Rodeo Drive Walk of Style honors Grace Kelly and Cartier

Last night Cartier became the first jewelry company to receive the Rodeo Drive Walk of Style award, joining the company of previous recipients Armani, Valentino and Tom Ford for Gucci. The late Grace Kelly, princess of Monaco, was also honored for her style and support of the arts.  

The awards ceremony, held outdoors on Rodeo Drive just north of Wilshire, was more intimate than in years past, when Gloria Gaynor sang during the Tom Ford fete and Kanye West hit the stage for Ferragamo. But this year's elegant and subdued setting was far more fitting for Kelly and Cartier.

Demi Moore presented the award to Cartier, citing her most prized possession from the French jeweler -- her engagement ring. The bevy of baubles Moore wore last night, including white gold, diamond and onyx hoops, three white gold and diamond link bracelets, twi white gold and diamond Laniere bracelets and a diamond pave ring, weren't so bad either. In fact, her sparkling wrists gleamed all the way to the back of the crowd.

Prince Albert II of Monaco accepted the award on his mother's behalf after a couple of video montages of famous movie scenes featuring Cartier pieces and a look at Kelly's life as an actress and princess.

Following the refreshingly quick awards ceremony, guests walked (yes, walked) directly across the street to Blvd restaurant at the Regent Beverly Wilshire hotel. The crowd, with many women wearing Cartier's signature deep red hue, snacked on shrimp tempura and signed their names on bid sheets at the silent auction table.  

Despite all the glitz and cocktail frocks, the most interesting (and unexpected) style statement was made by columnist George Christy, who was perched on a couch wearing a striped shirt, blazer, fedora and beaded moccasins.  He completed his look with a fragrant gardenia stuffed into his pocket in lieu of a pocket square.  

Camilla Belle was another stylish guest, in a white feathered dress and a smattering of sparkling Cartier jewels that made her look elegant and polished, like a modern princess.

-- Melissa Magsaysay

Photos, from top: Demi Moore speaks before presenting the award to Cartier; George Christy. Credit: Melissa Magsaysay

Comments

[Mary Hall]

I was at the ceremony, and featured it on my blog.

The event was a wonderful reminder of Grace Kelly's timeless style:
http://therecessionista.blogspot.com/2009/10/grace-kellys-timeless-style-lights-up.html

My favorite guest at the party was a quiet gentleman of about 80 years old, with large horn-rimmed glasses. He sat by himself in the corner and didn't come to socialize or get the red Cartier "swag bag." He came because he had worked with Grace years ago at MGM and just wanted to pay tribute to her memory. I thought it was so lovely.