Getting tired of the Royal Wedding already? Too bad, because it is, as one person described it, the gift that keeps on giving, and we have almost five more months to go. In today’s monarchy news: fashion and travel, two things that normally go hand in hand in an elite set.
The announcement has been made, the date set, the engagement ring revealed, and the location chosen. However, there are still a few details that have been left for us to ponder, and one of the hottest items on the list is the bridal gown.
Although the betting books have been filling up in favor of Bruce Oldfield, a British designer who has previously dressed celebrities like Sienna Miller and Catherine Zeta-Jones, as well as being a favorite of Princess Diana. And while it seems like it’s a wrap for Oldfield, there’s nothing like a final hour change to keep things interesting.
Women’s Wear Daily, a fashion publication, has compiled a collection of sketches from some of the industry’s top designers, each one detailing how they would dress Prince William’s fiancé, Kate Middleton, on April 29th.
“On the royal wedding day, I envision Kate Middleton in a fresh, modern silhouette emphasizing her elegance and beauty in a youthful way,” designer Gilles Mendel, from J.Mendel offered up a beautiful design that maximizes material but minimizes volume, complete with a plunging vee neckline. Considering the restrictions of royal dress, especially a rule on no revealing clothing, it’s safe to say this is probably out of the running.
Monique Lhuillier, always a favorite celebrity brides, offered her two cents as well. “The royal wedding will be magical. Kate’s dress should be a modern mix of the traditional and contemporary,” she told the publication. Her vision pairs a voluminous skirt, devoid of her signature ruffles, with a sleek figure hugging top.
But easily one of the most stunning visions came from Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli, the minds over at Valentino. “We designed a ‘blossoming’ dress because we imagined her as a new Botticellian Venus,” the designers said of their gown.
Meanwhile, the travel industry has decided to focus more on the masses, rather than the bride. In an effort to boost tourism, many travel agencies and airlines are offering for the week of April 29th. British Royal Airways has a three night stay and round trip from New York available for as little as $819, but Go-Today.com is offering a 6 night stay and round trip from New York package for $1,099, obviously the better deal.