From Hitchcock Heroine To Her Royal Highness – Grace Kelly

If you were to pinpoint one element all of Hitchcock’s leading ladies’ possessed, it’s their ice-cool untouchable demeanour and one of his most iconic leading ladies Grace Kelly had it in spades.

Born Grace Patricia Kelly on November 12^th 1929 in Philadelphia, to an Irish father and German mother, Kelly’s early life was a charmed one. Her father was a local hero having won several Olympic medals and the family were wealthy but weren’t prominent figures in Philadelphia society – most likely because they were Irish Catholics – and when Grace expressed her wish to pursue a career in acting, her father tried to stop her, viewing the profession as “a slim cut above streetwalker”. But, she persevered and when Hitchcock expressed an interest in working with the young actress Grace seized upon the opportunity to work with the acclaimed director.

In the iconic dress from Rear Window

Having worked as a model and bit part actress, Grace’s big break came when she was discovered by Hitchcock and cast in Dial M For Murder in 1953. Playing a cool, sophisticated socialite, Kelly who spoke in a somewhat regal, slightly clipped British accent (thanks to the elocution lesion she had paid for herself) walked with poise (thanks to her ballet lessons) and always looked flawlessly beautiful was more than ready to take on the role. Although the accent was fake, Grace’s self-possession was genuine, something that undoubtedly drew Hitchcock to her.  

Hitchcock had cast Kelly in Rear Window before filming of Dial M For Murder had even finished and the film is by far Kelly’s standout performance of her career. 

Prim and proper yet ultra chic

In 1954 when Rear Window premiered, Kelly was relatively unknown but the film undoubtedly cemented her place in history as fashion icon. And unlike many of Hitchcock’s other heroines, Kelly's style off-camera mirrored the clothes of the characters she played. From her full skirt in Rear Window to the couture-inspired gowns in To Catch A Thief, Grace’s style was austere and slightly prim but it was always alluring and feminine.

‘Timeless’ is a word that always crops up when talking about Grace Kelly. From her perfectly coiffed blonde hair to her demure but always elegant skirt suits, Grace’s signature style both on and off camera has endured throughout the years and designers are still referencing her look in their latest collection. Designers Tommy Hilfiger and Zac Posen have spoken about Grace’s timeless style and her influence on their collections and even the king of Avant Garde Alexander McQueen presented a Hitchcock collection for autumn winter 2005, which was at times pure Grace.

Alexander McQueen AW05

But, Grace’s biggest role to come was in 1956 when she met and married Prince Rainier III of Monaco. Their marriage meant an end to her acting career Hitchcock reportedly quipped he was "very happy that Grace has found herself such a good part."

From playing a Park Avenue Princess on screen to becoming a princess in real life, Grace Kelly’s life might have been at times, pure fiction but her style icon status is unshakeable. 

Intrigued and want to know more? Check out Hitchcock which hits Irish cinema’s on February 8th