Catherine Middleton's Wedding Dress

[Mia_mae]

Maybe if she was married in something like this or a burka people would stop talking.
http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_ll2dhsS9vP1qhxmqwo1_400.jpg

This lady, Isabelle, Kate's dress is more like hers than Grace, fosho, but I very much doubt , Catherine knows her existence . I'm a royalist follower I didn't have any idea who she was. Also, no hard feelings but her design looks cheap, specially the lace. pity! for a face like that.

 

[Al_bina]

Both dresses in question might be viewed as an interpretation of the dress worn by the late Grace, Princess of Monaco. Unlike the modern brides, the late Grace, Princess of Monaco, had an ethereal aristocratic beauty unspoilt by surgical enhancements as in the case of Isabella, Princess de Ligne, or plebeian tan as in case of Duchess of Cambridge.

 

[Mia_mae]

I must admit, even if I really don't approve (like she needs it!) her weight lost, it actually "didn't harm" her in that wedding gown at all!
That bodice with lace can be tricky for someone with a fuller figure. But she was able to be classy still.

 

[IloveCP]

Im glad she didnt go for such a long train.What do you think about REALLY long trains?Would you do it?

 

[Skippy]

Both dresses in question might be viewed as an interpretation of the dress worn by the late Grace, Princess of Monaco. Unlike the modern brides, the late Grace, Princess of Monaco, had an ethereal aristocratic beauty unspoilt by surgical enhancements as in the case of Isabella, Princess de Ligne, or plebeian tan as in case of Duchess of Cambridge.

And how do you know that? I find that that comes across as if you feel lofty

 

[Jacknch]

How on earth can it be possible that opinions on whether or not two wedding dresses are similar/copied/an interpretation of the one worn by Princess Grace suddenly result in unkind and frankly unneccessary comparisons between the natural beauty of Princess Grace and the (apparently) un-natural look of the Duchess of Cambridge. Yes, Princess Grace was an amazingly and naturally beautiful woman and yes her dress was a unique masterpiece that no copy could ever emulate. So could we not be content with those facts, without maligning the future British queen?

 

[KittyAtlanta]

The dress is beautiful but you have to have her body to carry it. Unfortunately that's not my case.

I couldn't wear Pippa's dress in a million years!

However, I do believe that Kate's gown design could be worn by brides of all heights and weights (even into plus sizing). Very versatile design.

 

[Mia_mae]

Yes, agree Kitty. The that bodice V neck is a great asset for any size, especially if you are bigger. Just the lace has to be well done.

there is clearly a structure under the dress and it's one of the thing I most like it. It made her proportions really nice, giving a Victorian look to it. If the dress gets to be in display I hope to see how it "works"!

 

[Mirabel]

No matter what style Kate had chosen, someone would compare it to someone else's dress.
How can anything be completely original when fashion has been in existence for centuries?

Kate selected a beautiful, appropriate dress and looked wonderful wearing it, imo. What does it matter how many other lace dresses are in existence?

 

[KittyAtlanta]

Yes, agree Kitty. The that bodice V neck is a great asset for any size, especially if you are bigger. Just the lace has to be well done.

there is clearly a structure under the dress and it's one of the thing I most like it. It made her proportions really nice, giving a Victorian look to it. If the dress gets to be in display I hope to see how it "works"!

I agree, Mia. It's always fascinating to go behind fashion to see the mechanics. The gown fit Kate so well, I wonder if it was a true couture creation where the cloth was cut on her body without a pattern.

 

[Sister Morphine]

Both dresses in question might be viewed as an interpretation of the dress worn by the late Grace, Princess of Monaco. Unlike the modern brides, the late Grace, Princess of Monaco, had an ethereal aristocratic beauty unspoilt by surgical enhancements as in the case of Isabella, Princess de Ligne, or plebeian tan as in case of Duchess of Cambridge.

