The Kelly effect was immediately evident in Monaco. Upon her arrival, she was greeted by 20,000 well-wishers – out of the 23,000 who lived in the principality. Ever stylish, Grace Kelly came with 80 pieces of luggage, full of chic ensemble after chic ensemble for her new role as a princess. The first major look she debuted was at the civil ceremony on 18 April, wearing a suit custom-made for her by long-time collaborator Helen Rose, a costume designer for MGM Studios. Featuring delicate floral embroidery in a cream and pink hue, it epitomised the elegant, refined style that would be her royal signature. Later that evening, the couple celebrated at the Monaco Opera, with Kelly slipping into a silk Lanvin gown, in a nod to her new French neighbours.
Grace Kelly’s wedding dress
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On 19 April, Hollywood stars and high society gathered en masse at Monaco’s Saint Nicholas Cathedral, including Aristotle Onassis, Conrad Hilton, Egypt’s former King Farouk, Randolph Churchill and Ava Gardner, while 30 million viewers watched Prince Rainier and Grace Kelly’s wedding live from home.
Grace Kelly walked down the aisle in what would become known as the quintessential princess bride dress. The iconic Helen Rose design featured a high-neck bodice made of antique Brussels lace, hand-sewn pearls, and a nine-foot silk taffeta train. The Hollywood starlet stitched romance into the very fabric of the gown with a pair of lovebirds woven into the decadent lace appliqué trim of her veil.
American actress Grace Kelly and Rainier III, Prince of Monaco on the day of their civil wedding ceremony at the Prince’s Palace of Monaco, 18th April 1956
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