Spectators all over the U.K. are anticipating the high fashion of Kate Middleton’s big day, and so is America.
This Friday, Kate Middleton will be deemed the greatest fashion icon of the decade, as she takes her vows with Prince William at Westminster Abbey.
This occasion, which has been called the first royal “Internet wedding,” will be aired on television all over the U.S. and follow the royal couple’s every move.
Unlike the American wedding tradition of wearing a pin or a flower, Middleton will be wearing a tiara, in the royal tradition. She may decide to borrow the Queen’s diamond tiara, The Russian
Fringe, worn by the Queen, the Queen’s mother, Queen Mary and the Princess Royal.
The Queen may choose to carry on the tradition of giving her daughter-in-law a tiara as a gift on the wedding day.
Or Middleton may choose one of Diana’s tiaras, which have been inherited by Prince William and Prince Harry.
Princess Diana’s favorite pearl drop tiara, The Cambridge Lover’s Knot, would be a perfect fit for the occasion, as pearls create a sophisticated yet youthful look for any bride.
Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, apparently objected to rumors about Middleton wanting to wear flowers in her hair at the wedding.
It is expected that Middleton will wear only her engagement ring, a tiara and possibly a pair of simple stud earrings. Royal elegance is based on the idea of simplicity and sophistication, rather than Hollywood glitz and glamour. Jewelry editor of British Vogue Carol Woolton stated, “…perhaps Middleton will start commissioning pieces herself. Jewellery lasts for generations — far longer than any dress. It could be her legacy.”
You can be sure that all eyes will be on Middleton’s dress of choice. Various designers have been aching to be the creator of “the dress,” but only one will be selected to present his or her masterpiece. Sophie Cranston’s label Libélula was showcased by Middleton at a wedding earlier this year. Though there have been rumors that the bride has given Cranston the honor of designing her dress, it seems that this may not be the case.
While most brides would leave her wedding wearing the same white gown in which they arrived, women of Royalty start out their married life in a stylish “going-awa
y outfit.”
In The Royal Wedding of 1981, the beloved Princess Diana kicked-off her new role as the “Royal trendsetter” in a shocking-pink David Sassoon suit. For something just as striking, Middleton could look to her rumored dress designer Alexander McQueen, the inimitable makings of Alice Temperley or the luxurious designs of Amanda Wakeley.
“These dresses look fresh and young,” states Laura Green of Catherine Walker as she suggests a floaty chiffon dress.
“Kate often wears a dress coat or short jacket over the top, which would smarten it up.”
Katherine Hooker would be just the girl for this job, unless Middleton prefers a limited-edition tailcoat from Moloh.
Designer Lisa Redman proposes a soft-red ensemble. “Perhaps a silk ziberline dress, with a petal-shaped skirt, pockets and defined waist.
An embellished cashmere cardigan over her shoulders and heels would finish off the look perfectly,” she says.
Maybe a flawlessly couture skirt suit would be Middleton’s surefire, as it has been the traditional going-away piece since the thirties.
With matching gloves and the perfect head-wear, this could be the perfect outfit to establish England’s newest Royal “fashionista.”
The grand honeymoon that Prince William has planned remains a secret from his bride-to-be.
But Middleton recently stopped by a few of her favorite stores on High Street, such as Banana Republic, Warehouse, LK Bennett and Whistles to purchase her getaway essentials.
From colorful printed dresses and white lace-trimmed smocks, to sleek evening staples, Middleton is loving the Warehouse summer collections.
Let’s hope that the Prince’s planned excursion accommodates his wife’s new wardrobe.
Tune in to national news channels this week to observe the pre-wedding festivities and get the first glimpse of Middleton’s dress on the big day.
The events will start around 11 a.m. in London (6 a.m. EST) on Friday.
So grab a cup of coffee and turn on the morning news.
Carolyn Hatch can be reached at cvhatch@spartans.ut.edu.