Kate Middleton’s Alexander McQueen Wedding Dress: What the Fashion Flock Thought
Given all the buildup, Kate Middleton's wedding dress could have been a big letdown.
Thankfully, the elegant English and French Chantilly-lace bridal gown from Alexander McQueen's Sarah Burton was the stuff modern-day fairy tales are made of. But did it pass muster with fashion's discerning designers and style experts?
See for yourself. We've rounded up a selection of the fashion world's highest praise (and a few minor quibbles) for a dress that will easily go down in the history books. Our verdict: Two thumbs up!
"It's a bridal gown of very refined detail, much more refined than the one Diana wore ... Alexander McQueen's dresses are always very elegant. It's very pretty, and relatively classic, but that goes with the décor, with a little touch of the 1950s that recalls Marilyn Monroe or Queen Elizabeth II's dress. The lace is pretty, especially the embroidered veil and the tiara not too high, without too heavy a bun. It's ravishing and the length of the train is perfect. It's all elegant and chic—you don't need to be born a royal princess to be like that." — Karl Lagerfeld, on French television
"The bride is perfect! ... A proud moment for Alexander McQueen." — Diane von Furstenberg, via Twitter
"Kate's dress was beautiful. She looked very regal." — Donatella Versace, to WWD
"Kate is STUNNING and ADORABLE in white lace wedding dress ... What a magic moment!" — Anna Dello Russo, via Twitter
"Kate looks amazing and chic." — Dennis Basso, via Twitter
"Catherine [is] gorgeous in her dress: lace bodice, sweetheart neckline, full skirt (doesn't appear to be massive train), simple veil & tiara." — Joe Zee, via Twitter
“I like the dress very much, simpler than expected: A combination just in between 1956 Grace Kelly and 1947 Queen Elizabeth dress. I love the modest veil with the Queen Mother’s ’30s scroll tiara and balanced volume of the whole gown. She’s radiant; she never was so beautiful. And Prince William’s red Irish uniform is gorgeous.” — Christian Lacroix, to WWD
"Beautiful dress, well done Sarah." — Bruce Oldfield, via Twitter
"It’s a fairy tale dress & shoes handmade by McQueen’s team. She really did well with her choice, appropriate and relevant, there is hope for the Royals ... Her makeup was a little severe. I would have preferred a rosy cheek and soft glow but perhaps it was needed for the cameras. I am so glad she wore a relevant designer. It will be very encouraging for the British fashion industry. A victory!!" — Project Runway's Nina Garcia, via her blog
“Kate’s dress was simply elegant. Her hair down was a beautiful and natural touch, and the tiara was stunning. She looked as at-ease as humanly possible and was radiant. Our compliments.” — Viktor & Rolf, to WWD
"Kate Middleton's look right now reminds me of the Grace Kelly's wedding gown." — Prabal Gurung, via Twitter
"James and I have goose bumps! The dress is perfection and will stand the test of time. It is a classic Grace Kelly look. The skirt is divine. We love the hair down and the veil. The proportion is beautiful." — Mark Badgley of Badgley Mischka, to WWD
Meanwhile, see the happy couple in their wedding outfits.
And for all things Will and Kate, check out our Royal Wedding Watch.
