The first images of Nicole Kidman in costume as Grace Kelly have emerged after the actress was snapped on set in costume in Menton, France.

Kidman is working on her latest project Grace of Monaco, directed by La Vie En Rose director Olivier Dahan. The film is not a biopic of the actress turned Princess of Monaco but will focus on her involvement behind the scenes in a tête-à-tête between her husband Prince Rainier III and President of France Charles de Gaulle over Monaco’s tax haven status during the early 1960s.

Nicole Kidman as Princess Grace of Monaco. Photo by FameFlynet.uk.com.

While Grace Kelly’s reign as Queen of Hollywood was short-lived her role as style icon is undoubtedly eternal. Designers Balenciaga, Chanel and Dior fought to dress her for public events throughout her lifetime. Paramount Studios head costume designer Edith Head who dressed Grace during her film career owes several of her Oscars to the actress who elevated Head's designs to iconic status. Hermès renamed one of their handbags 'the Kelly bag' when her Serene Highness was seen with one on her arm to shield her pregnancy after her marriage to Rainier. Countless exhibitions across the globe have featured her wardrobes from a variety of decades. The impact of her style has influenced contemporary designers like Tommy Hilfiger, Zac Posen and Janie Bryant who have cited her as a muse for their work.

Nicole Kidman on set. Photo by FameFlynet.uk.com.

Many critics have denounced the choice of Kidman for the role, declaring she doesn’t bear resemblance to Grace but in this shot Nicole is clearly serving some Princess of Monaco realness. In a pale yellow outfit complete with headscarf, pearls and sunglasses Kidman has certainly tapped into the timeless elegance and effortless chic that the Princess was known for.

Kidman will star alongside Tim Roth as Prince Rainier, Paz Vega as Maria Callas, Parker Posey and Frank Langella. The budget for the film is a relatively low $30 million and is set for release in 2014.