When the Princess Grace Awards Gala returns to Los Angeles this October after a three decade-long sabbatical, they’ll have a new partner in tow: Christian Dior. Marking the beginning of a three-year partnership between the Princess Grace Foundation-USA and the maison, the duo will also roll out accompanying galas in Monte Carlo in 2015 and New York in 2016. The trio of events will chronicle Grace Kelly from her Hollywood heyday to her royal stint as the princess of Monaco. The foundation in honor of the late royal was founded in 1982 by Prince Ranier III to raise funds for scholarships, apprenticeships, and fellowships in the performing arts. For the West Coast gala, co-chairs will include Dick and Noelle Wolf, Walt Disney’s CEO Bob Iger and his wife Willow Bay, and Sidney and Katia Toledano. Additionally, there will be royalty at the event, as Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco will be present to honor the yet-to-be-announced recipients of the Princess Grace Award and Prince Ranier III Honoree.
“Our partnership with the Princess Grace Foundation-USA is deeply rooted in history and mutual admiration between the Princely family of Monaco and the House of Dior,” said Sidney Toledano, CEO of Dior Couture, in a statement. We both share the same pursuit of artistic excellence and are honored to be a part of recognizing the artistry of Princess Grace Award winners in theater, dance, and film.” So how far back does this history date? The first time Grace Kelly and Dior paired up was in 1956, when she donned a white satin creation at a ball celebrating her engagement to Prince Ranier III of Monaco. Her love affair with the label continued through her reign. Dior most recently paid homage to Monaco by staging their Resort collection there in May 2013. Expect quite the red carpet situation at this trio of galas…