Last Updated on March 22, 2023 by Ash Salleh
Today, we’re taking a closer look at the iconic eyewear that adorned the face of one of Hollywood’s most beloved stars-turned-princesses — Grace Kelly.
From oversized frames to chic cat-eye designs, Grace Kelly’s sunglasses have become synonymous with her impeccable sense of style, and a timeless symbol of sophistication and elegance.
So, get ready to dive into the world of Grace Kelly’s sunglasses, where every pair is a statement piece and every frame tells a story.
Who Was Grace Kelly?
Grace Kelly’s life had the makings of a fairytale. Considered one of the greatest beauties and talents of the Golden Age of Hollywood, she gained critical acclaim for her performances in films such as High Noon, The Country Girl, and The Swan. Yet the films that made her a true icon were those of Alfred Hitchcock, namely, Dial M For Murder, Rear Window, and To Catch a Thief.
In 1955, she headed the U.S. delegation at the Cannes Film Festival, where she met the dashing Prince Rainier III, the sovereign of the Principality of Monaco. The two began a courtship and were married the following year. The lavish wedding was spectacular, filled with allure and public speculation. Costume designer Helen Rose made the princess’s dress using 300 yards of antique lace, 150 yards of taffeta, and smatterings of tulle and silk.
Following her marriage, Kelly retired from acting to focus on her duties as a princess, dedicating the rest of her life to civil service and charity work. Nevertheless, she remained a style icon until that fateful day of September 13, 1982, when she lost control of her car and drove off a winding road in Monaco. She died from her injuries the following day.
What Sunglasses Did Grace Kelly Wear?
Grace Kelly set the standard for women’s fashion in the 1950s. Here are three styles we absolutely adore on the late princess:
Grace Kelly tended to wear large, oversized sunnies like our Waverly frame in Matte Black. Decades after the princess’s reign, this style is still very much in fashion, largely because they make a big statement without you needing to say a single word.
Oversized shades like Waverly provide eye coverage while remaining stylishly bold. They cover both eyes without obstructing any defining facial features, like the nose bridge and cheekbones, that would normally be hidden under narrower frames.
And contrary to what many people think, a solid black frame is anything but boring! It looks equally great on warm and cool skin tones, can work for virtually any hair color, and is super easy to style.
Our Waverly frame is available in other colorways, including Aqua Crystal, Smoulder, Caramel Horn, and Dusty Rose Crystal.
Princess Grace was also a big fan of tortoiseshell sunnies like our Webster in Havana Tortoise. The frame’s warm brown and amber colors look striking but not overly harsh against a fair complexion like Kelly’s. Meanwhile, the tortoiseshell pattern adds a brightening effect on darker skin tones.
And while it may appear bold and intimidating, the pattern works surprisingly well as a neutral. Tortoiseshell is the way to go if you want to stand out from the crowd but still prefer something versatile. Plus, a round frame like Webster looks great on square faces like Grace Kelly’s because it softens angular features and provides balance.
Webster is available in three other colorways: Crystal, Meadow Crystal, and Dove Gray. It is available with classic and light-transitioning lenses.
No list of Grace Kelly’s sunglasses is complete without a pair of cat-eye shades. A descendant of Altina Schinasi’s famous Harlequin eyeglass frame, the now ubiquitous feline silhouette has since been hailed as a revolutionary moment in the eyewear industry. Fast forward almost a century, the cat-eye style has existed above passing eyewear trends and has been worn by some of the most recognizable faces in pop culture.
Go vintage with a pair of our Sedgwick sunnies in Havana Tortoise. This top-heavy pair will soften your features and balance a strong jawline. What’s more, the understated pattern will suit any skin tone and hair color.
You can also get our Sedgwick frame in Goldmine, Olive Streak, and Matte Black.
Where Can I Get Grace Kelly’s Sunglasses?
Even though Grace Kelly has been gone for many years, her style remains a source of inspiration for many today. If you love her looks, then sunnies are an absolute must. Grab a pair today from Classic Specs!
You can confidently wear any of the stylish Grace Kelly sunglasses featured above, knowing they look great on everyone. They’re flattering for every skin tone and face shape, so you don’t have to worry about wasting money on a pair of shades that don’t suit you.
Our frames have a timeless charm and are made of premium acetate sourced from Italy. They also feature high-end construction and branded engraving. Combined, these qualities make Classic Specs frames an investment worth buying!
How to Channel Grace Kelly’s Timeless Style
In addition to her world-renowned beauty, Grace Kelly was known for her refined, timeless style. She favored elegant, simple, and classic pieces that stood the test of time, like pearl necklaces, cardigans, and structured handbags.
Here are some styling tips and tricks we can all learn from the former Hollywood star:
- Choose simple and timeless pieces. Grace Kelly’s style was never flashy or over-the-top. Instead, she preferred simple and timeless designs that emphasized quality and craftsmanship. Look for classic, well-made pieces with a timeless appeal.
- Focus on fit. Grace Kelly’s clothes always fit her perfectly, emphasizing her feminine curves without being too revealing. Invest in tailoring to ensure your clothes fit you properly or choose pieces specifically designed to flatter your body type.
- Opt for neutral colors. Grace Kelly’s wardrobe was largely made up of neutral colors such as black, white, beige, and navy blue. These colors are timeless and versatile, allowing you to mix and match pieces easily.
- Accessorize with statement pieces. Although Grace Kelly’s clothes were often simple, she frequently added interest to her outfits with statement accessories, such as scarves and hats. Pair your outfits with a statement piece or two. Avoid going overboard!
- Choose classic hairstyles. Grace Kelly’s hairstyles were always refined and sophisticated. Emulate her style by choosing simple, classic hairstyles that complement your face shape and emphasize your natural beauty.
Why Choose Classic Specs?
High-end glasses typically demand higher prices. Many designer brands sell their frames well beyond the $1,000 price point when lenses and add-ons are included. Superior materials and construction account for some of this price premium, including Italian acetate and features like premium barrel hinges and branded engraving.
Classic Specs boasts timeless designs that many high-profile personalities prefer. Our frames are made of premium Italian acetate sourced from a family-owned northern Italian factory, featuring high-end construction and branded engraving. These aspects rival other brands. The main difference is the price: Classic Specs frames and lenses can often be purchased for less than $500. We offer virtual try-on and an online vision test, so the process is hassle-free (factors that celebs tend to prefer).
About Classic Specs
Classic Specs is known for its contemporary eyewear inspired by its designers’ favorite retro silhouettes. Born in Brooklyn, New York, the brand seeks to revive classic designs from every decade to create unique and iconic pieces for discerning consumers. Their frames feature high-quality craftsmanship with reinforced, stainless-steel hinges. Sourced from the famous six-generation Mazzucchelli family factory in northern Italy, Classic Specs frames are made of premium hypoallergenic cellulose acetate in unique, eye-catching chromotypes. Many lens options are available for reading glasses, distance, progressive, sunglasses, or fashion frames.
