Since weddings and engagements are our sport of choice, which makes the Royal wedding on April 29th kind of like our Super Bowl, and the weekly teases of information released by the Royal organizers only builds anticipation. In this edition of the Royal update is a sneak peek at Middleton’s gown, and the lasting effects of Royal traditions.
Bruce Oldfield, the designer favored to be creating Middleton’s wedding gown, was on Good Morning America this week, where he spoke a little bit about his involvement and a lot more about his predictions; namely sleeves.
Whatever style the gown will turn out to be, there will be very little exposed flesh, Oldfield shared, claiming that tradition and her new position dictates that it must.
“I’m sure the dress is going to be modest in terms of coverage – it has to be. It will have sleeves, it has to have sleeves,” Oldfield predicted. “You can’t walk down Westminster Abbey in a strapless dress. It just wouldn’t happen. It has to suit the grandeur of that aisle, it’s enormous.”
Oldfield, a favorite of celebrities like Sienna Miller and Catherine Zeta-Jones, neither confirmed nor denied if he was the chosen one this time around, but is familiar with royal protocol, due to his work with Prince William’s late mother, Princess Diana.
“(Whatever) happens, there’s going to be a sharp intake of breath, ‘Shhh – oh my God, what is she wearing’ or, ‘Oh, doesn’t she look fabulous,” he said.
He further predicted the necessity of two gowns for the day, the show stopper for the ceremony and ensuing procession, and a second for the reception to be hosted by her future father-in-law, Prince Charles.
In an effort to dodge specifics, the fashion designer could not have been more complimentary of the future Princess.
“Whatever she wears, she is going to look great because she is gorgeous. She’s slim, she’s elegant, she is aware of herself. When you see her moving, she is not a shy, shrinking violet. But she is a normal, ordinary girl who happens to have bagged the big one.”
Indeed, whatever she wears, it is almost certain to influence bridal styles in the year to follow, as each Royal wedding has since Queen Victoria wore all white for her wedding in 1840. Before her walk down the aisle, brides did not necessarily wear white for the big day, however the tradition has since become a bridal staple.
Middleton herself has already had a similar effect, boosting the sales of sapphires worldwide after Prince William proposed with his mother’s engagement ring. The dress she wore for their engagement announcement similarly flew off the designer’s rack, cementing Middleton’s place as a fashion icon.