It finally happened. The Royal Wedding went off without a hitch this morning, and Kate, now Princess Catherine, managed to thwart the press and keep her dress secret until the moment she stepped out of the car that took her to the ceremony.
And boy, what a dress.
Kate did a great job of looking every inch the princess and being totally fresh and modern and lovely at the same time. Her gown, designed by Sarah Burton at Alexander McQueen, won’t look dated any time soon. Simple and elegant but still detailed and fresh, the gown with it’s long lace sleeves, low V neck and six foot ivory train suited the new princess down to the ground.
Something about the look reminds one of Maria in The Sound of Music in the best ways - dramatic, but not overwhelming. According to the press release, Middleton wanted a dress to “combine tradition and modernity with the artistic vision that characterises Alexander McQueen’s work. Miss Middleton worked closely with Sarah Burton in formulating the design of her dress.”
According to the official royal wedding website, the dress is made with “ivory and white satin gazar. The skirt echoes an opening flower, with white satin gazar arches and pleats. The ivory satin bodice, which is narrowed at the waist and padded at the hips, draws on the Victorian tradition of corsetry and is a hallmark of Alexander McQueen’s designs. ”
The real finishing touch was the gorgeous, sheer veil that Middleton paired with the Queen’s beautiful diamond tiara. The long veil was sheer enough to show off Middleton’s beautiful hair, worn in long tumbling curls. The veil was made of layers of soft, ivory silk tulle and trimmed with flowers, which were hand embroidered by the Royal School of Needlework.
The gown’s best feature was the way it showcased the most important thing about Middleton’s look. Her glowing, transcendent smile. Her wedding may have been a circus, but none of the pomp and circumstance could hide the face that Middleton and her royal groom were just bursting with joy to be standing at the alter together, starting a new life.
Congratulations William and Kate!
