Inheriting clothes is the simplest trick for buying less, getting more out of what we already own, and giving each piece a second life. And it’s not just us doing it, royal families practice this shared wardrobe approach too.
Monaco National Day is one of the standout dates on the Grimaldi calendar, and all eyes are on them, which is why Alexandra of Hanover has applied this formula several times during this celebration, recycling treasures from her mother, Caroline of Monaco, and her grandmother, Grace Kelly.
This year, looking at Alexandra’s outfit from head to toe, many wondered if it was borrowed from her grandmother. A quick search led us to a short dress featured among Prada’s upcoming winter collection, crafted in luxurious Duchesse silk satin, giving it that unmistakable vintage feel.
While decades ago this fabric was commonly used for day dresses or jacket linings, today it’s mostly reserved for wedding dresses, special occasion gowns, and evening wear.
Its tube silhouette, round neckline, and short sleeves immediately evoked the years when Grace Kelly was a global style icon. In the 1960s, the straight cut replaced the cinched wasp waist, often accompanied by a peplum to create an hourglass effect without altering the garment, prioritizing freedom of movement above all.
Following her grandmother’s example, Alexandra paired this Italian design with sheer tights and pointed kitten heels in black. Her only contrasting element was the Prada Dada bag in dusty pink napa leather.
We were hoping Alexandra would once again showcase a piece from Grace Kelly’s wardrobe on Monaco National Day. It wouldn’t have been the first time she revived a garment from her maternal grandmother. Exactly one year ago, she wore a brown satin two-piece ensemble by Christian Dior, comprising a fitted jacket and pencil skirt, from the early 1960s, previously worn by the star of 'Rear Window' during an official event observed only from the palace balcony.
Alexandra continually studies the trends her mother and grandmother embraced in the past and reinterprets them with a modern vision. Brooches and bows are prime examples, though they may seem outdated to today’s eyes, they are timeless accessories that elevate even the simplest looks.
The finishing touch is the hat. Known as a pillbox, it’s a small brimless hat with a flat crown and straight sides. Designs like this have historical roots in military attire, even dating back to the Roman Empire, but today the English name comes from its resemblance to the small cylindrical boxes in which pills were sold.
The pillbox hat became famous among women thanks to Jackie Kennedy, who wore a violet-blue version coordinated with her outfit at John F. Kennedy’s inauguration in January 1961.
The first pillbox was created by Halston, a designer who, like Coco Chanel, began his career making hats. His legacy was revived by Ryan Murphy in a successful Netflix miniseries. During the 1960s, the First Lady made this accessory the signature element of her style, popularizing it among women, including Princess Grace.
As a fashion icon of her time, Grace Kelly paired many of her haute couture dresses with pillbox-style hats, similar to the one Alexandra chose to wear on Monaco National Day this year. Through her looks, Alexandra continually pays homage to her grandmother, despite never having had the chance to meet her.