Monday, September 5, 2011

Grace Kelly's dress


Hi all,
Martin here - first time blogger long time reader.

I am Carolyn's husband ( I prefer that to "partner" or "SO" or indeed some of the other tags that we lucky guys get for being the other half of the equation).
Anyway, I have been asked by my dear wife to write something for this latest blog offering so here goes.


A friend and person we travel with on our daily ferry rides - Kimberly, an American but long term resident on our little Island in conversation over her earlier life as a model in Los Angeles - was kind enough to give us a showing of a dress (when I say we - I mean Carolyn and our daughter Victoria as I am not an aficionado of such things - although I was grateful for Kimberly's hospitality, once worn by Grace Kelly (yes that one), that she had been given in the 1980s. Any way Kimberly acquired the garment from a friend who had been the master of props and costumes, on indeed all of Kelly's films.

Kimberly herself was a model in L.A. at the time - and he had invited her to attend a star studded party and she had protested that she had "nothing to wear" he had replied by saying "wear this" and telling her she could keep it.
Years later Kimberley is considering selling the dress - which must now be over 50 years old. She has worn it a few times but it is now in need of expert conservation and care.
It is a heavy sequined affair and catches the light in an interesting way - that is the extent of my comments as my function here is to confer a patina of veracity and provenance on the dress.

We spent an hour or so at Kimberly's house drinking wine, eating some great cheese and olives and chatting and watching the delightful views over Onetangi Bay - before reluctantly having to leave and drop Victoria to the ferry for her return home.
I will let Carolyn take over as I am out of stream and way out of my comfort zone."
{thank you dear}

I am sorry my photos really do not do the dress justice, as the light from the intricate hand work of the beads and sequins sparkled and twinkled like little stars.
The dress designer was Helen Rose, who had designed many of the beautiful dresses and gowns, worn by Grace Kelly and many other Hollywood socialites.
I feel very lucky to have seen this dress, that once Princess Grace wore, who will forever remain one of the most beautiful and elegant woman in history.
Thanks again Kimberly for giving us the opportunity to see this fabulous dress.

The front and back, of the dress and it has a satin slip that goes underneath

Helen Rose, who clothed some of Hollywood's most beautiful women and indeed, designed Grace Kelly's wedding gown. She was born in 1904 and died in 1985.
Her 1976 autobiography is "Just make them beautiful."


Have a wonderful week
Hugs Carolyn

49 comments:

  1. Well, hello, Martin, nice to meet you!!!

    I am speechless. Ohhhh, to have been able to see and touch a dress that the very beautiful Grace Kelly wore, how exciting!!!!

    Thank you so much for sharing with us . . . Carolyn, did you tell your hubby that would like the dress for Christmas?! :)

    xxoo
    Marsha

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  2. Thanks for visiting Marsha.
    It was really exciting seeing the beautiful dress and I had to pinch myself, that I was not dreaming.
    Yes, now wouldn't that be a lovely Christmas present - all I would have to do then would need to drop a few dress sizes!

    Hugs
    Carolyn

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  3. Dear Carolyn
    I am also speechless! Super! That was truly a unique experience!
    Thank you for the pictures!
    I wish you a good start in the new week!
    Hugs Yvonne

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  4. Nice to meet you Martin, and read your entertaining slant on a dress such as this with an interesting story to tell. The dress looks like it would be very elegant and even more so when worn by Grace Kelly. How exciting for you all!! Maybe you could borrow it some time Carolyn, before it's sold!! Happy week! Robyn.

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  5. Welcome Martin !
    Grace KELLY was a very elegant woman...
    Enjoy your week !

    Pierre
    http://pierre-boyer.blogspot.com/

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  6. What a wonderful post, well done Martin. The dress is so beautiful, what a happiness to wear.
    Thanks for a nice story.
    Hugs
    AnnaMaria

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  7. Well done, -my husbond would never even CONSIDER blogging anything :)
    The dress is fantastic- and the story belonging to it, so lovely.
    Hugs to you Carolyn.
    Dorthe

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  8. Hi Martin and Carolyn,

    I loved this post, Grace Kelly is such a style icon. Oh so feminine and stylish.
    Off to read this post one more time.

