Princess Stéphanie of Monaco made this plunging swimsuit famous. Now her daughter is bringing it back.

Princess Stéphanie of Monaco was one of the most talked-about European royals of the 1980s and 1990s, second perhaps only to Princess Diana. 

The youngest daughter of the late Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier III, Stéphanie quickly set herself apart from her mother’s timeless elegance by embracing a freer, sportier, and more rebellious image. 

With her cropped hair, athletic physique, love of denim, and unconventional romances, she became known as Monaco’s royal rebel, challenging many of the expectations traditionally associated with princesses.

By 1985, shortly after turning 20, Stéphanie had firmly earned her reputation as the enfant terrible of the Grimaldi family. Rather than limiting herself to royal engagements, she pursued her creative ambitions. 

© Patrick SICCOLI

On the verge of launching a pop music career, she had also completed an internship at Dior and decided to channel her passion for fashion into her own swimwear label, Pool Position, which she co-founded with designer Alix de la Comble.

That summer, the princess traveled to Mauritius, where photographers captured her waterskiing in images that quickly made headlines around the world. 

© frederic meylan

Wearing a striped one-piece swimsuit with an exceptionally deep plunging neckline, Stéphanie effortlessly turned the design into one of the season’s most coveted swimwear styles.

Far from being a random fashion choice, the swimsuit was part of Pool Position’s own collection, and the princess was intentionally showcasing one of her brand’s signature creations. 

© frederic meylan

What was considered daring, and even “scandalous,” at the time would go on to become one of the defining swimwear looks of the decade.

Pauline Ducruet revives her mother’s iconic swimsuit:

Fashion clearly runs in the family. Pauline Ducruet, Stéphanie’s 33-year-old daughter, followed a similar creative path by studying fashion and launching her own label, Alter. 

© Pauline Ducruet/Pool Position

In 2026, she also revived one of her mother’s most personal projects by relaunching Pool Position, taking on the roles of CEO and creative director.

© Pauline Ducruet/Pool Position

As a tribute to Princess Stéphanie, Pauline reintroduced the legendary striped swimsuit that made headlines more than 40 years ago. She even recreated her mother’s famous photo shoot, posing in the waters of Monaco instead of Mauritius while wearing the updated design.

The new version features adjustable straps, a reversible design and recycled materials. Pauline first debuted the revived design in June during the official relaunch event for Pool Position in Monaco. Fittingly, she was joined by Princess Stéphanie, bringing one of the principality’s most memorable fashion moments full circle.