After months of speculation, and some overnight frenzy after a hooded figure identified as Sarah Burton by her belt and ballet flats was seen entering The Gorin Hotel, we got confirmation as to the designer of Kate Middleton's wedding gown. And more importantly what the gown itself looked like.
The gown is indeed an Alexander McQueen, designed by the house's creative director Sarah Burton. I'm sure in the days and weeks to come many will applaud Kate for her fashion forward choice of designer. Not that her dress was trendy. I'd expected long sleeves, or at the very least covered shoulders, as that seems to be de rigueur in royal circles.
Not surprisingly Kate Middleton's wedding dress was classic and elegant. My first thought was that it was quite an homage to that other legendary commoner bride,
Grace Kelly.
Before I say anything else I want to make it clear that I think Kate Middleton, the new Duchess of Cambridge, looked beautiful. I think the lace was classic and I loved the corset bodice (how
tiny did her waist look?!) and that gorgeous flowing skirt. Glamorous and regal without being too OTT.
I also loved Kate's choice for veil and tiara.
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| Sarah Burton Adjusting Kate's Skirt |
Still, it would have been nice if the top of Kate's dress didn't so closely resemble Princess Grace's. I know there are differences--Grace's was higher, more covered with those tiny little buttons--and I also know how hard to make a truly unique wedding dress, but I would have thought they would have stayed away from similarities with a wedding dress that famous. I also found it to have some similarities to Princess Margaret's wedding dress.
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| Peter Phillips' Wife Autumn Kelly: Another Royal Bride Who Chose Lace |
Regardless Prince William's bride looked beautiful, composed and best of all happy. And, really, there isn't anything better to wear on your wedding day than a smile--and maybe a diamond tiara donated to the cause by the Queen.
According to Clarence House the dress featured English Cluny and French Chantilly lace "hand-worked in the Irish Carrickmacross needlework tradition." As for the design "individual flowers have been hand-cut from lace and hand-engineered onto ivory silk tulle to create a unique and organic design, which incorporates the rose, thistle, daffodil and shamrock."
Kate's tiara is the "halo" Cartier tiara (I've also heard it referred to as the Scroll) that originally belonged to the Queen Mother and was given to Queen Elizabeth on her 18th birthday.
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The 'halo' tiara through the years - Queen Mum, Princesses Margaret and
Anne, and now Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge via theroyalforums.com |
I think it was a perfect choice for Kate. As for those diamond earrings? They were inspired by the acorn featured on the new Middleton family coat of arms.
Kate's shoes were also McQueen--as was sister Pippa's
dress--and were made of "ivory duchesse satin with lace hand-
embroidered by the Royal School of Needlework."
The bouquet, meanwhile was described as "a shield-shaped wired bouquet of myrtle, lily-of-the-valley, sweet William and hyacinth. The bouquet was designed by Shane Connolly and draws on the traditions of flowers of significance for the Royal Family, the Middleton family and on the Language of Flowers."
I love lily of the valley for a bridal bouquet.
What did you think of Kate's wedding look?
And I wonder if she's got more dresses in
store for the other parties...
I think the best part of the day was seeing how genuine Kate and William seem with one another. One of my favourite moments was when Kate was walking towards the altar and William had his back turned. Prince Harry stole a look and reportedly told his brother with a grin, "Wait 'til you see her." Instamelt. For more lip reading check out
this article.
Then when William did see Kate he couldn't help leaning over and telling her how beautiful she looked. Repeatedly. Even during the ceremony there were knowing glances and sly smiles.
You can tell that these two were friends first and it seems
like a true love match. I just really hope they can go the distance.
As for that much awaited balcony kiss? The adoring crowds were treated to not one but two smooches. And I was really surprised not so much with the size of the crowds but their enthusiasm. Seriously, the way they were screaming when Wills and Harry were on their way to the Abbey you'd think the princes were rock stars. I doubt the British monarchy has seen this much good will in ages. I just hope the popularity of William and Kate doesn't impede them starting a normal, stable life together.
Once I get a chance I'd like to do a post on some of the wedding fashion like Victoria Beckham in...Victoria Beckham, custom Louboutins and a stewardess-inspired Philip Treacy fascinator that appeared to be adorned with a corkscrew. Or Chelsy Davy in Alberta Ferretti (a bit of a hot mess), the Princess Beatrice and Eugenie (how unfortunate is that blue getup?), Princess Laetitia of Spain, Sam Cameron in a bejewelled Erdem headband worthy of Blair Waldorf and more...Until then, enjoy some royal wedding cake!
I'd love to hear your thoughts on the royal wedding...did you watch?
Wedding Photos: Getty via windsorknot.today.com, fashionista.com, people.com, vanityfair.com, OK!
