Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Royal Couture for a Royal Engagement.

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Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel

How many little girls dream of having a fairy tale wedding? Walking down the aisle in a Lagerfeld-designed couture wedding gown while spectators are in complete awe of your beauty. Your train is perhaps thirty-feet behind you as you gracefully step up to the alter in your Chanel heels. Well, with Buckingham Palace's festive announcement of the royal engagement between Britain's Prince William and long-time girlfriend, Kate Middleton, it seems the bride-to-be will experience nothing less than a fairy tale ceremony. Today, Women's Wear Daily unveiled couture sketches of wedding gowns with designs ranging from Chanel's very own Karl Lagerfeld to the inimitable and renowned wedding styles of New York's Vera Wang. Universally understood as the focal point for any wedding ceremony is the bride's dress, so a design fit for a princess is paramount. From Victorian-inspired gowns to modern silhouettes, countless designers from across the globe have submitted design sketches for the regal event, but only one will be chosen. Ladies and gentlemen, if you were Ms. Kate Middleton, which gown would you select? Oh, decisions, decisions, decisions!

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Lela Rose

“Kate tends to wear a very elegant and clean silhouette, so I think the lines of this dress would suit her style. The understated tiers play up her youthful and romantic appeal.” — Lela Rose


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Vera Wang

“...The tradition of intricate hand-pieced lacework in the high-necked bodice with elbow-length sleeves, together with the voluminous skirt of a mixture of stiff and soft silk tulle, feels regal, yet poetic.” — Vera Wang


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Prabal Gurung (My favorite of all 30 sketches as it's very Dior. Cinched waist, tight bodice, with an abundance of fabric... New Look, anyone?)

“The look is regal with respect for the heritage of the royal family but represents what modern Europe is all about.” — Prabal Gurung


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Alberta Ferretti
“...In Kate I see the natural, radiant and self-confident attitude of today’s girls. For this, I can’t help but think of an embroidered, fluid-silhouette dress in precious fabrics that will help her make an everlasting impression.” — Alberta Ferretti

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Frida Giannini for Gucci

“I admire the balance Kate Middleton strikes between elegant and contemporary with her unmistakable style. For her, I had in mind clean lines, soft shapes and classic touches such as the boat neckline and distinctive train.” — Frida Giannini, Gucci


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Peter Copping for Nina Ricci

“Light as a feather, layers of lace and organza…a dress fit for a princess.” — Peter Copping, Nina Ricci


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Valentino

“We designed a ‘blossoming’ dress because we imagined her as a new Botticellian Venus.” — Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli, Valentino


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Rebecca Taylor (Another favorite simply as it's a reinterpretation of the effortlessly elegant, Christian Dior-invented, classic A-line dress.)
“The A-line silhouette of this dress is elegant and sophisticated, similar to Kate’s style, but the floral appliqués and corset top add a youthful feel. Fit for young royalty.” — Rebecca Taylor

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