Plebeian tan? Now granted my knowledge of ancient Rome isn't what it should be, but weren't the plebes basically the lower class? Are you trying to say that if a woman has a tan, whether naturally from the sun or from a spray nozzle, she's lower-class? I think that's a rather insulting to thing to say about someone, if true, regardless of whether she's the future Queen or your next-door neighbor.

There's no questioning that the late Princess Grace was a beautiful woman, but having a tan, does not make a person ugly or less beautiful.

 

[grammas26]

I thought the V neck was ok (if a little low IMHO). I had one on my wedding dress, way way back when they usually came with sleeves of some sort or kind, strapless was very daring way way back then! I thought the Duchess was beautiful in her own way and as long as HRH thinks that as well, who are we to argue??

 

[Humera]

Maybe if she was married in something like this or a burka people would stop talking.
http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_ll2dhsS9vP1qhxmqwo1_400.jpg

This lady, Isabelle, Kate's dress is more like hers than Grace, fosho, but I very much doubt , Catherine knows her existence . I'm a royalist follower I didn't have any idea who she was. Also, no hard feelings but her design looks cheap, specially the lace. pity! for a face like that.

I really don't see how the example of the link above fits into this. Or is that supposed to be a put down of south asian brides who wear red wedding dresses?

The comparisons between the wedding dresses should be taken as just that, comparisons. I don't think most people, including the press, are suggesting Catherine copied someone else's dress. Why on earth would a bride in her position do that? Some of the other royal brides, like Marie of Denmark, for example, had their wedding dresses compared to Grace Kelly's and so on. In fact many royal brides have worn similar dresses, not because they were copying each other but because they usually stick to the same traditional and classic designs.

 

[charlottestreasures]

I wonder what would have happened if Catherine showed up in
her sister's gown as her wedding gown!!!!!

I find the more you see of Catherine's wedding gown, the more beautiful it appears. Such details even the back is amazing.

 

[Mia_mae]

I really don't see how the example of the link above fits into this. Or is that supposed to be a put down of south asian brides who wear red wedding dresses?

The comparisons between the wedding dresses should be taken as just that, comparisons. I don't think most people, including the press, are suggesting Catherine copied someone else's dress. Why on earth would a bride in her position do that? Some of the other royal brides, like Marie of Denmark, for example, had their wedding dresses compared to Grace Kelly's and so on. In fact many royal brides have worn similar dresses, not because they were copying each other but because they usually stick to the same traditional and classic designs.

What? no, I'm not trying to put down anyone else' culture. What I was trying to say it's that if she had appeard is something so completely different from what was speculated, then we could actually say "What a Surprise! This is totally different from what I expected and totally new to RF" . Sorry for not using the right term, but I am not aware of the actual name of the traditional Indian bridal gowns.

anyways, I recently saw a video of Tim Gunn saying that for a moment he considered that Catherine's dress would be much like the one used by Pippa, since she so often chose clean designs, so I cannot tell you how pleased I was once she went into that car and some lace could be seen . Watching a BBC video of her arriving at WA and finally revealing the dress and dress' designer, one of the guest correspondent reactions was similar to mine, yeay!!! I always laugh when I re-watched it!

 

[RubyPrincess168]

No matter what style Kate had chosen, someone would compare it to someone else's dress.
How can anything be completely original when fashion has been in existence for centuries? Kate selected a beautiful, appropriate dress and looked wonderful wearing it, imo. What does it matter how many other lace dresses are in existence?

Here, HERE! First it was Grace Kelly's dress, then some woman who got married in the 1950s, then an Italien-Belgian princess, then some Wash. DC socialite who claims to have purchased the dress at Kleinfield's in NYC in 1991. So it's a very classic style that's been around the block a few times! It's what Kate wanted! Why should we take that away from her? She looked good/her best on her wedding day which is what every woman strives for.

 

[tea-n-tiaras]

Great comparison photos of Isabella Orsini and Catherine's dress, the similarity is indeed striking: (more so than with Grace Kelly's dress which had a completely different neckline and waist)

The striking similarity between Kate's Royal wedding dress and gown worn by Berlusconi's Princess goddaughter | Mail Online

Despite all the copycat claims, I don't think Catherine's dress was a copy. It was beautiful but I'm surprised that Sarah Burton did not come up with anything a bit more original. I guess Catherine must really have been keen on the design.

