By Stacey Gualandi
Could this stunning Alexander McQueen wedding dress featured in a story in the Telegraph.co.uk be a possible sneak peek of what Kate Middleton might wear down the aisle April 29th? The fashion house’s creative director Sarah Burton presented her autumn/winter 2011 collection Tuesday at Paris Fashion Week, and if the rumors are true, this designer may be making a royal couture coup.
Official Portrait for the Engagement of Prince William and Miss Catherine Middleton by Mario Testino c. 2010
While all other dress details remain under lock and key, London papers reported this week – with strong denials – that the edgy, quirky, up-and-coming designer was chosen for the coveted commission: to create the most-anticipated wedding dress of the 21st century!!
Sarah Burton, 2010
Of course, last century’s royal wedding gown, worn by the late Princess Diana in 1981, will not be soon forgotten. While royal watchers waste no time pursuing more secret details of Kate’s dress, the most famous dress in the world, a one-of-a-kind, David and Elizabeth Emanuel design with a 25 foot train, is on display in Kansas City. It’s been 30 years since the world watched Diana tie the knot.
The exhibit “Diana: A Celebration”, a showcase of Diana’s life, opened March 4 at Union Station and will remain there through the April 29th Royal Wedding of Kate and Prince William. When it was uncrated in Cleveland below, it was more challenging to display the dress than it was for Diana to wear it!
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jN8ODiAXY64]
Speculation swirling around “all-things-royal” is certainly having its influence on brides this side of the pond. Angie Kalayjian is the co-owner of Jobyna’s Bridal, the exclusive boutique for Ines Di Santo wedding gowns in North America. It is their mission, she says, to turn a bride-to-be’s vision into reality.
“There is definitely a high level of curiosity. It’s really entertainment. We’re fascinated with the tradition and the logistics of what it actually takes to do one of these weddings. We’ve had girls who’ve wanted 30 foot trains and beyond!”
And do brides want to feel like royalty? Angie thinks so.
“Many of us wish that in some way, we were a part of that royalty. For each bride, on their significant day, they want to feel that way. When the bride-to-be walks in to our boutique, they know they can have a one-of-a-kind look that’s completely theirs.”
Stacey hosting the POP event
I wanted to renew my own vows after hosting “POP! The Bridal Event” at the Americana at Brand in Glendale, CA. Produced by Cobalt Events, this was a one-stop-shopping experience for future brides to meet wedding industry leaders.
I even felt like a princess introducing Angie and co-owner Isabella Mardirossian’s stunning fashion show featuring the “elegantly crafted silhouettes and the very shapely, sexy, sophisticated signature looks” of Ines Di Santo gowns.
In fact, a Di Santo “Jimena” gown will be at the center of a wedding on an upcoming episode of “My Fair Wedding” on WE tv. Angie says the bride always wanted her own royal wedding, but couldn’t afford it. Thanks to the show, she got her wish!
The "Jimena" Dress
And speaking of cost, Diana’s dress was worth $1700 in 1981. Today? Priceless. As for soon-to-be Princess Kate, we only have to wait a few more weeks to see this modern day princess.
But Angie says, even in this economy, fabulous can trump finances, frugality, and fiscal responsibility.
“Couples will make sacrifices financially and do what they will have to do,” she says. “So even in tough times, marriage always prevails.”
In case you haven’t seen enough of these incredible gowns, take a look…
Even the evening dresses were out of this world…
This gown was one you couldn’t forget…
Looks like a good time was had by all!
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