Finally, all the rumors can be put to rest, Alexander McQueen creative director Sarah Burton did in fact design Kate Middelton’s wedding dress as well as her shoes, which were made by hand, for her royal wedding to Prince William.
The gorgeous gown was classic, demure, yet it felt completely relevant and appropriate for a modern bride. Sure to inspire countless knock-offs, it was hand-cut with English and French Chantilly lace (from a variety of sources making color matching particularly challenging), and ivory and white satin gazar were used throughout. The bodice and skirt featured lace flowers roses, thistles, daffodils and shamrocks, each of which were individually handmade and appliqued. The back was finished with 58 gazar and organza covered buttons fastened by Rouleau loops, while the underskirt was made of silk tulle trimmed with Cluny lace, and the skirt was made with white satin gazar arches and pleated.
Middleton’s veil was ivory silk tulle with hand-embroidered flowers and her train was about 10 feet long. Burton was inside Westminster Abbey to help adjust the train just as Kate was about to walk down the 300 foot aisle carrying her bouquet, a mix of myrtle, lily-of-the-valley, sweet William, and hyacinth.
According to New York Magazine Middleton chose the Sarah Burton/McQueen dress “for the beauty of its craftsmanship and its respect for traditional workmanship and the technical construction of clothing.”
As for jewelry, Middleton wore Cartier’s “Halo” tiara from the 1930s, which was lent to her from the Queen, along with earrings, a wedding gift from the bride’s parents, designed by Robinson Pelham.
Kate’s sister Pippa, the maid of honor, also wore a floor-length McQueen and surprisingly, it was bridal-worthy ivory. The satin dress had a cowl front and was designed with the same button detail and lace trims as Middleton’s gown. Childrenswear designer Nicki Macfarlane designed the young bridesmaids’ dresses, each of which was handmade and finished with English Cluny lace. The four bridesmaids wore Mary Jane-style shoes made from satin and finished with a Swarovski crystal buckle by Rainbow Club. As a special touch the bridesmaids’ name and the wedding date, April 29, 2011, were both hand-embroidered onto the lining of each of the bridesmaids’ dresses.
Aside from the Kate Middleton wedding dress inspiring countless brides to wear long sleeve dresses, one thing is for sure, the upcoming Alexander McQueen exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute, which opens on May 4th, couldn’t have had better timing.
Catherine Middleton arriving with her father Michael Middleton; The Royal Wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton – Westminster Abbey London, England. image: Anthony Stanley/WENN
Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge; The Royal Wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton – The Mall Departures London, England – 29.04.11. image: Anthony Stanle/WENN
Prince William and Catherine Middleton kiss as husband and wife, The Royal Wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton – Buckingham Palace Balcony London, England – 29.04.11. image: WENN.com
Here are the best moments of the Royal Wedding, courtesy of cnn.com:
