A Graceful Deja vu
A big dose of Grace would be just the right cure after an overwhelming Fresher`s week entailing
sleepless nights, a disturbingly big amount of homesickness and fighting off a weird tummy bug.
Fortunately I had already visited the Exhibition in Paris, so I was looking forward to comparing the
venues and layout.
After having marveled at the magnificent V&A- building I was expecting a similar setting to that of
the show in the Hotel de Vile. Back then, waiting in the long queue outside the building felt tres
chic, because you could take a sneaky peek at the elegant Parisian visitors and feel the beautiful
presence of the grand surroundings. Inside the space had a distinct air of magic with a generously
spaced layout knitted together by cascading staircases. Arriving in the V&A sanctum however was
somewhat of an anticlimax: it was a small, dimly lit, even stuffy room.
I was still trying to keep an open mind and perused the dress collection. One of my favorites was
the crisp white cotton bathrobe from the film High Society which you could easily slip on today.
While film clips where projected onto the wall and the Icon`s soothing voice was trickling along in
the background , I was trying to find the Princess of Monaco section. And then I discovered a small
showcase with a few items of her oh so practical but fantastic trousseau she used for her many plane
travels. A sleeveless linen dress, a travel coat and suit as well as a packable evening dress were
amongst the seven outfits. Grace`s dress ethic seemed to be very much of 2010: she mixed and
matched. A white wide brimmed hat topped off a dress made from a home sewing pattern. Just like
her everlasting love of the Kelly Bag that accompanied her through life...She was said to be loyal to
old clothes the same way she was loyal to old friends. Beautiful!
But after being fortunate enough to see many memorabilia in the Paris exhibit like letters by
Hitchcock or more of her daytime wardrobe... I was disappointed by the small number of things on
show. Her small but quirky jewelry collection however brought some shimmer back to the
exhibition. Grace used jewelry to lighten up a simple outfit by using a diamond encrusted monkey
broach for example. Moving on in the tiny show space the sunglasses collection was topped by her
wardrobe staple the tres modern horn rimmed Ray Bans she merely used because she was short
sighted.
After these highlights there wasn't really anything else breathtaking to discover. But on my way out
I didn't leave deflated because I realized it will never matter where or how many pieces you get to
take a glimpse at, just the Essence of Grace Kelly will soothe you and brighten your day especially
after the roller coaster Fresher`s week!