Our list of style icon's continue with the real-life princess Grace Kelly. Although she died of a car crash in 1982, fashion's love affair with her endures as her style is recreated across the globe.

 

Grace's style was renowned for its simplicity. Her classic and elegant approach to dressing has endured some sixty years after the height of her success. Immaculately cut slim trousers, loafers, crisp cotton shirts, tortoiseshell sunglasses and ladylike dresses are just a few of her staples that provided the basis for a wardrobe that always looked pulled together. 

 

Grace's style was sophisticated – but never showy. Even before becoming royalty Grace was neatly put together and never wore anything that could be considered bad taste.

Grace's signature look: tortoiseshell sunglasses, pearls, scarf and lipstick.

 

Grace was amazingly confident and demonstrated great poise. "She looked after herself...drank lots of water, didn't smoke. Grace knew how to hold herself well, she had great posture from ballet and her early modeling career... she was immaculate."

 

Grace met Prince Ranier III of Monaco at Cannes in 1955 and married him the next year in what was dubbed ‘the wedding of the century.’ She then left her acting career to pursue her stately duties as Princess of Monaco. Her dress was designed by Helen Rose and is said to have inspired the wedding dress Kate Middleton wore in 2011. 

 

"When I married Prince Rainier, I married the man and not what he represented or what he was. I fell in love with him without giving a thought to anything else."

 

Karl Lagerfeld said, ”It is impossible to look like Princess Grace; she was the most beautiful blonde of her days. And I am sure [if she were alive today], even at nearly 80, she would be stunning. That kind of perfection can age well.”

 

"I would like to be remembered as someone who accomplished useful deeds, and who was a kind and loving person. I would like to leave the memory of a human being with a correct attitude and who did her best to help others."

Proof that Grace Kelly remains one of fashion’s most significant style icons is the fact that Hermés named a bag after her. During her pregnancy she was frequently photographed shielding her bump from the paparazzi with one of their angular tote bags – the French house was so thrilled they re-named it in her honor.

"Women's natural role is to be a pillar of the family." 

We love Grace Kelly's timeless look, confidence and pure elegance. What style icon would you like to see next? Comment below or e-mail us at blog@hautehijab.com.