Exhibits. A Continued State of Grace (Kelly). Second City Style Fashion Blog

It’s official…I’m obsessed. Today I went to Saks to view the Celebration of Grace, window display of unique Princess Grace/Grace Kelly-inspired outfits that are up for auction to benefit the Princess Grace Foundation-USA. The couture creations by Oscar de la Renta, Carolina Herrera, Ralph Lauren, Zac Posen, Ralph Rucci and Vera Wang will be on display throughout the week at Saks Fifth Avenue at 611 Fifth Avenue @ 49th Street, NYC until they are sold October 26.

The Princess Grace Foundation-USA assists emerging talent in theater, dance, and film by awarding scholarships, apprenticeships and fellowships. Each dress up for bid is open to the public in a silent auction with the final biding at the Casino Couture event at Sotheby’s on October 24.

Taking their inspiration from dresses based on designs by Academy Award-winning costume designers Helen Rose (MGM) and Edith Head (Paramount) and French couturiers Madame Gres and Christian Dior, the six renowned American designers added their own updated twists to create unique gowns celebrating the legacy of America’s first princess.

All dresses were made in a US size 8 with seam allowances to increase to a US 10.

Oscar de la Renta inspired by the Helen Rose-designed 1956 High Society Ball gown
The original gown worn by Grace Kelly in the movie will also be auctioned during the 25th Annual Princess Grace Awards Gala on October 25 at Sotheby’s.

Carolina Herrera inspired by a black and white ensemble from 1954’s Rear Window
The original was designed by Edith Head and was belted and accessorized with a sheer white wrap and elegant long white gloves. Herrera’s version features a low v-neck and short-sleeved bodice paired with a full and layered white skirt with an embroidered pattern branching out from the waist line.

Ralph Lauren inspired by the iconic blue dress form 1954’s To Catch a Thief
The original was designed by Edith Head. The movie was filmed in and around the Principality of Monaco and the South of France. The dress is a flowing ice-blue chiffon gown with a sheer wrap draped from the right shoulder.

Zac Posen adaptation of the dress Grace Kelly wore the night of March 30, 1955 when she won her Oscar for Best Actress for The Country Girl. Edith Head designed the original aquamarine satin sheathe dress with matching cloak.

Vera Wang added her own special touch to an original Christian Dior design that Princess Grace wore to the Royal Festival Hall in London on November 16, 1970 where she introduced Frank Sinatra and Bob Hope at the Night of Nights Gala.

Ralph Rucci adaptation of the Madame Gres design commissioned in 1976
The princess first wore the gown to the International Monte-Carlo Television Festival Awards gala and wore it again in 1977 for an official portrait painting by Ricardo Macaron. The painting currently hangs in the Palace in Monaco.

My favorite was the Oscar de la Renta. I am sorry my amateur photos and glare do not do them justice so I encourage you to see them yourself.

Saks Fifth Avenue at 611 Fifth Avenue @ 49th Street, NYC

Should you want to bid on any of the gowns use this link for an Absentee Bid Form

For more information visit aCelebrationofGrace.com

– Lauren Dimet Waters