If you were among the millions watching the nuptials of Prince William and Kate Middleton, you got an eyeful of fashion – along with the view of a new royal couple who actually look happy together. The wedding day of the current Duke and Duchess of Cambridge was what one commentator dubbed, “A fantastic day for British fashion.”
"It is exciting that this many people around the world are this excited about fashion," said Sarah Collins, associate chair of fashion for the Savannah College of Art and Design. "It is a funny thing. It just goes to show the power of fashion."
While waiting for the big reveal of Middleton’s gown and her walk down the longest red carpet ever, the world saw designs ranging from avant garde Vivienne Westwood to historic fashion house Burberry, represented in the crowd.
"You saw a lot of just one color," Collins said. "Bold fuchsia, all yellow or all blue."
And with scarcely a bare head in the house (even Middleton’s female bodyguard wore a chapeau), Irish milliner Philip Treacy, responsible for almost 30 hats, had a very busy week.
"I saw a lot of the younger women wearing hats and fascinators in this off-kilter way... not just in the traditional Queen mum way," Collins said. "I hope it does spark a trend in hats and millinery wear."
Among the 1,900 wedding guests, standout style included Victoria Beckham sporting a midnight blue sheath of her own design, which skimmed her growing baby bump. Samantha Cameron, wife of British Prime Minister David Cameron, wore a teal body skimming Burberry shift and was among the few women who opted to go hatless. While Miriam Clegg, an attorney and wife of Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, wore a hat with a bright orange flower paired with a dress of black netting covered in Swiss dots.
Prince William opted to wear the tunic of the Irish Guards, for which he holds the honorary rank of Colonel, while the men in attendance, dressed in three piece suits – some with morning coats, were mostly traditional with the exception of Elton John, who added a yellow vest and purple tie.
What the wedding party wore:
The Bride: Kate Middleton
Designer: As predicted, Middleton wore a gown designed by Sarah Burton, creative director of Alexander McQueen (founder Lee Alexander McQueen died last year of suicide).
The details: Less voluminous than Princess Diana's giant '80s dress (despite padding at the hips for the appearance of a smaller waist), the dress is ivory and white satin gazar with a bodice and skirt featuring hand-cut English lace and French Chantilly lace. The train measures almost nine feet long and the veil, of ivory silk tulle with a trim of hand-embroidered flowers, was held in place by a Cartier "halo" tiara, on loan to Middleton from Queen Elizabeth II, who received the tiara from her mother on her 18th birthday. Middleton's earrings by Robinson Pelham were inspired by the Middleton family's new coat of arms and were a gift from her parents.
Collins was surprised that Middleton's gown was from the fashion house known for its avant garde design. "Diana’s dress was so over the top and stunning, this is stunning in a very classic way. I never would have thought it was a McQueen," Collins said.
Maid of Honor: Philippa Middleton
Designer: Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen
The details: Ignoring the tradition of leaving white to the bride, Pippa Middleton wore a body conscious ivory satin-based crepe gown, with a cowl front, cap sleeves and button detail down the back.
Mother of the Bride: Carole Middleton
Designer: Catherine Walker, a favorite designer of the late Princess Diana.
The details: A pale blue suit with white piping on the shawl collar.
Stepmother of the Groom: Camilla Parker Bowles, The Duchess of Cornwall
Designer: Anna Valentine
The details: Champagne-colored shantung silk dress and matching tailored coat with high collar, box pleat and hip detail. She added a Philip Treacy hat and Jimmy Choo shoes.
Grandmother of the Groom: Queen Elizabeth II
Designer: Angela Kelly
The details: The sky looked overcast, but the Queen grandmum brought the sunshine with her primrose crepe wool dress with hand-sewn beading at the neckline. A diamond brooch adorned her matching coat while her matching hat featured silk roses. She added pearls, white gloves and a white handbag.
