A moment in fashion history
The world watched as Kate Middleton traveled to Westminster Abbey in a glass-enclosed car. With anticipation we caught glimpses of the elegant neckline and long lace sleeves. As she stepped to the church doors, we were blown away with her fairytale gown that effortlessly married simplicity with regality. Chantilly lace combined with hand-cut English lace adorned the rich ivory satin. The fine silk tulle veil accentuated her stately beauty.
The official website for the royal wedding states that “Miss Middleton wished for her dress to combine tradition and modernity.” This instant classic dress designed by Alexander McQueen’s Sarah Burton has accomplished just that. It is said to have set a turning point in current bridal fashion. At “New York’s Bridal Fashion Week, lace sleeves were a big trend and designers cited the royal wedding and Kate Middleton as their inspiration.” Brides across the globe are now dreaming of their own princess-like gowns. For those of us who sew, this dress gives a burning inspiration to create the beautiful. Here are just a few exciting sewing patterns that we feel best represent today’s new bridal fashion.
from Vogue Patterns are numbers 2970, 2842, and 2965.
From Marfy, an Italian company, are patterns 503, 500, and 533.
For more details on Kate’s dress checkout the official description at OfficialRoyalWedding2011.com
Kate's dress was stunning and these patterns are beautiful. I absolutely LOVED her choice of tiara and William's choice of bride. I wish them all the best and hope they can rise above the fray to bring dignity and grace back to the monarchy.
Hooray for getting away from strapless! So many brides are forced to squeeze into strapless gowns that aren't as flattering as they could be. Say no to the "toothpaste tube" look, and yes to gorgeous, slender, lacy sleeves.
FWIW, my 10-year-old daughter loved KM's dress, but said all her friends thought it wasn't fancy enough. I guess they should review the Charles and Di footage for a fix of puffy grandeur!
I found the most interesting part of the entire wedding bonanza, fashionwise, to be the hats. Wow! Good, bad, and just plain crazy.
I agree.. getting away from strapless is reason enough to cheer.. I waited with baited breath to see the dress! and heaved a HUGE sigh of relief when I saw it.. My DD has met the love of her life.. and I knew Kate's dress would influence the choice of dress she will have when they decide to get married.. Princess Diana's dress sadly influanced mine. I wanted the slender sleeve.. Kate's dress would have been perfect for me...LOL but there were none to be found.. when I married a year or so later they were all Diana "look.a.likes" I picked one of the least puffed sleeves I could find.. LOL but her dress is still so evedent in my dress. Kate's thank God is a classic style that will stand the test of time.. and how lovely to influence my daughter's dress.. YAY!!!
Princess Catherine's dress was so regal, and she was able to pull of the "1950s" look so authentically! The fitted bodice with darts and the bustle in back created the quintessential classic wedding gown.
Katrina
http://www.edelweisspatterns.com
Princess Kate's wedding dress was worth the anticipation. It was beautiful, elegent and sophisticated. I also thought her sister, Philipa, looked lovely.
It is so nice to see the "full" wedding gown coming back again.
So much is lost with the strapless wedding dress styles: all the detail and variations that can be played with in neckline and sleeves.
Kate's dress gave the illusion of a plunging neckline, but remained demurely modest and I love the lace effect of the bodice and sleeves. It really suited her.
Congratulations on her marriage and choice of gown.
Kate's gown suited her beautifully. As did her Bridesmaid, Pippa.