Graceful Glamour

Since the 17^th of April until the 26^th September the Victoria and Albert Museum are celebrating Grace Kelly and the style icon that she was.

The exhibition tells her story through her spectacular wardrobe. It features dresses from three different eras of her life, from Hollywood actress to wife, from princess to motherhood. It is a fairytale story of how a Hollywood actress transformed into a real life Princess.

This ‘sell out’ exhibition symbolizes everything she was; beautiful, elegant, classic and serene. It celebrates all the things missing in society today. As you look around, the eclectic mix and range of ages of its audience become obvious. From observing it would seem that this exhibition appeals to all. But if the glamorous style of Grace Kelly appeals to all then why is no one bothered about maintaining a level of old school glamour today?

Silk taffeta, glazed cotton and silk chiffon dress stand on mannequins pretty and serene behind the glistening glass. Each dress, each outfit is flattering to the female form not hiding but accentuating womanly curves. Shades of cream, yellow, orange and burnt pink make up the fabulous floor length evening gown section, while cabinets filled with every accessory a girl could need, from hats to gloves, bags to brooches captured your eye. ‘Something for everything’ was the thoughts that went through my mind.

How have we lost the glamour, elegance and grace that Grace Kelly had? When you look around the streets if it isn’t grunge that you see, it’s geek or boho chic. Whether it is military, denim, body amour, sportswear or fantasy nothing looks quite as glamour happy as the 1950s. Unpolished nails and hair akimbo tread our streets in military boots and pumps with bags that we could carry our kitchen sink in and sunglasses that hide our face are in favour. I cannot really talk myself as I am preferable to these things but I do miss perfectly polished nails in pastel pinks, soft bouncy silky looking hair and dresses that are feminine and pretty. With new style icons such as Alexia Chung, Agness Deyn, Dasiy Lowe what does one expect. I just hope that we can look back and celebrate our wardrobes in the same way.