Some fashion creations, designers, icons and imagery stand so strong they merit their own place in the cultural spectrum – not least three fashion favourites currently on show in museums around the world.

The fashion icon that is Grace Kelly is currently the subject of a brand new exhibit in her home state of Philadelphia at the Michener Art Museum. In ‘From Philadelphia to Monaco, Grace Kelly: Beyond the Icon,’ an extremely personal look at the actress turned Princess is given. Using personal letters, notes from her husband Prince Rainer, pieces from her wardrobe, personal photographs, home movies and much much more each bit of the installation only serves to enhance the woman’s extraordinary elegance, every bit as much of an icon behind the scenes as well as in front of the camera, it would seem. For details of the exhibition which will head back to Monaco indefinitely after this stop, head to the Michener Museum here.

Meanwhile, in Paris, it’s the designer’s favourite designer that is being given the star treatment in a retrospective of his creations that more than holds it’s own against the Matisse murals it is displayed in front of at the Palais Galleria in the Musée de la Mode. Azzedine Alaia, a designer known for his sculptural, body hugging shapes and innovative use of fabrics and cut, has been the sort of fashion favourite that transcends trend and time for decades now. This exhibition makes it extremely easy to understand why. The Exhibition runs through January – find out how to see it here http://parismusees.paris.fr/en/exhibition/alaia

And finally, in London, the Victoria and Albert Museum have dedicated their winter exhibition to the eternal beauty of Pearls. Using Elizabeth Taylor’s pearl earrings, George III’s pearl and enamel buttons, the pearl drop earring Charles I wore as he headed to the executioner’s block, Marilyn Monroe’s simple strand given to her by Joe DiMaggio,  tiaras, brooches, Mikimoto’s modern designs and more the exhibition not only demystifies the jewel of the sea’s origins but also shows it in it’s most splendid glory. A must for jewellery lovers, it’s on show until late January. http://www.vam.ac.uk/content/exhibitions/exhibition-pearls/

Pictures from:

http://www.michenermuseum.org/exhibition/from-philadelphia-to-monaco-grace-kelly-beyond-the-icon

http://parismusees.paris.fr/en/exhibition/alaia

http://www.vam.ac.uk/content/exhibitions/exhibition-pearls/