Grace Kelly exhibition to tour Australia

Grace Kelly’s style, influence and her fairytale transition from Hollywood actress to royalty made her one of the most iconic people of the twentieth century. The Victoria & Albert Museum’s Grace Kelly: Style Icon exhibition, recently secured by the Bendigo Art Gallery, will celebrate the woman that was, featuring costumes and gowns worn by the famous actress.

The exhibition recently closed in London and is currently touring internationally. It attracted crowds of more than 200,000 in the United Kingdom, and will open in Bendigo in March 2012.

Featuring more than 100 items, the exhibition will include costumes from films such as Hitchcock’s Rear Window, haute couture gowns from Dior, Balenciaga, Chanel, as well as Kelly’s finely-tailored suits and casual wear. The evolution of the style and development of the Hollywood princess will be outlined from her initial blossoming in the public eye, to her tragic death.

Karen Quinlan, Director of Bendigo Art Gallery said the Gallery was thrilled to be able to introduce Australian audiences to Kelly’s envious wardrobe and to showcase her influence on twentieth century fashion.

“We are also very pleased to include Grace Kelly: Style Icon in our program, consolidating 12 months of exhibitions focusing on significant international fashion and design, beginning with the White Wedding Dress world-premiere in August 2011,” added Ms Quinlan.

A range of events will be developed in association with the L’Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival (LMFF) to coincide with the exhibition. LMFF Chairman Laura Anderson said, “The L’Oréal Melbourne Fashion Festival is honoured to have supported Bendigo Art Gallery in bringing this exhibition to Victoria. This world-class exhibition will form an integral component of the 2012 fashion calendar, and we are sure it will be a source of learning and inspiration.”

The Victorian Government has support Bendigo Art Gallery’s acquisition of the exhibition with a grant of $160,000. Premier of Victoria Ted Baillieu congratulated all those who had worked hard to secure it.

“Securing this exhibition, which will showcase the style and panache of Grace Kelly to Australian audiences, is a great result and another example of Bendigo Art Gallery punching well above its weight,” Mr Baillieu said.

Grace Kelly: Style Icon will be the last major temporary exhibition before the Bendigo Art Gallery begins a $7.55 million redevelopment, expected to commence in mid-2012.

Style icon is curated and organised by the V&A Museum, London and the Grimaldi Forum, Monaco. The exhibition will run from 10 March 2012 – 17 June 2012.

Watch Grace Kelly in this Rear Window snippet below.