The anticipation was killing me! I was watching the Royal Wedding of William and Kate, but I was waiting for THE DRESS. One of the best kept secrets. We didn't know the designer, what it would look like. How long would her train be? As long as Diana's? Shorter?
And then the answers. Kate Middleton was helped out of the car in front of Westminster Abbey and it took my breath away..
And then the answers. Kate Middleton was helped out of the car in front of Westminster Abbey and it took my breath away..
Amazing. Beautiful....designed by Sarah Burton, Creative Director for the House of Alexander McQueen. With a V-neck lace bustier, a full embellished skirt, long sleeves and a nine foot train, it was a dress fit for the future Queen of England. Sarah Burton told Elle UK, "It has been the experience of a lifetime to work with Catherine Middleton to create her wedding dress, and I have enjoyed every minute of it. It was such an incredible honour to be asked, and I am so proud of what me and the Alexander McQueen team have created."
And what they created is a dress that will no doubt start a flurry of copies with brides-to-be dreaming of wearing it and designers making it.
So how did she choose? It's hard enough to choose a dress when you're getting married. But you're marrying a Prince in front of 1900 guests and 2 billion people around the world watching your every move. No pressure.
The official statement from Buckingham Palace said "Miss Middleton chose British brand Alexander McQueen for the beauty of its craftsmanship and its respect for traditional workmanship and the technical construction of clothing." The details of the workmanship are just unbelievable.
The hand-cut English and French Chantilly lace for the bodice and the skirt was hand-made by the Royal School of Needlework based at Hampton Court Palace. Within the lace were four emblems of the United Kingdom: the rose, thistle, daffodil and the shamrock. The Palace's statement revealed that "The workers washed their hands every thirty minutes to keep the lace and threads pristine, and the needles were renewed every three hours, to keep them sharp and clean."
Sarah Burton oversaw the creation and then she put it together by hand.
The ivory satin bodice curved into a nipped waist. The hips were slightly flared, which is a signature of a McQueen design. The skirt echoed an open flower, with arches and pleats. The back was finished with 58 buttons.
She also wore a veil of tulle and a tiara on loan from the Queen. The 'halo' tiara from Cartier was a gift to the Queen (when she was a Princess) from her mother on her 18th birthday. Kate's diamond earrings were a gift from her parents for her wedding day.
Kate Middleton was a glowing bride who carried herself with grace and beauty. The dress was understated elegance and she wore it well.
But we were in for one more surprise! The Prince and new Princess drove out from Buckingham Palace in his father's convertible Aston Martin which was decorated with balloons and a "Just Wed" license plate. They were on their way to Clarence House before going back to the Palace for a party.
She arrived as a commoner and left a Princess.
All done in royal style.
