Grace Kelly in Dior at the premiere of Rear Window in 1954. Photo: Earl Leaf/Michael Ochs Archives.
The Principality of Monaco, renowned for its glamour and sophistication, has long been intertwined with the world of haute couture. Among the illustrious fashion houses, Christian Dior holds a distinguished place, largely due to its enduring association with Princess Grace of Monaco. This relationship not only influenced the Princess’s iconic style but also left an indelible mark on Monaco’s cultural and fashion legacy.
A Royal Introduction to Dior
Grace Kelly’s transformation from Hollywood starlet to Princess of Monaco was marked by elegance and poise. Her affinity for Christian Dior’s creations became evident early on. Notably, for a charity ball held at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York following her engagement announcement in January 1956, Grace donned a strapless gown adorned with floral details, specially crafted by Christian Dior himself . This event marked the beginning of a lifelong association with the fashion house.
A Wardrobe Fit for a Princess
Throughout her reign, Princess Grace’s wardrobe was a testament to her refined taste and Dior’s timeless designs. Under the direction of Marc Bohan, Dior’s artistic director from 1961 to 1989, the Princess’s collection featured bespoke wool suits, airy pastel dresses, and classic accessories, often complemented by her signature hats . Bohan once remarked, “She was emblematic of my style, a style that was noticeable but never aggressive” .
The depth of this relationship was showcased in the 2019 exhibition “Grace of Monaco: Princess in Dior” at the Musée Christian Dior in Granville. The exhibit featured 90 of the Princess’s outfits, highlighting the synergy between her personal style and Dior’s design ethos .
A Legacy Continued by the Grimaldi Family
The bond between Dior and Monaco’s royal family did not end with Princess Grace. Her daughters, Princess Caroline and Princess Stéphanie, also embraced the fashion house. In 1978, Marc Bohan designed the haute couture gown Princess Caroline wore for her wedding to Philippe Junot . Princess Stéphanie furthered this connection by undertaking a fashion internship at Dior in 1983, collaborating closely with Bohan .
In recent times, Beatrice Borromeo, wife of Grace Kelly’s grandson Pierre Casiraghi, has paid homage to this legacy. At the 2025 Monaco Rose Ball, she wore a red cape dress from Dior’s spring 2020 couture collection, reminiscent of the gown Princess Grace wore to the 1976 Red Cross Ball .
The alliance between Christian Dior and Monaco’s royal family, initiated by Princess Grace, has transcended generations, symbolizing a fusion of regal elegance and haute couture. This enduring relationship continues to influence fashion narratives within the principality and beyond, celebrating a legacy of style, grace, and timeless sophistication.