23.09.2010- Stardust

I was just browsing fashiongonerogue and came across this gorgeous retrospective spread from the September 2008 issue of Vogue Italia. Shot by Steven Meisel and featuring Viktoriya Sasonkina, the styling and composition of the shoot draws on inspiration from the golden age of Hollywood, as Sasonkina evokes the classic glamour of icons such as Marilyn Monroe, Marlene Dietrich, Rita Hayworth, Jean Harlow, Vivien Leigh and Grace Kelly:

 

The old school glamour and ladylike shapes are perfect inspiration for this season, don't you agree? Which old Hollywood stars are your style and beauty icons?

To view the full shoot, visit fashiongonerogue.

(Image credit: fashiongonerogue.)

10.06.2010- We try to be like Grace Kelly...

Last Friday my bestie and I popped along to the Victoria and Albert Museum to check out their Grace Kelly: Style Icon exhibition. I'd been looking forward to visiting ever since I found out about it, and was not disappointed. Featuring gowns, accessories and personal items (including the Oscar she won in 1955), the exhibition encapsulated everything that was so remarkable about Grace; the timeless pieces that feature demonstrate her commitment to subtle style, and the accompanying photographs tell the story of a woman who was simultaneously actress, princess and style icon. Although we weren't supposed to take photos, I managed to sneak a few to share with you:

The iconic Hermes Kelly bag, named after Grace. Cue a massive does of bag lust!

These photos really don't do the clothes justice, they are simply exquisite in real life, particularly the intricate embroidery on the gowns. Also there are many more beautiful items which I didn't take any snaps of, including the dress that Grace wore in High Society:

I plan on going back at least once more before the exhibition finishes at the end of September, and can't recommend it highly enough. If you're in London or plan on visiting over the next few months, then definitely plan a trip to the V&A. 

Here are some Grace Kelly inspired looks to help us mere mortals channel some of her style:

Peach Lace Shift Dress, £120, ROKIT

Cutwork Lace Blouse, £20,ROKIT

 Seagreen Pleated Skirt, £15,ROKIT

Marc Jacobs Striped Silk Blend Lame Dress, £391.60, The Outnet

Linda Farrow Luxe Sunglasses, Net-a-Porter

Matthew Williamson Ombre Print Scarf, Net-a-Porter

A girl can dream!

(Image credit: flickr, ROKIT, The Outnet, Net-a-Porter and Sarah Farrell, please do not reproduce without permission.)

18.04.2010- Grace Kelly: Style Icon

The latest exhibition at the wonderful Victoria and Albert Museum in South Kensington showcases the timeless elegance of one of the most iconic women of the 20th century: Grace Kelly. As well as featuring costumes worn by Grace in films such as Rear Window and High Society, the exhibition also includes items from her personal wardrobe, including the dress she wore upon first meeting Prince Rainier of Monaco (whom she later went on to marry) and couture pieces designed by Dior, Balenciaga and Givenchy. Much like Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly has become synonymous with the sophistication, glamour and beauty of a bygone era and is regularly referred to as a style icon.

So what makes her style and approach to fashion so enduring and appealing to us today? Firstly, she was unquestionably naturally beautiful, with an exquisite bone structure, radiant complexion and luminous eyes. Secondly, her uncomplicated approach to fashion led to the development of a style that favoured simple elegance and classic shapes, leading retailers in the 1950's to develop the 'Grace Kelly look', so fans and the fashion conscious could emulate her style. Finally, the fairytale path her life followed saw her evolve from screen princess to real-life princess and forever made her a cultural icon. In her new role, she became patron of many Parisian fashion houses, and through the 60's and 70's her style continually evolved.

To me, Grace Kelly represents classic elegance at its finest; her intelligent approach to fashion demonstrates that style does not originate from slavish adherence to trends, but rather from a clear recognition that timeless fashion originates from a personal understanding of what works for you; after all, Grace wore the clothes, the clothes didn't wear her.

The exhibition opened at the V&A yesterday and runs until September 26th, I can't wait to visit for myself. 

For more information visit V&A Online.

(Image credit: V&A Prints.)