    Have a wonderful new week! xx

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  9. Wowwwwwwwwwwwww that dresssss!!!....oh sorry hello Martin nice doing thie for your wife......that dresssss....o my ....it is fab !!!...love this post...love for a happy week together you two....xxx...

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  10. Fantastic! I shall be off to find that book forthwith! Speaking of Roses I am fascinated with Rose Bertin, Marie Antoinnette's dressmaker. Maybe she would interest you too? Bravo to your husband too.

    Have a great week!

    Stephanie

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  11. Carolyn, just found your blog through Jeri Landers! Love your bears. I have been to New Zealand once....breathtakingly beautiful countryside! So....to be able to try on that vintage Grace Kelly dress would be divine, I think!

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  12. I would wear this dress in a heartbeat!

    Nice to meet you Martin!! We just love Carolyn to bits....!

    I wish you both a wonderful week!

    LuLu~*xoxo

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  13. WOW.

    Carolyn, this was amazing. TO have your husband write with you was stunning. I am so impressed that he would link up with you in this way, OUT OF HIS "comfort zone." JOB WELL DONE, MR. CAROLYN!!!

    THAT DRESS! I know how photos do not do justice, but I can only imagine that it is as beautiful as Grace Kelley and what a treat to see this in person!

    A MOST FABULOUS POST...CHEERS TO THE BOTH OF YOU!

    Anita

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  14. Good job, Martin!
    And what fun to see the dress, Carolyn. Grace Kelly had such presence, didn't she? I bet the dress is gorgeous.

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  15. Hello Martin! What a wonderful post...and great pics! How incredible that you were able to see the dress and give us the history! I've enjoyed learning more about it! Thanks! ♥ Is Carolyn there? Give her a hug! heehee! ♥

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  16. Hi! Nice to meet you! :)
    This dress is just fab, and Grace Kelly is my fav fashion icon, so how couldn't I envy a bit you!^^
    xx
    S
    http://s-fashion-avenue.blogspot.com

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  17. Hello Martin, so nice to 'meet' you.
    What a wonderful post and wow......the dress, it is beautiful.
    Thanks for sharing this with us and I agree, Grace Kelly was a beautiful Lady.
    Warm wishes from Holland.
    Hugs, Mea

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  18. Carolyn...

    Cara!!!

    Che meraviglioso post!!!

    Ohhhhhhh...davvero avete avuto questa opportunità!

    Davvero una grande emozione.

    Peraltro bellissimo questo abito!

    Baci. ;o) NI

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  19. Fabulous post!
    Love Grace Kelly and her gorgeous dress!

    xoxox,
    CC

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  20. Hello Martin! So nice to meet you. And what a wonderful post you wrote here. I absolutely adore Grace Kelly and it was so wonderful to learn about Kimberly. Thanks so much much for sharing :)

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  21. How fascinating! Martin, you did a fabulous post giving your input on a subject which I am sure is not close to your heart! You do your ladies proud!

    A stunning dress. I assume she wore the dress before she was princess Grace? She was definitely a class act and her wedding dress is one of my all time favorite celebrity wedding dresses. Neat post!

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  22. Hi Martin, nice to meet you here!

    Grace Kelly was such a wonderful woman!
    Great post!

    Dear Carolyn, your hubby did a great job with this post! :O)

    Have a lovely day,
    sending love and hugs,
    Claudia

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  23. Hi Martin,
    WOW, this is so exciting!! Thank you so much for sharing all this with us.
    :-) Cindy

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  24. wow! what a treasure!
    so pretty
    and
    ... chic!
    take care,
    Rosa

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  25. Hi Martin, So nice to meet you and so enjoyed your posting here today.
    You are a great writer.

    Hi Carolyn, How fun this post is with such great info and wonderful pics of beauty that you got to see in person. How amazing and exciting!~ Truly a dream not many get to live.

    Always love to see Grace Kelly's gorgeous pic. I bet it really means so much more to you now.

    Lovely post my friend, and just wonderful to have your hubby post too.
    Have a great week and thank you for stopping by for tea today.

    XO Celestina Marie

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  26. Oh, my heart did sing when I saw Grace Kelly's wedding dress because my girl is getting married next Fall. That was nice of your husband to share the story.
    ~Sheri at Red Rose Alley

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  27. Martin, you sound like a great guy. My husband keeps asking me what my blog address is.

