Despite being hailed last week as a bigger style icon than Lady Gaga or Cheryl Cole, Kate’s had her detractors. No, she doesn’t always get it right but on April 29th Kate Middleton could finally silence her sartorial critics with a show-stopping dress that proves she really has got her finger on the fashion pulse.
I asked stylist and personal shopper Bronagh Duffy from Stylish Shopper (who has dressed royalty in her past!) for some thoughts on what Kate and the bridal party could be stepping out in.
As for the actual dress itself Bronagh has some ideas based on what’s hot right now: “One shoulder dresses are huge at the moment for brides but Kate will have to keep her shoulders covered in the Abbey so it's unlikely she will go down that road. But if I was to put a bet on, I would put my money on seeing at least some on-trend ruffles or feathers as part of her ensemble as her dress is bound to be elaborate. If Kate wants to be daring, there is a big trend for kneelength dresses, but that would be a real break from tradition! So let’s see…”
I had to ask about the designer, everyone has a thought on who it could be! Bronagh has a think: “Don’t forget this is the most important wedding dress since Diana's and it has to be right. Designers like Oscar de la Renta and Monique Lhuillier are known for their elaborate styles but I assume she will choose a British designer. There's been a lot of speculation that it will be McQueen but I think that's unlikely for the big dress, although possibly Sarah Burton for McQueen is making her a dress for the evening celebrations? I think Phillipa Lepley, Alice Temperley or Jenny Packham are more serious contenders”. Now I wore a Packham design for my own wedding so I’d love for Kate to do the same!
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What about accessories? Because as we all know if clothes maketh the man, then surely jewels maketh the woman? Bronagh continues: “Kate won't arrive at Westminster in a tiara, as the tradition is that she only gets the jewels after the ceremony. Rumour has it that Philip Treacy is designing a headpiece for her arrival at the Abbey, although fingers crossed it won’t be one of her notorious fascinators!”
All eyes will be on Kate’s mum to make sure she doesn’t make a sartorial mistake so let’s have a think about what Carole will be wearing. Mother’s of the Bride traditionally look terrible so I asked Bronagh how could she get it right? “Bright colours are finally back in fashion again, as is colour blocking which could be a good option. However, if I was Carole Middleton I think I'd go for monochrome, black and white always looks great in photos and really doesn't date in the way that colourful styles can. One tip I would give Mrs Middleton is to stay demure and sophisticated - this is not a day to take a style risk!” I couldn’t agree more, no one wants to upstage the bride – least of all her own mother…
What about the little darlings who’ll also be skipping up the aisle? No, not William and Harry! The Bridesmaids. Bronagh says: “Embellishments such as feathers, frills and lace are big news at the moment. Even stripes or polka dots would look really fresh. I think we've also moved on from dressing bridesmaids identically so don't be surprised if they are in dresses of the same colour and fabric but in different styles.”
Whatever dress Kate decides to wear it would be advisable for her to consider a material that doesn’t crease. In these days of huge TVs and High-Definition viewing every crumple and crinkle will be on show.
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