This post had a great comparison of Orsini's dress and Catherine's. I do not see this as a copycat dress, however I do think the comparison illustrates what in my opinion is the greatest detractor to Catherine's wedding gown. ----Her veil and hairstyle.---- This neckline looks better if it is not covered in long hair. Her long hair detracts from the beauty of the gown in my opinion. It competes/fights with the neckline. A higher neckline is pointless if it can't be seen. She really should have worn it up. Other examples to compare would be Princess Maxima's, Princess Margaret's, and Princess Anne's dresses. The necklines are not in competition with HAIR.
I really think Catherine's hair is pretty when down as it was the day of her engagement annnouncement, but I did not see the point of half up and half down. I think William would have "recognized" her with hair up or down!

Also, her veil was too limp. It had no body and made her silhouette flat on top. - Not attractive. The tulle needed more body and/or maybe to be gathered. There was no height. Once the veil/blusher was flipped back behind her head it practically disappeared. It might as well have been nonexistent. Lastly, the veil was too short. It should have been longer to extend the line from the top of her head to connect with the line of the dress. It was a weird length. It looks like an informal veil combined with formal gown. Also, a long veil also adds drama and PRESENCE.

That to me was the factor that kept her wedding gown from having a WOW effect. The whole hair/veil arrangement and design was just too informal and FLAT for the occasion.

But, no one consulted me. LOL

 

[Daphoenyx]

the greatest detractor to Catherine's wedding gown. ----Her veil and hairstyle.---- This neckline looks better if it is not covered in long hair. Her long hair detracts from the beauty of the gown in my opinion. It competes/fights with the neckline. A higher neckline is pointless if it can't be seen. She really should have worn it up. [...] Also, her veil was too limp. It had no body and made her silhouette flat on top. - Not attractive. The tulle needed more body and/or maybe to be gathered. There was no height. Once the veil/blusher was flipped back behind her head it practically disappeared.

I totally agree with you!! Hair and veil were the things that prevented me saying "WOW" to the whole ensemble. You explained it very well

 

[KittyAtlanta]

I doubt that anyone looked at William's feet, but did you notice he was wearing spurs? Love the detail.

 

[Skippy]

I doubt that anyone looked at William's feet, but did you notice he was wearing spurs? Love the detail.

I noticed, it gives a very regal feeling to me.

 

[Daria_S]

I didn't notice Wills' spurs until my grandmother pointed them out to me. I thought it was very regal indeed. The whole event had a fairy tale-like feeling and atmosphere to it.

 

[abcdxyz]

A very similar dress if not exact but for the lace. Well, fashion IMO will always stay the same and come back round form previous years therefore designs will never change much.

Copy Kate! Washington fashionista says Kate Middleton ripped off her wedding gown

Read more: Clare Cushman | Kate Middleton | The Daily Caller

There's another lady in Australia who says that Kate's dress was very similar to hers which she wore in 1954 and that it was made by her next-door neighbor.

CNN.com - Breaking News, U.S., World, Weather, Entertainment & Video News

 

[XeniaCasaraghi]

Bonjour,
I'm new here and decided to jump in on the comments about Kate's dress. I adored the dress, especially the little details about it (like the embroidery at the bottom) and thought she looked so beautiful and regal. It is definitely a step up from Diana's monstrosity in 1981. The train was modest and so beautiful while she was walking down the aisle. The only thing I could complain about is: a) the heavy eyeliner b) the bump at the top of her head c) the train stopping short from going all the way down the stairs while she was standing at the alter (but that is just me nitpicking)

 

[XeniaCasaraghi]

I was prepared for an understated wedding because the press had said that the two were mindful of the economic times and they are not about flash anyway. I thought the dress was beautiful, elegant, and timeless. I feel like the Mrs. Eltons of the world just don't understand what this wedding was about and how much even I as an American appreciated the beautiful simplicity of the entire thing and that they remaimed true to their selves and thought about their subjects while planning.

