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
