I Try to Be Like Grace Kelly

It is not a secret that I live for decadent, glamorous fashion. No time period is more synonymous with this style than the 1950s. It was in 1947 that Christian Dior first introduced "The New Look." After years of scrimping and shortages due to World War II, fashion designers like Dior embraced the opportunity for excess in their pieces. The straight, pencil skirt of the 1940s was left behind for an explosion of fabric and volume. Dior's "New Look" silhouette featured a nipped-in waist and a large, ballroom skirt.

Grace Kelly is an icon of this 50s style. Kelly, who was close friends with Dior designer Marc Bohan, often flaunted "The New Look" and became the fashion envy of many. I, too, fell quickly in love with the Hollywood starlet's glamour and elegance. This fashion love affair began when I first saw the film Rear Window. The Hitchcock classic is considered a great film of its time, but the thriller also highlights Kelly's beauty and style. Famed Hollywood designer Edith Head was responsible for these gorgeous, indulgent creations. The black and white ballgown accessorized with a string of pearls and white gloves is one of Kelly's most famous looks. It inspired the purchase of my own "New Look" black dress (pictured above).

Kelly continued her fashion reign in the 1955 film To Catch a Thief. Her glamour was heightened further by the French Riviera backdrop and her equally as glamorous costar Cary Grant. The 1956 musical High Society showcases more of Kelly's iconic looks, this time designed by Helen Rose.

It was the same year of High Society's release that Kelly confirmed her status as real-life royalty by marrying the Prince of Monaco. The Hollywood royal was now an actual princess. Her glamour and elegance matched her new title. In 2014, when on contract with Holland America Line, I had the opportunity to spend the day in Monte Carlo and I knew exactly how I wished to spend the time. I would love to say my tour of the Prince's Palace of Monaco was purely educational, a wish to embrace the country's history. However, in the interest of honesty, I wanted nothing more than to see where my fashion icon reigned as a real-life princess.

There is, of course, a darker side to all of this glamour. Kelly met a tragic end at age 52 from a car accident on the hills of Monte Carlo. And I would be remiss not to mention the negative connotation with "The New Look." The 1950s were a step backward for many women. The idea of "the return to normal" after World War II pushed women from the workforce back into the household. "The New Look" style is often associated with this setback.

I, however, can't help but love this silhouette for its utter glamour and flattering shape. And I will forever adore the woman who made this look and so many others popular.