Tasteful Weddings: January 2011

The Princess Bride

January 6, 2011

It's almost time! Another royal wedding is just around the corner. The ceremony binding Prince William and Kate Middleton forever after will take place April 29, 2011 at Westminster Abbey. Until then, it's open season on all the details! What will she wear? Who will carry the esteemed honor of making her Royal Highness Princess William of Wales look and feel like a dream on her special day?
Well, whoever she chooses, it won't an overly difficult job. Á la Grace Kelly, she's a stunning woman who is already a fashion icon in her own right. I find her style a lovely mix of down-to-earth cool and classic sleek-and-sexy chic. That's right, she's sexy. She's not your mom's princess at all. She has great taste and never crosses the line, but I certainly wouldn't put it past her to sidle right up to it in a show stopping, cut-down-to-there gown. I love it! Heres a compilation of some looks that I think portray her personality:

At the moment, all bets are on British designer Bruce Oldfield. A favorite of Diana, princess of Wales, Oldfield has dressed many celebrities and royalty during his career. He is most well-known for couture occasion wear, debuting his self named label in 1975. He began making couture clothing for individual buyers in 1978 and, in 2009, opened a full-range bridal boutique at Beauchamp Place.
I have to admit that I didn't want to like him! I thought I was a diehard Lhuillier supporter and so I saved his site for last. However, I was so impressed by spring 2011 that I have to say my opinion has been swayed. I think he's her guy. It's elegant, it's romantic, it's sexy, it's cool, it's classy....it's the essence of style. Kate has to please not only herself, but an entire (judging) viewing world in April. I think Oldfield can accomplish both. Of course, I can't imagine Kate's dress is going to come right off the rack. I'm sure it will be custom made, but I think we will see something like these four from Oldfield:

While Oldfield seems to be the media speculation favorite, there are a few other British designers in the front runner group. David Fielden has thirty years of experience dressing some of the most glamorous women in the world. However, just because famous people buy you, doesn't mean you're a genius. I believe his designs stand for themselves. His aesthetic is clean, modern and classic all at the same time. The dresses are feminine and romantic without going overboard. While a royal wedding of this importance demands a certain amount of high drama, British royalty has also always been synonymous with practiced restraint. In Fielden you'll find all the classic details plus all of today's trending topics like bling, sheer layers, layers and detailed bodices/belts:

Relative newcomer Jenny Packham also lands at the top of the list. She has been honored as Hollywood's Designer of the Year and dubbed "First Lady of Partywear" by Vogue Magazine. Packham is your go-to girl if you want a look that is individual, glamorous and decadent. Three things that define femininity for me. Her approach is the essence of contemporary yet remains sensual, comfortable and wearable. I think that if Kate weren't getting married in front of the whole world and only wanted to please herself to the utmost, she'd wear one of these gowns by Packham:

Finally, of the British designers, I want to mention Alice Temperley for Temperley London bridal. I love her aesthetic, and I stand firmly behind her on almost every other issue, but I just can't stand behind her Spring 2011 bridal line for this event. It's chic, it's so very unique, I personally would wear it over and over again; but, it doesn't cut the mustard for a royal wedding. Actually, Kate wore Temperley during her first public outing with Prince William. The Daily Telegraph also reported recently that Temperley will become a Member of the Order of the British Empire, showing her majesty's support for the growth of this designer's career. Who knows, maybe a royal wedding can be low-key, bohemian cool? It is the future, I'll have you know:

Well, you may have already guessed that there is no way to cover every merit-worthy designer out there. I hope I haven't skipped any of your favorites. Do, please, keep in mind that I have restricted my selections to British designers as Kate will most certainly have to choose a fellow countryman. However, you don't! So in the next post I'm going to highlight a few dream designs from everywhere. What's the fun in planning a wedding for a future queen if you can't dream a bit?! Here's a sneak peek:

Wishing you all the best,

Bianca from Tasteful Weddings

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Monday, January 3, 2011

Saturday, January 1, 2011