Deborah Chan
Kate Middleton wore two dresses on her wedding day. The first, designed by Sarah Burton at Alexander McQueen, was an ivory and lace long-sleeved gown with a nearly nine-foot train. The second, also by Burton for Alexander McQueen, was a white strapless satin gown with a full circle skirt and diamante detailing at the waist. This article will explore the design process and features of both dresses, as well as the impact they had on the world of bridal fashion.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wedding date | 29 April 2011 |
| Wedding venue | Westminster Abbey |
| Wedding dress designer | Sarah Burton |
| Wedding dress designer's role | Creative director of Alexander McQueen |
| Wedding dress fabric | English lace with floral motifs |
| Wedding dress bodice | Victorian-inspired corsetry |
| Wedding dress waist | Narrowed at the waist |
| Wedding dress skirt | Handmade lace appliqué, ivory silk tulle, satin gazar arches, intricate pleats |
| Wedding dress train | 2.7 metres or almost 9 feet |
| Wedding dress colour | White |
| Second wedding dress designer | Sarah Burton |
| Second wedding dress fabric | White satin |
| Second wedding dress neckline | Strapless |
| Second wedding dress waist | Diamante detailing |
| Second wedding dress shrug | White |
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What You'll Learn
- Kate Middleton's wedding dress designer was Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen
- The gown was crafted using traditional Carrickmacross lace-making techniques
- The dress was kept a secret from the groom and the public until the wedding day
- Burton also designed a second dress for the evening reception at Buckingham Palace
- The dress inspired bridal trends and was replicated by copycats around the world
Kate Middleton's wedding dress designer was Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen
Kate Middleton's wedding dress was designed by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen. Burton, who was the creative director of the luxury fashion house, had worked with the brand's founder, Lee Alexander McQueen, for 14 years before he took his own life in 2010. Burton joined the studio in 1996 as an intern and worked alongside McQueen for 12 years.
The dress, which Middleton wore when she married Prince William on 29 April 2011, was widely anticipated and generated much comment in the media. Replicas of the dress were produced and sold, and the original dress was on display at Buckingham Palace from 23 July 2011 until 3 October 2011 during the annual summer exhibition.
The gown featured French Chantilly lace and English Cluny lace throughout the bodice, skirt and underskirt. The flowing skirt, made of ivory and white satin gazar, was designed to emulate an opening flower. The lace appliqué on the skirt and bodice of the dress was handmade by the Royal School of Needlework, based at Hampton Court Palace. The dressmakers used the Carrickmacross lace-making technique, which originated in Ireland in the 1820s.
The bride chose the British house "for the beauty of its craftsmanship and its respect for traditional workmanship and the technical construction of clothing". Middleton wanted a wedding gown that combined "tradition and modernity with the artistic vision that characterises Alexander McQueen's work", the Palace said.
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The gown was crafted using traditional Carrickmacross lace-making techniques
The wedding dress worn by Catherine Middleton at her wedding to Prince William on April 29, 2011, was designed by Sarah Burton, the creative director of Alexander McQueen. The gown was handcrafted using traditional Carrickmacross lace-making techniques, with the lace appliqué on the skirt and bodice created by the Royal School of Needlework, based at Hampton Court Palace. This technique originated in Ireland in the 1820s, with hand-cut lace flowers, including roses, thistles, daffodils, and shamrocks, individually stitched onto ivory silk tulle. The lace appliqué on the train, stretching almost nine feet, was also crafted using this traditional technique.
The choice of the Carrickmacross lace-making technique added a layer of historical significance to the gown. This technique, with its intricate lace flowers, is a testament to the artistry and craftsmanship that has been perfected over centuries. The lace appliqué, with its delicate floral motifs, not only contributed to the aesthetic beauty of the dress but also symbolized the monarchy's next era, combining tradition and modernity.
The process of creating the lace for the gown was meticulous and labor-intensive. The Royal School of Needlework, a team of skilled embroiderers, played a crucial role in bringing the design to life. They employed various techniques, including hand-cutting each lace flower individually before carefully stitching them onto the silk tulle. The team also maintained strict standards of cleanliness, with seamstresses washing their hands every 30 minutes to protect the pristine lace and threads. Additionally, needles were renewed regularly to ensure they remained sharp and clean, contributing to the overall exquisite craftsmanship of the gown.
The Carrickmacross lace-making technique used in the creation of Kate Middleton's wedding dress has left a lasting impact on bridal fashion. The intricate lacework and floral motifs have influenced bridal styles, with many brides incorporating similar elements into their gowns. The choice of this traditional technique by a member of royalty has further emphasized its elegance and timeless appeal, solidifying its place in the history of iconic wedding dresses.
