Beauty icon : Grace Kelly
Grace Kelly is one of the most famous beauty icons of all time. With subtle charm, classic beauty and a legendary presence, the actress was a true Hollywood star. Her cool appearance and distinguished style has left its mark on cinema forever.
There was little in her childhood that pointed towards future stardom. Grace Kelly was born on 12 November 1929 in Philadelphia, into a very traditional family. Her father, John B. Kelly Sr, who was of Irish Catholic origin, was a wealthy entrepreneur and a great sportsman (he won three gold medals in rowing at the 1920 and 1924 Olympic Games). Her mother, Margaret Majer, was of German descent. Perhaps her Euro-centric future was written in the stars after all...
A passion for acting
The young Grace Kelly was educated at a prestigious Catholic girls' school, where she discovered her passion for the stage. She declared her interest in cinema soon after, much to the dismay of her parents. Grace Kelly then starred in adverts for Coca-Cola and Colgate to pay for her for acting lessons, an inspiration for women everywhere. If you really believe in something, you can make it happen!
After starring in a few lesser-known films, she finally landed the role that would kick-start her career.
Grace Kelly took on the role of Georgie in the film "The Country Girl" in 1954, for which she won the Oscar for Best Actress the same year. She went on to star in three Hitchcock films, creating the concept of the "Hitchcock blonde", a cold yet sensual woman.
A fairytale princess
Grace Kelly met Prince Rainier of Monaco at the Cannes Film Festival of 1955. It was love at first sight, and the two married in April 1956. She was then at the height of her fame, women wanted to be her and men wished they had married her the world over.
Grace Kelly was the classic Hollywood blonde: the personification of fire beneath the ice. The beautiful actress cultivated an impeccable style for which she is still adored for today, a quarter of a century after her death. Grace Kelly always appeared flawless, from her perfectly coiffed hair, right down to her elegant shoes. She was the jewel in the crown of the golden age of Hollywood.
The legacy of the iconic Grace Kelly is an image of everlasting beauty.
