When you think of the year 1929, most likely the stock market crash and end of the roaring '20s/beginning of the Great Depression come to mind. Less on the brain are the notable births, like Martin Luther King, Jr., Anne Frank and even Imelda Marcos. But three birth dates are the most interesting to me: May 4, July 28 and November 12, when three of the world's preeminent fashion icons were born: Audrey Hepburn, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and Grace Kelly, respectively. I certainly consider these women to be the epitome of beauty and style and find it remarkable that they were all born in the very same year. So I wondered: is there something that made this seeming coincidence less of one?
I suppose I could look at the era: they came of age at the end of World War II and were exposed to the new riches that women indulged in -- they were the young generation that could take advantage of spending money on fine things again, in a way that hadn't been done since their birth year.
Also, they came to know fame around the same time, when feminism was growing; hems were raised and waists were flaunted and these women embraced casual chic with flare. (Images of all three in Capri pants come to mind; Grace and Jackie while sailing; Audrey bicycling.) It was also the era of the emerging fashion designer who was constantly seeking his muse (Oleg Cassini had both Jackie and Grace; Hubert de Givenchy had Audrey), so they were impeccably dressed when they were to be photographed. (Paparazzi-stalked celebrities don't have the same luxury today.) I'd love to hear other theories of why 1929 produced the three most elegant women in the world, so please share below.
Also, right now you can get a taste of the elegance at an exhibit honoring Princess Grace's style on display at the Victoria and Albert museum in London (now through September 26). More than 50 outfits are on display, including the original Hermes Kelly bag and her wedding dress (which is more impressive in photos than in person, I'll be honest).