The gown's craftsmanship extended beyond the intricate lacework. The dress featured a bodice inspired by Victorian corsetry, narrowing at the waist and padded shoulders. The skirt, designed to echo an opening flower, was crafted with white satin gazar arches and intricate pleats, adding to the overall elegance and uniqueness of the design. The combination of traditional lacework, modern elements, and meticulous attention to detail resulted in a gown that has become a source of inspiration for brides worldwide.
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The dress was kept a secret from the groom and the public until the wedding day
The wedding dress worn by Catherine Middleton at her wedding to Prince William on 29 April 2011 was designed by Sarah Burton, the creative director of Alexander McQueen. Burton and her team at McQueen designed not only the bride's two ensembles but also the maid of honour gown worn by Middleton's sister, Pippa.
> "It's Miss Middleton's intention to keep the dress a secret for her bridegroom on their wedding day, as is every bride's prerogative."
The dressmakers also took steps to maintain secrecy. Dressmaker Mandy Ewing recalled:
> "We had net curtains up and cleaners were not allowed into the room and the code on the door was changed. The dress was all in the news, but nobody knew who was doing it."
Burton even signed a confidentiality agreement, keeping the news from her parents until the night before the wedding.
The dress was finally revealed when Middleton stepped from her car to enter Westminster Abbey just before the wedding ceremony. The gown was widely anticipated and generated much comment in the media. Replicas were quickly produced and sold, and the original dress went on display at Buckingham Palace from 23 July 2011 until 3 October 2011.
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Burton also designed a second dress for the evening reception at Buckingham Palace
Kate Middleton wore two dresses on her wedding day. The first was a handcrafted English lace gown with a floral motif commemorating Great Britain, designed by Sarah Burton, the creative director of Alexander McQueen. The second dress, also designed by Burton, was a white strapless satin gown with a full circle skirt and diamante detailing at the waist. This dress was worn at the evening reception at Buckingham Palace.
The Duchess of Cambridge worked closely with Burton to design both dresses, with the bride stating that she wanted to combine "tradition and modernity with the artistic vision that characterises Alexander McQueen's work". The second dress was a more relaxed silhouette, but still elegant and ideal for an intimate reception. The Duchess of Cambridge topped off the look with a white shrug.
The first dress was widely anticipated and received much commentary in the media. Replicas of the dress were produced and sold, and the original dress was displayed at Buckingham Palace from 23 July 2011 until 3 October 2011. The dress was noted for its design, symbolism, and expected influence on Western bridal gown trends.
The second dress, though less talked about, was just as elegant and sophisticated as the first. It was the third look created by Burton for the royal wedding day, with the designer and her team also creating the maid of honour gown worn by the bride's sister, Pippa Middleton.
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The dress inspired bridal trends and was replicated by copycats around the world
Kate Middleton's wedding dress, designed by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen, has inspired bridal trends and copycats around the world. The dress was widely anticipated and generated much comment in the media from fashion experts. It was noted that the design was largely traditional and inspired by dresses from the 1950s, with a modern twist.
The dress featured a lace appliqué bodice and skirt, with hand-cut lace flowers, including roses, thistles, daffodils, and shamrocks, stitched to ivory silk tulle. The skirt was designed to echo an opening flower, with white satin gazar arches and pleats that pooled into a train measuring almost nine feet. The lace-making technique used was influenced by the traditional Carrickmacross method, with floral motifs cut out of machine-made lace and stitched to machine net.
The dress's combination of tradition and modernity, as well as its intricate craftsmanship, resonated with brides worldwide. It sparked a trend for long-sleeve, lace gowns, with celebrity brides such as Nicky Hilton, Allison Williams, and Geri Halliwell donning similar styles. Replica gowns were also produced and sold, with some firms creating copies of the dress within days of the wedding.
Kate's second wedding dress, also designed by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen, was a white strapless satin gown with a full circle skirt and a diamante-detailed waistband. This dress also inspired bridal trends for a more relaxed yet elegant silhouette.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Kate Middleton wore a second wedding dress to her evening reception at Buckingham Palace.
Kate Middleton's evening wedding dress was designed by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen.
The second dress was made of smooth ivory or white satin with a strapless or sweetheart neckline, a full circle skirt, and a diamante belt. She paired the dress with a white shrug.
Kate Middleton chose Alexander McQueen for the "beauty of its craftsmanship and its respect for traditional workmanship and the technical construction of clothing."
