Van Cleef & Arpels supports Grace Kelly exhibition in London
LONDON, January 24, 2010 – Van Cleef & Arpels is supporting the Victoria and Albert Museum in sponsoring an exploration of the style of the glamorous Hollywood actress Grace Kelly, who became Princess Grace of Monaco.
Grace Kelly
The V&A will display dresses from her films, the outfit she wore to her first meeting with Prince Rainier in 1955, her haute couture gowns of the 1960s and 1970s — and her jewels.
Grace Kelly, who was an admirer of Van Cleef & Arpels, became a great muse of the Maison when, a few days after their engagement, HSH Prince Rainier of Monaco went to the Van Cleef & Arpels boutique in New York to choose a “souvenir” for his fiancée.
The Prince was looking for the perfect gem and Louis Arpels convinced him that elegant, shimmering pearls would most suit Miss Kelly’s delicate beauty.
As HSH Prince Albert of Monaco has said: “Relations between the principality of Monaco and Van Cleef & Arpels have always been privileged, particularly with my parents.
“They began with the engagement jewels, the splendid pearl and diamond necklace and earrings made in New York, that my mother so cherished.
“This jewellery was witness to the most private moments in Princess Grace’s life.”
Grace Kelly : Style Icon
17 April – 26 September 2010
London – Victoria and Albert Museum
