It’s been a while since I did a Cake and Culture segment on my blog. That’s when I report to you on something of cultural value, like an exhibit or a ballet or something, and then… well, I eat cake. Right now in London there’s a great Grace Kelly fashion retrospective at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London. On display are pieces from her wardrobe that range from her 1950s film career to her later days as the Princess of Monaco. There were some fabulous pieces. This was a woman who appreciated the value of a good Dior ensemble, so of course I consider her to be a kindred spirt.
Grace Kelly is absolutely iconic. She was the epitome of class with her ice maiden looks and her great taste in fashion, but do you know what I love most about her? After looking some of the pieces from her vast designer wardrobe, I realise that I could probably fit in most of her clothes (despite my hips being a tad more, shall we say, “meaty” 
). Yes, that is one wardrobe I’d like to get my cake smattered fingers on. Woowee, just imagine how quickly I’d get to the front of the line at the Krispy Kreme donut counter with one of her tiaras or Dior head dresses on my deserving head. Make way for the housewife who wears the head dress, ya know? I could totally rock one of those.
Of all of her dresses, her most famous dress, her wedding gown, was not on show. Who could forget what a beautiful bride Grace Kelly made? That dress was is definitely a piece fashion history. It was a bit of a shame that her wedding gown did not make an appearance at the exhibit. It would have been a real show stopper.
The best pieces on exhibition were undoubtedly the ones from her Hollywood days. That’s when Grace Kelly’s glam factor was at its highest point. Once she got married and took on the role of Princess of Monaco, she had to tone things down. Some of the pieces at the museum were actually quite matronly (albeit uber designer).
I am happy to say, that like Moi, Grace Kelly was a huge Dior fan. Out of the 50 pieces on display, 8 of them were Dior (yay!). In addition, there were outfits by Chanel, Balenciaga, Givenchy and Yves Saint Laurent. There was even a Hermes Kelly bag, the “It” bag that she made famous.
I particularly loved this dress, an Edith Head creation which Kelly wore to the Academy Awards in 1955:
Yes, well, after all of that it was time for me to retire to the V&A’s cafe and get my cake on. The Benugo Cafe inside the museum is run to a very poor standard, I’m sad to say. The guy behind the cake counter was so slow that the patrons just started reaching across and helping themselves to their own cake slices. I helped myself to a bakewell slice, and after a very long wait in line to pay for my tea and cake, I discovered the cake was tasteless. For my friends across the pond who are unfamiliar with this kind of cake, a bakewell slice is a dense buttery cake, rich with almonds and a delicious smattering of jam. It is a very English desert which is quite comforting along with a nice cup of tea. This cake, however, was a complete waste of calories. Had I been the ever fashionable Grace Kelly, I would have just daintily picked at it… but of course I ate the whole thing. Why do I eat food I don’t even like? I hate it when I do that.
Somehow though, I get the feeling that the sexy screen siren was more man eater than cake eater. Jeez, is this what a nice girl has to resort to in order to get a good piece of cake these days? I hate to think what I’d have to do for a box of Laduree! *shudder*
There is one good thing about eating here though. Check out the stunning surroundings you get to sit in. A sucky cake might be worth it to sit in a place like this. What a gem!
Whether you are a film buff, a fashionista, or someone who just wants to eat cake in the V&A’s spectacular dining area (hey, there’s no shame in that!), I highly recommend a visit. The Grace Kelly exhibit is running from April 17 to September 26, 2010. Be sure to check it out if you get the chance.
What a great post! I love Grace Kelly and I think she is beautiful! The cake looks fabulous too!
I love art. I love food. The perfect combination. This piece was an artistic feast, HH. That cake looked so yummy – too bad you didn’t like it. I tend to pick away until my plate is empty at the end of a meal, too. What a gorgeous place. You really do live in the middle of where there is so much available to you within a reasonable distance to enrich your life. We do to, but in such a wider expanse and a more natural state. It is all about the nature here. So, I cannot complain. But, I can never get enough of days like the one you just shared with us….
XO
Valerie
I really enjoyed this post, and would highly encourage you to post more on food and culture. That picture of Grace Kelley in her wedding dress – incredible!!! It’s a little spin on the modern medieval royalty. I’ve visited the V&A before but not the cafe! I’ll have to keep this place in mind for the next time I’m in London.
Wow! All I can say is that. I’ve always thought that Grace Kelly was one of the most beautiful, and dare I say, “graceful,” women who ever lived. How wonderful to see an exhibit about her. I hope it tours the U.S.
I went to London last week and saw the exposition – I was so impressed with that luxurious wardrobe! Grace Kelly will always remain one of the most elegant and influential fashion icons.
Have always loved Princess Grace! High Society is one of my favorite movies and I made sure to visit the royal castle when I was in Monaco several years ago. The exhibit at the Victoria & Albert museum sounds awesome! Sorry that the cake was tasteless, but just like you, I would have probably eaten it all anyway (oink).
Old Hollywood glamour … ahhhhhhh, there was nothing like it!! I’m super fascinated by bakewell tarts … never had them, but I’ve got them on my “must make” list.
Wow! What an awesome exhibition! I’d love to see that
Pity about the disappointing cake …. !
Wow marvellous. Makes me want to swish about in silk and taffeta gown AND scoff plates of (taste-full) cake. Would love to be as glam, classy and, well graceful, as Grace Kelly for just one day. Unlikely, but a girl’s got to dream. p.s. I LOVE V&A cafe.