Grace Kelly's Wedding Dress and Accessories

Currently not on view

Grace Kelly's Wedding Dress and Accessories

1956

Designed by Helen Rose (American, 1904–1985) Made by the wardrobe department of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Culver City, California (founded 1924) Worn by Grace Kelly at her marriage to Prince Rainier of Monaco (American (Philadelphia), 1929–1982)

From the crownlike wreath topping the headpiece to the bows down the back of the graceful train, Grace Kelly's wedding ensemble is simple but exquisitely detailed. Delicate rose point lace, a type of nineteenth-century Brussels needle lace that features elaborate floral motifs, forms the bodice, which appears seamless because the lace motifs were detached from their original ground and pieced together to follow the shaping of the dress. Touches of the lace, accented with lustrous seed pearls, unify the gown and accessories. The dress itself is constructed in four complex parts: the lace bodice with an attached underbodice, skirt support, and slip; a heavily pleated silk faille skirt that incorporates a smoothing petticoat, ruffled petticoat, and foundation petticoat; a triangular tulle and lace train insert; and a pleated silk faille cummerbund.

Currently not on view

Object Details

Titles:

Grace Kelly's Wedding Dress and Accessories

Date:

1956

Artists:

Designed by Helen Rose (American, 1904–1985) Made by the wardrobe department of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Culver City, California (founded 1924) Worn by Grace Kelly at her marriage to Prince Rainier of Monaco (American (Philadelphia), 1929–1982)

Medium:

Silk needle lace (rose point), silk faille, silk tulle, and seed pearls

Classification:

Costume (including accessories)

Credit Line:

Gift of Her Serene Highness, the Princesse Grace de Monaco, 1956

Accession Number:

1956-51-1a--d--4b

Geography:

Made in United States, North and Central America

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Currently not on view