Pippa’s perfect (almost royal!) big day
“Pippa proved she has taste – and has her own mind
THERE was no hint of that fabulous behind, or – as many feared – copious use of sparkle or ruffles. Instead, what we got was a fashion moment, my dress of the decade and a gown that screamed Downton, not Dallas.
Phew! Who’d have thought? The 33-year-old not only roundly trounced her elder sister Kate, whose 2011 McQueen wedding gown was constrained by protocol to be as modest as a shroud; Pippa proved she has taste, class, and, most importantly, that she knows her own mind.
Not for her the ubiquitous society designers, the Emilia Wicksteads and the Bruce Oldfields. The person in whom she placed her trust was Giles Deacon, a working-class Northerner and Central Saint Martins graduate most famous for putting Victoria Beckham in a corset dress.
The decision was inspired. He has only been making haute couture for a year, so this was his shop window to prove he can cut the mustard. There is flesh, too: cap sleeves exposing arms honed by tennis, a heart-shaped porthole revealing a delicious back.
It also was an entirely British affair: from the tulle mist of a veil with pearl raindrops by mad hatter Stephen Jones, to the Manolo Blahnik satin pumps, to the posy: a cottage garden riot of sweet peas and peonies.
Carole Middleton, the mother of the bride, didn’t let the side down either. Her rose-pink coat dress by the late Princess of Wales’s favourite label, Catherine Walker, is perfect.
The tulip shape is flattering, hugging the knees. The high neck and nipped-in waist means it’s crisp and respectful, while the bracelet-length sleeves ensure it remains youthful, without too much fabric wafting about. A close second is Jane Matthews, mother of the groom. I do love an ice blue. This (tad overlong) coat dress is simple, with a matching scribble of a hat. I like the confident choice of emerald Louboutins. I’d prefer the hair to be a little less Pamela Ewing, but on the whole she looks fantastic.
The Duchess of Cambridge committed the first faux pas of the proceedings: she should have deferred to the mother of the bride in her choice of colour. The slightly salmony Alexander McQueen dress is relaxed and pretty, though overbusy with its peplum, balloon sleeves with buttoned cuffs, and voluminous darted folds over the bust.
Add to this the midi length, and it veers just slightly towards something you might draw over a window come nightfall. It was all just a bit too mumsy. The Jane Taylor hat, too, is similar to Carole Middleton’s.
Donna Air, girlfriend of the bride’s brother James, chose a number by Emilia Wickstead who has dressed Kate beautifully on many occasions. This outfit, however, rather swamped her slight frame and the midi skirt is a little too long.
The bridesmaids and page boys were all dressed by Spanish brand Pepa & Co. The bespoke outfits were very twee – I’m not sure I agree with boys in tights – but who could not adore the crowns in the girls’ hair, made entirely of lily of the valley buds. Each little head smelled of an English summer.
The rest of the guests were a mixed bunch: look-at-me hats with tall feathers (it’s not Ascot), gingham shoes and dresses that reminded me of Laura Ashley circa 1977. Not to mention those tartan men’s trousers reminiscent of M&S pyjamas.
For the most part, nearly everyone came up smelling of roses yesterday – not least the British fashion industry. But most of all Pippa, who can put playing second fiddle firmly behind her. As well as that firm behind.