Caroline, Princess of Monaco was already in the history books long before she was born, and her role in the fashion industry was inevitable. Daughter of Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier, she was born into an aristocratic family, full of cameras and sophistication. However, it didn’t take long for her to build her own identity, and for decades she was one of the most closely watched royals in the world.
Not for nothing. Her quiet elegance has never needed too much attention. She blends French sophistication with relaxed Mediterranean luxury like no one else, while achieving a natural ease that does not aim to impress anyone. For that reason, she has one of the world’s best timeless wardrobes. That said, Caroline, Princess of Monaco’s looks that work best are the ones that inspire our BBC events.
She was Chanel’s muse (specifically during Karl Lagerfeld’s era), and that has left us with archival images filled with jewel-encrusted dresses, classical references and clean silhouettes that represent the most natural elegance. Moreover, if there is one thing that has characterized her, it is that she is an icon because she is one of the most consistent. She has always known what suits her and how to act accordingly.
In my ranking: best looks of Caroline, Princess of Monaco
At the 76th Cannes Film Festival. In this look, Caroline, Princess of Monaco, made one thing clear: no one understands luxury like she does. What we like is the balance between classic codes and contemporary grounds. The result is sophisticated, luminous, and elegant without being austere or rigid.
Bal de la Rose 2023. Again from Chanel, this archival dress is synonymous with knowing how to choose. It is sequined with pink piping, but on her it does not read as excessive, rather as elegant. That is due to the A-line silhouette and the sleeves.
Bal de la Rose 2019. Yes, it’s one of my favorites. She wore it shortly after Chanel’s Spring/Summer 2019 Haute Couture collection; it is sophisticated, sober, and very symbolic. Moreover, she paired it with a diamond necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels from her mother Grace Kelly.
Wedding of Pierre Casiraghi and Beatrice Borromeo. Only she could have chosen such a spectacular Chanel dress as this. It has everything, indeed, but in the right measure, so it does not look overdone, but sophisticated and different. Moreover, the movement and theatricality are fascinating. It is one of my favorites.
The most elegant black dress in history. They’ve ended up naming it that, and it’s no wonder, because at the ‘Lights of Gaming’ Gala in 2018, Caroline, Princess of Monaco, made sequins look sophisticated, fabulous, and incredibly elegant. Since then, we view it with different eyes.
Plumes at 62. Age has never been an issue for her, and in this gown for the Gala ‘Secret Games’ in 2019 there is the proof. A specialist in breaking taboos, it is a dress that could be worn by any actress on a red carpet today.
