We survived a lot of hoopla over a fairly simple, lovely dress.
The secret is out: Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen did the wedding dress for Kate Middleton…aka Princess Catherine aka Duchess of Cambridge. But the dress is remarkably simple considering it was from the designer who is single-handedly saving the McQueen legacy. She does look stunning. While Facbooking with Alexander Jenkins (Miss J) this morning, he noted (no, not noted as in noted fashion photographer) but noted that the dress is very Princess Grace and added, “Well done Sarah and the House of McQueen. Absolutely simple and gorgeous.”
NOTE TO BRIDEZILLAS: See how demure and understated Kate is? Well, take note. That is the kind of princess to aspire to be, not a J.A.P.
Oy, Chelsy Davy, Prince Harry's is no Kate Middleton. This is a Fergie in the making.
Women’s Wear Daily Just released reactions from fashion designers on Kate’s Dress. Like anyone might be caught dead saying anything negative?
Christian Lacroix: “I like the dress very much, simpler than expected: A combination just in between 1956 Grace Kelly and 1947 Queen Elizabeth dress. I love the modest veil with the Queen Mother’s Thirties scroll tiara and balanced volume of the whole gown. She’s radiant; She never was so beautiful. And Prince William’s red Irish uniform is gorgeous.”
Hubert de Givenchy: “The dress is very simple and very nice. The veil is a little flat, but because she has such a lovely face, she can afford to wear it this way. She is very pretty.” About choosing a dress from McQueen, whose founder committed suicide last year, de Givenchy said: “It’s a lovely thought, a nice tribute.”
Peter Copping of Nina Ricci: “Very much in a royal tradition, reminiscent of Queen Elizabeth’s – and a little bit Grace Kelly. She looks happy, radiant and natural.”
Donatella Versace: “Kate’s dress was beautiful. She looked very regal.”
Viktor & Rolf: “Kate’s dress was simply elegant. Her hair down was a beautiful and natural touch, and the tiara was stunning. She looked as at-ease as humanly possible and was radiant. Our compliments.”
Elie Saab: “It was a very elegant dress, subtly refined and discreet, in keeping with her style. I would have liked it even more with a little extra volume and a longer train.”
Ann-Sofie Johansson, head of design at H&M: “Kate Middleton’s dress is beautiful. She looks absolutely stunning today at the royal wedding. The lace together with the long sleeves really showed the craftsmanship and hours of work that has gone into creating a dress like this. The dress suits Kate Middleton perfectly and Sarah Burton at Alexander McQueen surely lived up to my expectations. I also think that the lovely flower bouquet will set the trend for many brides to be.”
Mark Badgley of Badgley Mischka, speaking for hinself and James Mischka: “James and I have goose bumps! The dress is perfection; and will stand the test of time. It is a classic Grace Kelly look. The skirt is divine. We love the hair down and the veil. The proportion is beautiful.”
Antonio Marras, Kenzo: “McQueen was a brilliant choice. The choice of the label and the style of the dress was a very clever mix between edgy fashion and tradition – all in a very British way. You could see references to Grace Kelly or Queen Elizabeth’s dresses, but in a simpler, more modern way. I loved her hair down. It looked perfectly natural and noble. Truly royal.”
Alexis Mabille: “Kate’s dress is a classic, very elegant and pure…. It reminds me of Princess Grace’s wedding dress in a modern version with deeper cleavage, the draping at the back in reference to McQueen.”
Dennis Basso: “I love that dress. It epitomizes the modern bride: covered, but still sexy with its tight bodice. The lace overlay and the covered-up look will certainly set a trend.”
Now, who cares about what H & M has to say? What, they are planning to do more wedding dresses and this knock off is in the mix? Not that Dennis Basso is the final word on anything. Right PETA? And Alexis Mabille? I’d much rather have heard from Vera Wang.
Of course it was beautiful and all that. But beautiful in a way that any bride at any wedding could have worn it. It was elegant, simple. Although it was a little weird fitting around the bust didn't you think? It looked as if she had her headlights on as she walked into the church if you know what I mean!
But it was the most important wedding in the world. Where was the oomph?
I thought it was lacklustre given the grandeur of the situation.
And sadly, the whole ceremony lacked oomph.
I had very similar thoughts about this dress. It looks like a composite of
disparate design ideas. The V neck was lovely but why pair a corset bodice with a tailored skirt?
The train from the rear view at the altar appeared as a milky puddle on the carpet.
The ornamental lace on the sleeves and at the neckline could have had a balancing effect if it were heavier, not sparsely sewn on lightweight
material. Television cameras did not capture enough detail. The whole dress looks better in photographs but
does not change the imbalance of the bodice.
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