Catherine's wedding dress by Sarah Burton of Alexander McQueen.
The Wills and Kate wedding is now a part of royal history, but we’re all still buzzing over Catherine’s dress. Fashion follower Jydonne Bynum-Breiterman was up bright and early on the big day to watch the festivities and she was not (too) disappointed.
The gown was very simple and very finely cut, particularly the bodice. It melded to Catherine’s form perfectly. The sweetheart neckline bodice and v-neck lace covering with sleeves were a perfect balance in exposing Catherine’s beautiful doe-like frame while maintaining taste and appropriateness. I have no doubt, while in the design process, Catherine and Sarah Burton had Grace Kelly in mind when piecing their inspiration board.
Jydonne called it with her prediction that the dress would be designed by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen. “I think Catherine chose Alexander McQueen for Burton’s undeniable talent and the signficant contribution McQueen made to the industry,” explains Jydonne.
Although Jydonne feels the overall effect of the dress was successful, she admits she was slightly disappointed. “It was pretty but I feel it was safe and simple,” she says. “In dressing a princess, I was expecting a bit more standout detailing and beading.”
Jydonne points out that aside from the arms, the lace was hard to see at a distance. She thinks given all the work that went into it, it should have been highlighted. To do so, the color of the lace could have been a bit darker than that of the gown.
Jydonne also has issues with the waistline, which she feels didn’t flatter Catherine’s sleek figure. “If they had pulled Catherine’s waistline down to her hips and molded the bodice,” explains Jydonne, “it would have been a totally different ballgame and still would have remained within the constraints of ‘decency’ for Westminster.”
But Jydonne gives a positive nod to the volume of the dress and length of the train, both important factors considering the size of Westminster Abbey. The dress in a venue like that has to be big enough to be seen, but not so big it overwhelms the bride.
There was a lack of color in Catherine’s ensemble and even the Maid of Honor was in white (while the groom and his best man were all ablaze in red and gold). A few colorful flowers in Catherine’s bouquet and little rose color to her cheeks would have been a welcome addition to the white palette.
Catherine in her reception dress also designed by Sarah Burton.
As for the reception dress – boring! “I believe it was more of an ensemble for a much older woman,” says Jydonne. A long, full gown in ivory with virtually no detailing except some sparkle at the waist, which was the best part. She topped it with a white Angora sweater that, as Jydonne says, is something one might wear to the library. “I would have turned up the volume,” says Jydonne.
(For my two cents on the reception dress: It has little to no style and it is not at all up to McQueen standards. It looks like a quick afterthought. Plus, for more glamour Catherine should have sported an updo and showcased those beautiful earrings she wore earlier in the day. However, having said that, at least Catherine didn’t go tarty, which unfortunately is a common choice for evening wear these days.)
I agree with Jydonne on every point. Overall, I thought Catherine looked lovely and the lace bodice was my favorite part of her dress.
I want to thank Jydonne for her expertise and thoughtful review. Read more from Jydonne on her website: http://vintageleisure.com/
Readers, what do you think? Do you agree with us? Disagree? Have your say and leave a comment.
OverDressed for Life 
Wasn’t it beautiful and flattering gown? The moment the dress was in full view, anyone with knowledge on fashion history knew it was Grace Kelly-inspired (see my blog: http://fashionobserved.bravejournal.com/index.php). I would love to have heard the discussion on the dress between the Duchess Catherine and Ms. Burton, as I can imagine Princess Grace’s name and reputation for elegance must have been at least part of their conversation.
The reception dress was a bit dull, but people have to realize she is a conservative person by dress naturally who is demonstrating austerity. Also, she is dressing for her new role, not for a red carpet event. She may be famous, but above all we must remember that she is now part of royalty, not a celebrity and there are conventions, especially as she has married so high up on the monarchist food chain.
It was extremely telling when Prince William, not long before they were married, spent the night on the street just as a homeless person would to not only understand how bad off some of his people are, but to also demonstrate active compassion through empathy hoping his position could serve as an effective role model for the public and, in particular, the upper classes who are well in a position to do more than turn a blind eye. William and Catherine moreso wanted to demonstrate to the public that they were mindful of current economic hardship and truly felt it would be gauche to have displays of excessive wealth in their ceremony when there are people having to choose rent over food. This sensitivity was reflected in the décor for the church, the lack of embellishments on the gown, the choice of doing her own makeup rather than hiring staff, the speech they wrote for the prayer at their wedding and the fact that both families paid out of their pockets for everything but security. Their compassion and bold social conscience is extremely admirable and shines with more splendour than any bling, something I hope becomes a trend amongst our current leaders, both in politics and in industry.
Thanks, Darryl, for reading our review and giving us such an insightful response.
Well, she certainly was NOT Grace Kelly, that’s for sure. Conservative and boring and dowdy. Sorry, that’s my take.
She didn’t have to be Diana, but she also did not have to be Betty Crocker.
Thanks, Paula, for your comment. Conservative and boring is just what the royal family wants. Diana was too bright a star for them.