It’s been one of the most anticipated ‘reveals’ of the royal wedding set for this April, and with just over a month left, the question of who will design the royal wedding gown just got a new name added to the list. Although it has long been rumored that Bruce Oldfield had gotten the job, Sarah Burton has suddenly come through as the front runner.
Burton, a one-time protégé of popular fashion designer Alexander McQueen, has become his successor at the company since his death in February of last year. Rumors exploded onto the internet this weekend when the label’s Chief Executive, Jonathan Akeroyd, reportedly told a colleague that the label had secured the most coveted commission of the century.
Although Akeroyd has since denied the rumors, Oldfield, once considered a shoe-in to design Kate Middleton’s gown due to his relationship with her fiancé Prince William’s late mother, Princess Diana, seems to be out; and Burton seems to be in.
Middleton is rumored to have been drawn to the designer after the 2005 wedding of William’s step-brother, Tom Parker Bowles and Sara Buys.
Buys, who writes for Harpers Bazaar, wore a modern silk, strapless gown by Burton, and has been said to have been advising Middleton, given her knowledge on fashion design.
The wedding dress for the big day is the last surprise left to be revealed to the public, after previously releasing the engagement ring details, venue, parade route, and reception plans, however it is coincidentally the one people are clamoring for the most. Although as rumors and speculations continue to swirl, royal aides are keeping their lips sealed.
“Catherine wants to keep her dress and designer a secret until the day of the wedding,” one aide to reporters. “The details are top secret.”
For years it was McQueen who put together the theatric designs, which the label had become known for, however it has long been reported that Burton, as his right hand man, made sure the designs were wearable for modern women. That, coupled with her British background, makes her the more believable choice to design Middleton’s gown.
After all, she has long been described as just a modern girl who fell in love with a prince.