It seemed so intimate and Kate looked amazing. I even loved her evening gown. The white sweater added seemed so beautiful. White on white on white! I loved it. And I liked Pippa too. Her dress suited her figure and she was an excellent maid of honor!

I recall hearing somewhere that if this was their dream wedding, William and Kate would have liked it to be small. So I wasn't expecting Prince Diana's and Sarah Ferguson's over the top 80s dresses. I think Kate's dress screamed "this is MY day" and it was more about the marriage and intimacy of giving yourself to another person for the rest of your life. Yes her dress was breathtaking, the color, the style, the little details, the veil, the train...but it wasn't a dress that consumed and dominated the bride nor took away from her. That is not the type of person Kate seems to be, and even if the economy was fantastic, I can't see her wearing an over the top dress that won't age very well.

 

[dazzling]

The dress was very Kate, I was not expecting something over the top or a 20meter train behind her. She seemed to stay to what she is and not change it no matter how big the celebration was going to be.

 

[HRHduchesskate]

I'm surprised to hear that Kate is being accused of copying Isabelle Orsini's wedding dress, They are obviously very different. I guess with good press comes the negative comments.
Adored the dress!

 

[XeniaCasaraghi]

Ugh, I noticed Wills spurs and Harry had them as well. Good gracious that was just bad. Just looking at their feet and it seemed like they had just stepped out of a bad western.

 

[Sister Morphine]

Those aren't the same kind of spurs that cowboys in the Wild, Wild West wore on their boots. These are different, and traditional to the uniforms that they wore. Remember, back in the old days, you rode horses, not airplanes.

 

[Myself1995]

I don't think the dress was copied by anyone - the style is a common one for brides, I have an aunt that was married in one that was similar. What made Kate's so pretty was the hand embroidery - I was watching the interview with the women who worked on it. As for Grace Kelly's, while it was pretty, it was designed by Helen Rose, wardrobe designer at MGM. The MGM wardrobe department made the wedding dress as a gift from MGM. At the time she was tied to an MGM contract for another 7 years. To get out of her 7 year contract with MGM Grace Kelly had to agree to the wedding being filmed by MGM for worldwide distribution. She later said she regretted the filming intruding on her wedding day. She supposedly didn't care too much for her dress.

I didn't notice the spurs, either - now I'll have to look back at the pictures and see if I can see them. Does anyone have a good picture with them in it?

 

[Osipi]

I don't think the dress was copied by anyone - the style is a common one for brides, I have an aunt that was married in one that was similar. What made Kate's so pretty was the hand embroidery - I was watching the interview with the women who worked on it. As for Grace Kelly's, while it was pretty, it was designed by Helen Rose, wardrobe designer at MGM. The MGM wardrobe department made the wedding dress as a gift from MGM. At the time she was tied to an MGM contract for another 7 years. To get out of her 7 year contract with MGM Grace Kelly had to agree to the wedding being filmed by MGM for worldwide distribution. She later said she regretted the filming intruding on her wedding day. She supposedly didn't care too much for her dress.

I didn't notice the spurs, either - now I'll have to look back at the pictures and see if I can see them. Does anyone have a good picture with them in it?

As she stepped out of the car we knew what the dress was. On initial reaction a lot would have gone 'oooh just like Grace' or 'i wore something very like that back when... ' To be honest, the first thing i was looking for was lace and the second thing the neckline. i'd predicted she'd do demure like Maria in the sound of music. She did.
it was a lot like Grace's until we find out later what thought went into the dress and the lace. i have heard several time that a piece of lace from one of Diana's old dress was sewn into it. But not much about it after that so i put it to the tabloids making a story.

The dress was uniquely Kate. Her dress suited the venue but it also gave the illusion of a less formal bride with the fingertip veil. She knew what she was doing.