Special gowns honor Princess Grace

NEW YORK — Even 25 years after her death, Princess Grace's grace lives on.

Six top designers have created one-of-a-kind gowns to mark the anniversary of her death, each inspired by a specific look she once wore. The gowns were displayed in the window of Saks Fifth Avenue and will be auctioned to benefit the Princess Grace Foundation USA, which funds theatrical and dance scholarships and fellowships.

"As Grace Kelly the actress, she gave us some of the most glamorous and stylish moments in cinematic history, and as Princess of Monaco she was equally elegant and inspiring," said Maccario Doyle, consul general of Monaco, in a state- ment.

Each designer was asked to look at a gown Kelly once wore and interpret it in a modern way. Michael Fink, Saks fashion director and vice president, paired the designers and the looks.

For example, a black-and-white outfit from "Rear Window" inspired a black wrap-around taffeta top and an ivory organza skirt from Carolina Herrera. The aqua blue dress Kelly wore to accept an Oscar in 1955 led to a halter-neck blue gown with flat pleating on the bodice from Zac Posen.

Other designers who participated are Oscar de la Renta, Ralph Lauren, Ralph Rucci and Vera Wang.

On the Net: www.aCelebrationofGrace.com