#branell

INSIDE GRACE'S WARDROBE 🪡 (V)~ The engagement shirt dress from Branell of NY.

This beige, silk, brocaded shirtwaist dress with a fitted bodice and flowing skirt, embodying mid-century American glamour was the piece chosen by Grace to announce her engagement with Prince Rainier 70 years ago 💍

Branell of New York was the fashion house that designed the iconic beige, brocaded silk shirt dress, nicknamed "To Catch a Prince,"❤️ that Grace Kelly wore for the public announcement of her engagement to Prince Rainier of Monaco on January 5, 1956 (pics 4 & 5) cementing Branell's place in fashion history as a purveyor of elegant, mid-century American style 🇺🇲

Grace had worn it before, at her friend actress Rita Gam's engagement party in New York City in the late 1955 (see pictures 2 and 3).

US Vogue May 1959

Nena von Schlebrügge wears a white sheath dress. Cardigan-style neckline, wide patent leather belt. By Branell, in grained silk. Dress and gloves by Van Raalte. Souroitte in black and white silk, by Miss Frederics.

Nena von Schlebrügge porte un fourreau blanc. Encolure façon cardigan, large ceinture en cuir verni. Par Branell, en soie grainée.  Robe et gants Van Raalte. Suroît en soie noir et blanc, par Miss Frederics.

Branell 1960

Grace Kelly's Engagement Dress

Reveille produced this sewing pattern to Commemorate the Engagement of Hollywood Actress Grace Kelly to Prince Rainier of Monaco. The photos are from the press conference announcing the engagement and the photo of the Branell dress is the one worn by Kelly.

The sewing pattern is available in my shop (link below) it's a 36in Bust, price £120/$93/€100

US Vogue March 1, 1967

Veruschka wears a sky blue shirtdress, held high and tight by a white kidskin belt… lots of white buttons, two large pockets. By Branell; Chardon-Marché fabric in Fibranne and silk. Lady Exeter stockings. Gloves by Crescendoe-Superb. Hair by Ara Gallant.

Veruschka porte une robe-chemise bleu ciel, maintenue haute et serrée par une ceinture blanche en chevreau… beaucoup de boutons blancs, deux grandes poches. Par Branell ; tissu Chardon-Marché en Fibranne et soie. Bas Lady Exeter. Gants, par Crescendoe-Superb. Coiffure Ara Gallant.

US Vogue October 1, 1962

Left, Dorothy McGowan wears a long coat in olive green Melton wool broadcloth with a high waist button and a high back yoke. Mink hat by Irene of New York. Right, Tilly Tizzani wears a long coat in red Melton wool broadcloth with sable collar and cuffs. Sable hat by Mr. John. Both coats by Branell in Anglo fabric. Mimi di N brooch. Gloves: Meyers Make.

À gauche, Dorothy McGowan porte un manteau long en drap de laine Melton vert olive avec un bouton à taille haute et un empiècement haut dans le dos. Toque en vison par Irene of New York. À droite, Tilly Tizzani porte un manteau long en drap de laine Melton rouge, col et poignets en zibeline. Toque en zibeline par Mr.John. Les deux manteaux par Branell en tissu Anglo. Broche Mimi di N. Gants : Meyers Make.

US Vogue August 15, 1964

Benedetta Barzini in a long black velvet dress. Gorgeous for an important party: a slightly fitted dress with a deep V-back, a charming curve of the skirt. With shoes with rhinestone buckles. Branell dress, in rayon velvet. Julianelli shoes. Hair: Marc Sinclair by Pierre Henri.

Benedetta Barzini dans une longue robe en velours noir. Magnifique pour une fête importante : une robe légèrement ajustée avec un dos profond en V, une charmante courbe de jupe. Avec des chaussures à boucles en strass. Robe Branell, en velours de rayonne. Chaussures Julianelli. Coiffure : Marc Sinclair de Pierre Henri.