    That is one beautiful dress! How lovely that you were able to meet Kimberly and spend time together.

    Have a great rest of the week. Tammy

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  28. My sweet Carolyn,

    I had a super day at school. I am so touched that you and many others have given me such well-wishes. What would I do with out your loving friendship....KIND REGARDS TO YOU MY SWEET! Anita

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  29. Nice to meet you Martin...what a lovely dress and a lovely post! Sending you both happy wishes for a great new week. xo

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  30. Dear Mr. D Bears - what a wonderful first guest post! More please, you have a fabulous way with words, I'm especially impressed with 'patina of veracity'.
    Millie x

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  31. Nice to meet you Martin. What a lovely dress!

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  32. Pardon my tardiness first things on my mind too, the dress of Grace Kelly is magical as it was she a real princess in a fairy tale courted endless fairy kisses gull in flight.

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  33. Nice to meet you Carolyn`s husband:)
    Oh, how super!! The dress is really beautiful!! Grace Kelly was really elegant woman and old movies are so nice to watch:)
    Thank you this beautiful post!
    Many greetings to both of you from Finland♥

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  34. Dear Carolyn,
    this post is so beautiful. I love Grace Kelly and her weddingdress was so beautiful !
    Hugs,
    Yvonne

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  35. Hi Martin - such a lovely and elegant post, quite unique, considered you are not a woman! Well done - and hugs to Carolyne!

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  36. Hi Martin! Great of you to help out your lovely wife!

    What an incredible dress! Oh how wonderful to see something so beautiful in person.
    xx, shell

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  37. I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to your blog and reading that interesting post. Grace Kelly was always one of my favorite people. Keep up the good work.

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  38. I love this post Caryoln and Martin. Wonderful collaboration you two :-) The dress is absolutely beautiful. And to think it was was worn by Grace Kelly. A warm "thank you" goes out to your friend Kimberly for allowing you to share it with us. Wishing you all a wonderful day.

    Hugs and Kisses,
    ♥Ana

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  39. grace kelly was such an amazing a beautiful lady... she had great style!

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  40. Well Hello Martin....great to meet you!!!!

    I have to say that I love her dress and have loved it for years...so beautiful and so classy....

    This was such a great post!!!!

    Have a wonderful day!!!

    Hugs
    Diana

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  41. You have been lucky to see such a nice dress and worn by Grace.I did a post about her on my blog, she was so beautiful and elegant!

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  42. Oh my goodness - that dress is just utterly stunning! Just right there between your hands, how crazy is that! Love the images and no wonder Grace Kelly became such an icon. What incredible beauty and well... grace. Thank you for sharing the images.
    (this is Joan from God's Little People just popping over from my creative blog!).
    Wishing you a lovely weekend.

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  43. thank you for your sweet comment dear!!!
    don't miss my giveaway for the 1st year of my blog this afternoon!

    love
    zizi
    www.zizibloom.blogspot.com

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  44. How lucky to see that fabulous dress in reality!
    Hello Carolyn , thank you for taking the time to leave me such nice comments, I do appreciate it a lot!
    Have a wonderful weekend!
    x

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  45. Oh boy if that dress could talk!!! I love that you were able to get your husband to add his two cents worth, he sounds like a real cutie. Thanks for sharing I loved this story, also thanks for dropping by my blog and leaving such sweet comments.

    Debbie

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  46. Dearest Carolyn,

    Oh, how elegant and timeless Grace always has been... So sad that her life ended so tragic!
    Sending you love from the Eifel mountains in Germany,

    Mariette

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  47. Dearest Carolyn,

    What an interesting story and that told by your husband! Compliments for wording it that well. Oh, I did and still do admire Grace Kelly. She had such natural grace and elegance. This dress is a gem that really needs to be preserved very well.
    Love to you,

    Mariette

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  48. Hello Martin, you should blog more often. That dress would be gorgeous in real I am sure. How wonderful that you, Carolyn, and Victoria had an opportunity to see it. I bet the fabric and embellishments were awesome.

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Thank you so much for visiting Draffin Bears.
It always makes me happy to read your comments
and I look forward to visiting you.


Carolyn xx