For Grace Kelly, one trip to Cannes in 1955 changed everything. The actress-turned-princess not only changed the film industry and the face of fashion–she left an unparalleled legacy. Princess Grace of Monaco’s foundation still has an active and lasting impact for emerging artists across the globe, and her classic style continues to influence everything from covetable accessories to resortwear.
Decades later, stylists still nod to her impeccable, lasting taste. The Princess’s foundation also launched a luxury line led by industry leaders to amplify her timeless style–and mission. So, we tapped Claudia Poccia, CEO of Grace de Monaco, on the modern-day influences that exemplify Grace Kelly, trips to Monaco, and what the late princess would have packed to see the world today. Think: versatile silk scarves, cat-eye sunglasses, and the lessons of her lifetime:
- Travel
- Take care of your skin
- Keep a brush & powder readily available for touch-ups
- Learn how to do your own hair
- Give back
- Break glass ceilings
- Embrace florals
- Pack versatile accessories
- Support emerging artists across the world
- Leave a legacy
Tell us about that trip that changed everything….the journey to Cannes.
“It was a beautiful chance encounter. If Grace Kelly were not invited to the 1955 Cannes Film Festival, she would not have met Prince Rainier.
The two were introduced by actress Olivia de Havilland and her husband, a Paris-Match journalist. They arranged the first meeting with Prince Rainier which took place at the Palace where they strolled the garden. After that meeting, they continued to correspond.
A fun fact about Princess Grace’s visit to the Palace: the electricity was out at her hotel in Cannes so she couldn’t use a hair dryer – so she pulled back her hair and put in flowers – achieving a departure from her usual style.
Initially they kept their romance a secret until Prince Rainier proposed seven months later (December 1955). The historic wedding took place in Monaco on April 18, 1956.”
What do you think Grace Kelly would have packed for an #AbovePar trip?
“From her glamorous Hollywood entrances to her serene moments on the Côte d’Azur, images of Princess Grace in fabulous accessories like scarves and sunglasses stand out.
For an #AbovePar trip, I would envision Princess Grace packing a range of classic pieces like silk scarves which she could accessorize in a variety of ways – from day to night – and effortlessly pair them with sunglasses to finish her look.
Princess Grace also took a hands-on beauty approach – learning early on how to take care of her skin, apply her makeup and even do her hair (both during her Hollywood days and after becoming Princess of Monaco). She always kept a brush and powder in her bag for touch-ups. And she maintained a rigorous skincare regime during her travels – those pieces would surely be in her travel bag.”
Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Sheer Powder
From $60
The Promenade Silk Scarf
From $425
The Georgie Sunglasses
From $395
La Bonne Brosse Miracle Detangling Brush
From $158
Tell us something we might not know about Grace Kelly and her foundation.
“While Grace Kelly is widely recognized for her all-American iconic style and having a successful film career in Hollywood – today’s generation may not know she earned an Academy Award in 1954 for Best Actress in Country Girl. Her character in this film was Georgie and inspired the name of a new Grace de Monaco sunglass frame we recently launched – which has become my go-to style all summer.
Princess Grace also broke down many industry barriers such as becoming the first woman invited to join the Board of Directors of 20th Century Fox Film Corporation in 1976.
Even once Grace Kelly became a Royal and a busy Mom of three, Princess Grace remained adjacent to the arts and supported fellow creatives with financial and moral support…and encouragement. Her desire to make a difference continued to evolve with impactful changes – such as reviving the Monte Carlo Ballet and leading the Beaux Arts Theatre (which opened right before her death and was later renamed The Princess Grace Theater).
Supporting the arts was a passion of hers. Upon Princess Grace’s passing, her husband Prince Rainier III, along with her close friends and family, established the Foundation to honor her legacy. Prince Rainier was deeply invested in the success of the Foundation in honor of his wife, much like Prince Albert now is today.
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Princess Grace Awards which provides grants to artists in Theater, Dance and Film.”
Tell us about Grace de Monaco. How do they bring modern global influences into everyday pieces?
“The inspiration behind Grace de Monaco is to create exquisite collections, with the highest level of craftsmanship that are evocative of Princess Grace’s timeless, elegant yet effortless style – very much inspired by her taste and what she would have created or chosen today. Princess Grace’s love of flowers and her dried flower art, drove the decision to enter the business through the categories of Fragrance, Home Décor and Accessories. Each of these lifestyle categories provide an authentic connection to Princess Grace.
It’s also important to share that the spirit of doing good is at the heart of Grace de Monaco. We’re proud to have established this new business model in 2021 of which we refer to as the first-of-its-kind luxury-for-good maison – 100% of our profits go directly to the Princess Grace Foundation to support emerging artists in Theatre, Dance and Film. This mission sets us apart from any other global luxury brand.”
What’s your favorite Grace de Monaco piece? How would you style it?
“I love our classic silk wool blend scarves. My favorite is from The Monogram collection – it’s handmade in Italy, just the right weight – transitions beautifully into different seasons and it’s over-sized so I can style it a variety of ways. I also love to wear something monochromatic – and then add a twilly for a perfect pop of color – whether on my wrist or as a necklace or tied to my handbag, it finishes the look.
I’m also really excited for our upcoming August launch of Promenade Sous Les Étoiles. It’s steeped in the intense warmth and depth of oud oils with bright notes of bergamot, jasmine and dewy magnolia and finished with this full-body autumn essence of vanilla sandalwood and musk. It will be my new go-to signature fragrance for fall.”
The Monogram Mediterranean Blue Scarf
From $425
Have you been to Monaco? Any #AbovePar experiences we should bookmark for our next trip?
“I’m delighted to say I have visited Monaco several times and absolutely love everything about it – from the culture, to the people, the climate, the food – and everything in between. My goodness – it’s the Côte d’Azur – what’s not to love. Some of my favorite things to do: enjoy a coffee on the outdoor patio of Café de Paris and people watch over-looking the Square or have a fabulous lunch at the Yacht Club de Monaco. Most recently, I attended the much-anticipated Disco Bal de la Rose Monaco, where Creative Director, Christian Louboutin, brought us back to the days of disco for an evening of philanthropy supporting the Princess Grace Foundation.”