AGNF + LPH Collaboration: Iconic Women – Grace Kelly

“I’m basically a feminist. I think that women can do anything they decide to do.” – Grace Kelly

Grace Patricia Kelly was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on November 12, 1929. Her father was a three-time Olympic gold Medalist and owned a successful brickwork contracting company. Grace’s mother was the daughter of German Immigrants and a Philadelphia native. Prior to having children, her mother taught physical education at the University of Philadelphia.

Kelly had two older siblings, Margaret and John Jr., and a younger sister, Elizabeth. Grace began modeling and acting at a young age and had already starred in many local play productions prior to graduating high school.

After Grace was denied entry to Bennington College, as a result of her poor mathematics scores, she decided to pursue her dream of acting. To begin her career, she applied to the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York. Once admitted, she worked as a model to support her studies. Throughout this time, she starred on Broadway and approximately sixty live television programs, which eventually led to a roles in a major motion pictures.

In April 1955 Grace attended the Cannes Film Festival . While there, she was invited to participate in a photo shoot at the Palace of Monaco with Prince Rainier lll. Grace eventually became Princess of Monaco after marrying Prince Rainier lll, in April 1956.

As Princess, she was unable to continue her acting career. Instead of acting, she performed her daily tasks and became involved in philanthropic work. Grace founded AMADE, a non-profit organization that promotes and protects the “moral and physical integrity” and “spiritual well-being of children throughout the world, without distinction of race, nationality or religion and in a spirit of complete political independence. As a mother of three, this cause was very dear to her.

Grace Kelly passed away on September 14, 1982 as a result of her injuries sustained in a car accident. Today Kelly is not only remembered for her philanthropic and charitable contributions, she is remembered as a style icon as well. Her effortlessly chic style and natural beauty has been an inspiration for many modern fashion designers.

The iconic photograph we recreated of Grace Kelly was photographed by Howell Conant in 1955 while Grace was working on The Swan, and the color version was featured on cover of Vanity Fair in May 2010 paying tribute to Grace’s timeless style.

Thank you to Lizzie Harrell for partnering on this project.