In April 1956, one of the most famous royal weddings in history took place between American starlet Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier III of Monaco.
It was the original Hollywood love story between an actress and a monarch, which birthed the most iconic wedding dress of all time.
Grace was gifted her Helen Rose gown by Hollywood studio MGM, and its lacework, low-V and bell-shaped skirt have been immortalised in bridal history.
Today, the divine creation is on display at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and the institution’s website describes the dress’ unique beauty.
“The bell-shaped skirt of ivory faille, supported by three attached petticoats, fans out into a graceful lace train,” notes the museum.
“The high-necked bodice of antique Brussels lace was re-embroidered to render the seams invisible and then accented with seed pearls.
“Lace embellished with pearls covers the accompanying prayer book, shoes, and cap, which is surmounted by a wreath of orange blossoms.
“The circular veil was designed specially so as not to obscure the bride’s famous face.”
Grace’s wedding gown was gifted to her by Hollywood studio MGM.
(Credit: Getty)
Her high-neck lace bodice will forever inspire brides.
(Credit: Getty)In the decades since Grace’s wedding, there have been a handful of other celebrity brides who have taken notes from the late actress.
For your own wedding inspiration or some dress eye-candy, here are other famous women who have taken notes from Grace’s masterpiece for their historic nuptials.
Paris Hilton
Paris Hilton
Paris married her husband Carter Reum in the most stunning Oscar de la Renta gown for her luxury November 2021 nuptials.
Similarly to her sister Nicky, the hotel heiress’ dress, which you can see here, is inspired by Grace’s bodice, long lace sleeves and high neckline. Paris revealed on Instagram that she took direct inspiration from the iconic royal.
“I loved Princess Grace Kelly and always thought about how she was so elegant and iconic, and I knew I wanted to be elegant like her when I walked down the aisle. My wedding day felt like pure magic. It was everything I had envisioned in my mind. My incredible @OscarDeLaRenta gown transformed me into the bride I knew I would one day become,” she penned.
Kate Middleton
Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge
Grace famously inspired Kate’s wedding dress designed by Alexander McQueen’s Sarah Burton.
From the high neck lace bodice to the cinched waist, it was the perfect homage to the Hollywood actress.
In a statement written by the palace, it cited why Kate chose Sarah as the designer and their artistic vision.
“Miss Middleton chose British brand Alexander McQueen for the beauty of its craftsmanship and its respect for traditional workmanship and the technical construction of clothing.
“Miss Middleton wished for her dress to combine tradition and modernity with the artistic vision that characterises Alexander McQueen’s work.”
Nicky Hilton Rothschild
Nicky Hilton Rothschild
Nicky wore this divine custom lace-embroidered Valentino gown for her 2015 wedding.
Nicky channelled Grace with class through the high turtle neck lace bodice.
Jasmine Tookes
Jasmine Tookes
The former Victoria’s Secret angel wed her Snapchat Intentional Markets Director husband, Juan David Borrero, in a stunning custom made Zuhair Murad dress.
On the model’s Instagram, she shared a black-and-white picture of Grace with the word ‘Inspo’ over the top.
Nicole Richie
Nicole Richie
Nicole’s custom Marchesa gown may embrace a full princess tulle skirt, but its lace bodice is a very 2000s take on Grace’s 1950 creation.
Kitty Spencer
Kitty Spencer
Princess Diana’s niece’s Dolce and Gabbana wedding dress had a very regal take on the original lace bodice.
Miranda Kerr
Miranda Kerr
During an interview with Vogue at her final fitting with Dior’s Maria Grazia Chiuri, Miranda explained who inspired her dress.
“I’ve had a lot of fun with fashion, and I used to be more wild, free, bohemian. But in this period of my life, my style is more pulled back,” she told the publication.
“My greatest sources of inspiration have always been Grace, Audrey Hepburn, and my grandmother, who at 80 has an effortless chic: a nice pant, a white blouse, a scarf, a little heel.”
Alizée Thevenet
Alizée Thevenet
In a snippet of James Middleton’s wife Alizée Thevenet’s wedding dress, it’s clear she has taken subtle inspiration from Grace but in a very modern and French way.
The two details that stand out are the lace bodice and her small earrings, reminiscent of Grace’s similar accessory.
Keely Shaye Brosnan
Keely Shaye Brosnan
For Keely’s wedding to Pierce Brosnan, she emulated Grace’s low V lace neckline.
Alessandra De Osma
Alessandra De Osma
Alessandra wore a conservative take on Grace’s original dress for her wedding to Prince Christian of Hanover.
Sofia Hellqvist
Sofia Hellqvist
To marry Prince Carl Philip of Sweden, Sofia Hellqvist wore a similar lace bodice to Grace but with a rounded neckline.
Marie-Chantal Miller
Marie-Chantal Miller
For her wedding to Prince Pavlos of Greece, Marie-Chantal’s dress shared Grace’s quintessential high lace neckline and round skirt.
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