Royal Rumors
The Gown Diaries: Kate Middleton believes McQueen is fit for a princess
Alexander McQueen
Daniella Issa Helayel designed Kate's engagement dress but her Braziliannationality probably rules her out for the wedding gown.Photo by Mario Testino
Sara Buys wed Tom Parker Bowles in a Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen dress in2005.
Borrowed, blue, blah blah blah. When it comes to the wedding of the year, it's all about the dress.
So it's more than a little annoying that Kate Middleton, the British beauty who will marry Prince William on April 29, insists on keeping the designer and the details hush-hush.
But despite her best efforts, word has leaked that Middleton will be walking down the aisle in Westminster Abbey in a gown by Sarah Burton, who took over as creative director of Alexander McQueen after the designer's death in February 2010.
British papers report that the dress will integrate ideas from Middleton into the design. Burton, in her 14-year tenure at McQueen, has also designed high-profile dresses for Lady Gaga, Cate Blanchett, Gwyneth Paltrow and Michelle Obama, who wore a controversial McQueen gown to a state dinner in January. Burton also designed Sara Buys' gown for her wedding to William's stepbrother, Tom Parker Bowles, in 2005.
The news slipped by McQueen CEO Jonathan Akeroyd though. Akeroyd and the McQueen press representatives have since denied the claim, though there is speculation that they've been told to say that.
If the rumors are correct (Burton is also denying she's been tabbed), the choice would be quite brilliant. Burton still has a relatively low profile, and the choice of a McQueen gown would honor the late designer's signature fascination with all things British, offer a dramatic and fashion-forward edge to a princess whose style has been deemed conservative and would satisfy the expectation of giving the job to a Brit.
Middleton has also commissioned four pairs of shoes with assorted heel heights for her big day, and will be wearing flats under her gown during the ceremony. (How's that for conservative?)
Frankly, I hope the McQueen rumors are true, and the dress is even more amazing than I imagine. Because if I'm going to wake up in the middle of the night to watch a girl I don't know get married, it better be spectacular.
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