A Grace Kelly inspired wedding gown

In April of 1956, Actress Grace Kelly wore a high neck, long sleeved lace gown featuring a full skirt and a cummerbund on the waist, for her wedding to Prince Rainier III of Monaco. Seventy years later, modern brides such as Catherine the Princess of Wales, continue to be inspired by the iconic look, created by American costume designer Helen Rose. Kelly had a contract with the film studio MGM and had a close working relationship with Helen Rose. The dress was gifted to her by the studio and reportedly took a team of thirty seamstresses, six weeks to make.

In 2024, bride Rebekah invited me to design a a wedding dress inspired by Grace Kelly. Following our first meeting, I chose a french leavers lace, featuring daisies and wild roses. The graphic lace with a scalloped edge and striking details, allowed me to create a similar style to the timeless Kelly dress, but with a modern feel.

We also created a custom corset from silk crepe, which contrasted beautifully with the transparency of the gown. The corset with a heart shaped bust line, appeared to almost float on the mermaid style sheer skirt. I used a technique called decoupage to apply hand-cut lace motifs to the hip area, to create more coverage.

The bespoke gown also has a striking "cut out" in the back, that contrasts with the high neck and collar. Again, I used découpage, hand sewing lace flower motifs to the open back, to create a dramatic detail. Rebekah was specific about the sleeves being long and very fitted, covering the wrists and hands, as made fashionable by Hailey Bieber.

We decided on a cathedral length, sheer tulle veil to complete the design. As the dress was entirely in lace, Rebekah chose a plain veil to simplify the final look. We covered the buttons in lace, to match the dress and sewed rows of buttons to the sleeves and the neck and back of the gown.

Rebekah's hair was slicked back off her face which emphasised the striking lace collar.

Simple earrings and minimalist pointed stiletto finished of the timeless bridal look.