I stumbled across photos from Monaco's 1989 Red Cross Ball and thought, as it may be some time before we see royal galas and evening events again, it might be fun to take a look back at two of the most covered princesses of the time - Princesses Caroline and Stephanie. This photo of Caroline is one of the most beautiful I've seen.
The annual Red Cross Ball is considered one of the most prominent galas in the world. The charitable engagement is a staple on Monaco's royal calendar and renowned worldwide for its regal glamour and high-profile guests. When Princess Grace took over in 1958, stars including Shirley Bassey, Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald performed, adding additional prestige to the event. In 1989, Sammy Davis, Jr and Liza Minnelli took to the stage.
After Grace passed, Caroline became Monaco's unofficial first lady for some time and, in 1989, she was raising a young family with her husband Stefano Casiraghi. This photo is a bittersweet snapshot in time of the couple - the following year Stefano was killed in an offshore powerboat racing accident off the coast of Monaco. He was 30 years old.
The entire look was perfection. The backless turquoise gown with shimmering detail remains a striking classic today. I suspect it may have been a Dior design. At this point Caroline wore a lot of Marc Bohan pieces; he left Dior the same year to work for another royal favourite, Norman Hartnell. The matching turquoise earrings belonged to Grace (a photo is available here) and the sparkling adornment in her hair completed this unforgettable look.
The then 24-year-old Princess Stephanie was bejewelled in statement star earrings and hair accessories for the evening.
The Princess wearing a lovely vibrant one shoulder gown, pictured dancing with her brother Albert.
Guests on the night included Jerry Lewis and his wife Sandee.
And French-American artist Arman.
Stunning and the jewelry is a wow.
ReplyDeleteI too believe it was a Dior design, it should be. The Angelica Cortesi six year-old photo is brilliant! This is a great post, thank you Charlotte. M x
ReplyDeleteCaroline had a fascinating fashion relationship with Marc Bohan as her mother did. It's going to be fun to explore in future posts :)
DeleteThank you for a fantastic glimpse of glitz and glamour, so wonderful to see the Monaco girls at their best. What a touching, intimate snap you have included of Caroline with Stefano. Her outfit is certainly very high-glam, the colours are very strong and she is lucky to be able to carry those striking earrings off so well. How lovely that they belonged to her mother. Stephanie was every bit as vibrant in sparkling fuschia, and statement earrings are clearly in order at this event. Terrific fun.
ReplyDeleteOh thank you Charlotte! Such a fun reflection. Caroline looked stunning in turquoise.
ReplyDeleteGoodness, Stephanie a splitting image of Albert
ReplyDelete*smiles*
Both ladies looked stunning, such glamour and poise. Beautiful looking. Loved there gowns, and jewels.
ReplyDeletestephanie is such a sad tale gorgeous woman and so sad her husband died like that
ReplyDeleteps my last comment i said stephanie but meant to say princess caroline of course!
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