo to Manolo Blahnik and Nike Jordan I’s to Dr. Martens boots, all manner of footwear are included in this time line. It’s interesting to see how the materials changed throughout the years from the canvas Plimsoll to Melissa’s plastic dreams. Don’t expect to only see pretty shoes in this book – since it covers footwear that made an impact on footwear design and history – unfortunate models like Crocs and Uggs are included. We won’t hold it against them though, they did leave their mark, albeit a not-so-pretty one.

Fifty Dresses That Changed the World and Fifty Shoes That Changed the World are great stocking stuffers or gift ideas for the fashion lover/design guru/history buff in your life. The books retail for $20 and are for sale at Barnes & Noble, Borders, Amazon and Urban Outfitters, along with some smaller retailers.

A few weeks back we posted about a Douglas Kirkland exhibit featuring his photos of Coco Chanel, as well as his book on the same subject.  In addition to taking personal portraits of Coco Chanel, Douglas Kirkland has worked with a virtual who’s who of Hollywood including Marilyn Monroe, Sophia Loren, Audrey Hepburn, Jack Nicholson and Elizabeth Taylor.  He’s one of the masters at capturing a person’s essence on film so we were happy to stumle upon a short feature on him on Fine Art TV.  The short film includes photos, interviews with people who have worked with him and an interview with Douglas Kirkland himself.  Portrait – Douglas Kirkland, Living Legend was great because you actually got to hear Kirkland speak about his craft and it’s very rare to hear someone with so much talent talk about his work.  Portrait – Douglas Kirkland, Living Legend was very inspiring and you can view the film online here.

While I was waiting to get into a show at NY Fashion Week the other week I overheard a young woman say the craziest thing.  No, I wasn’t eavesdropping – we were crammed together like cattle and it’s impossible not to hear what people around you are saying.  She was talking about boys and how she had to email her man’s brother, but “it wasn’t like that.�  She then proceeded to say:

“I’ll f!#k his best friends, but not his brother.�

I am not making this up. She said it like she was saying something innocuous like “I have to stop by the grocery store on the way home.�  Trust, it took every ounce of self -control not to turn around and glare at this woman.  It’s moments like these that inspire Always A Lady columns.

If you’re anything remotely close to being a lady this woman is appalling and you’re probably pretty shocked.  If her comment doesn’t phase you, then here’s a few things for you to consider.  Let’s start with The Golden Rule:  Treat others the way you want to be treated.  Would you want your man playing around with your friends? Didn’t thinks so.  Don’t do that to him.  Whether it’s with his friends, brother or stranger, it’s never a good idea to cheat on someone.  There’s really no reason for it.  No one’s forcing you to be in a relationship.  If you want to be with other people, get out of your relationship and do what you want.  But sneaking around on someone you supposedly care about is just dumb and selfish.  Relationships are built on trust and loyalty, and without those, you have nothing.  If you have an open relationship, and you’re both on the same page then do your thing, but if you’re in a monogamous relationship, respect your partner.

Of course every rule has its exceptions.  I’m not saying you should cheat.  But once your relationship is over, and you find that you are better suited to his friend or brother (please not both), and it’s based on more than pure lust, and no one’s feelings will get hurt, then I think it would be safe to follow your heart.