Grace Kelly: Style Icon

So I have been wanting to go to the Grace Kelly exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum for ages now and yesterday I finally grabbed my Mum and off we went. I knew it was going to be good but what I saw was absolutely mindblowing. The dresses were unlike any others I've seen before and it was so strange to think that she had actually worn these dresses I was looking at.
I've always been familiar with Grace Kelly but I never realised exactly how much of a fashion icon she was. I spose its not everyday you get a Hermes bag named after you (see pictures below).
Born in 1929 in Philadephia, Grace appeared in films High Society, The Country Girl (for which she won an Academy Award for Best Actress) and The Swan. In April 1956 Grace married Prince Rainier III of Monaco and became Princess Grace. As her film roles were growing so was public interest and she was soon to become one of the most photographed women of the 20th century. The public enjoyed gazing at beautiful photos of her in magazines and seeing her on the big screen as she was a 'girl-next-door type. She was always seen at lavish parties and Galas wearing the most beautiful and show stopping gowns of which I have managed to capture below.

This printed silk 'Yves Saint Laurent' dress was a more sophisticated daytime dress that Grace wore in Paris in 1970. Her daytime outfits were just as elegant as those she wore in the evenings and she was never seen without accessorizing her evening and daytime looks. She would often add a simple brooch to a black dress to step it up a notch.

The Hermes 'Kelly' Bag. A statement bag that she was never seen without which is still today one of Hermes most popular handbags. It was named after her because she was rarely seen without it. Hermes still has a waiting list for this handbag today.

Another collection of Grace's beautiful handbags. Including a Crocodile Skin (bottom right). My personal favourite the floral clutch (top right). I wish I would of been able get my hands on this!!!

What girl wouldn't die to have a Chanel suit hanging in her wardrobe? Grace loved Chanel and the intricate detail in the Chanel designs. The knotted C's on the golden buttons and the fit of the suits made her one of Coco's most recognised customers. (Above: Chanel Suit Below: Chanel Dress)

Also a lover of glasses, the exhibition played host to a small collection of Grace Kelly spectacles ranging from Christian Dior to Oliver Goldsmith. Dior soon became one of Kellys favourite designers.

Below is one of Grace's most famous dresses she was photographed in during a Gala. The photograph does not do much justice but the detailing in this was incredible. I especially love the massive pink bow and the cream gloves. I was drooling over this dress for a good half an hour.

And finally, heres what I wore to the Exhibition.

Rose Hairband: Topshop, £8

Blazer: Primark, £13

Coco Chanel Slogan Tee: Topshop, £20

Hareem Pants: Evans, £25

Scarf: Gift from Marks and Spencer

Bag: Topshop, £36

Clogs: Evans, £35

Name Necklace: Tatty Devine, £30

Hand of Hamza Necklace: Age Concern Charity Shop, £3