WHICH DRESS WILL PIPPA PICK?
Every designer’s desperate to dress her. Here’s how she’d look in their creations
WITH just a week until the society wedding of the year, what — or rather who — will Pippa Middleton be wearing when she ties the knot near the family home in Bucklebury, Berkshire, with hedge fund millionaire James Matthews? Here is our pick of which designers are in the running — and, with a little computer trickery, how Pippa could look in their outfits . . .
ALEXANDER McQUEEN
WHO’S THAT? Early speculation indicated Alexander McQueen’s creative director, Sarah Burton, might get the nod. She designed Kate’s wedding gown — and the bridesmaid dress that made Pippa’s posterior world famous.
HOW WOULD SHE DRESS PIPPA? Contemporary with perhaps a daring cut-out or two — all in gorgeous lace.
HOW LIKELY IS IT? Not very. What bride would want the same designer as her sister?
ODDS: 15/1
JENNY PACKHAM
WHO’S THAT? Brit Jenny is famed for her bohemian bridal collections, so nobody would be surprised to see Pippa in one of her dresses. The Middletons are all fans of the London-based designer, a redcarpet favourite for the Duchess of Cambridge.
Other clients include Angelina Jolie, Taylor Swift, Cameron Diaz and Kim Murray, who wore one of her blowsy,
bespoke creations, which start at £40,000, for her 2015 wedding to tennis star Andy. HOW WOULD SHE DRESS
PIPPA? In drapery with statement sleeves, or a beaded boho style: but is it showstopping enough for scene-stealer Pippa?
HOW LIKELY IS IT? Not a long shot. Pippa loves the fresh, simple feel of the label. ODDS: 4/1
VERA WANG
WHO’S THAT? She’s made wedding dresses for anybody who’s anybody, from Chelsea Clinton’s tiered ruffles to Kim Kardashian’s three gowns for her second wedding. Famed for her architectural designs and striking silhouettes, New Yorkbased Wang would be sure to create something unforgettable. HOW WOULD SHE DRESS PIPPA? In a tight, structured bodice with a massive skirt of frothy ruffles. HOW LIKELY IS IT? Unlikely. Pippa may stick closer to home. ODDS: 20/1
MARCHESA
WHO’S THAT? Founded in 2004 by Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig, Marchesa is loved by Penelope Cruz and the Duchess of Cambridge.
The English designers mix sex appeal and sophistication with floaty chiffon dresses, embroidered flower patterns and plenty of high-glamour sparkle. Expect bespoke creations to be around £60,000.
HOW WOULD THEY DRESS
PIPPA? Something gloriously lacy with a modern twist — perhaps a daring neckline or an exaggerated peplum.
HOW LIKELY IS IT? A definite possibility. They may be more used to Hollywood royalty, but their glamorous look would work well on Pippa.
ODDS: 10/1
OSCAR DE LA RENTA
WHO’S THAT? De la Renta is a byword for timeless elegance. Fashion doesn’t come more A-list. Oscar, who died in 2014, started his career dressing Jacqueline Kennedy, while one of his final works was Amal Clooney’s stunning Bardot-neck wedding dress. His fashion house creates magical gowns for brides with deep pock-
ets. Prices start at £70,000 and you’d need to fly to New York for fittings. HOW WOULD THEY DRESS
PIPPA? Like a queen. Clean lines, opulent fabrics and impeccable taste.
HOW LIKELY IS IT? There’s no history between them, but it’s a wonderful house that would make Pippa look beautifully elegant.
ODDS: 12/1
GILES DEACON
WHO’S THAT? British designer Giles would be a brilliant choice, but not a safe one — think full skirts, huge ruffles and playful shapes. He has dressed Helena Bonham Carter and Lady Gaga, but his most famous bride was model Strictly winner Abbey Clancy, who wore a strapless, corseted lace dress that flared out below the knee. HOW WOULD HE DRESS
PIPPA? Something different — perhaps a little more cleavage than you’d expect. This silky robe would turn heads.
HOW LIKELY IS IT? The rumour mill is in overdrive after Giles visited Pippa’s home in November with dress bags.
ODDS: 5/2
SUZANNE NEVILLE
WHO’S THAT? A classic British bridal designer. There was talk about Suzanne Neville after Pippa and her mother, Carole, were spotted in the designer’s store — her Knightsbridge showroom is within walking distance of the home Pippa shares with fiance James. Neville’s famous brides include Olympic cyclist Victoria Pendleton, whose fitted, vintagestyle gown fell to a short train, and TV presenter Christine Bleakley, who went for a daring mermaid gown with a cleavage- baring bodice. Average spend on a madeto-measure gown is £5,500. HOW WOULD SHE DRESS PIPPA? Classically, either in a form-fitting column dress (above) or a lace top with a flaring, A- line skirt (left). HOW LIKELY IS IT? Certainly possible, but with the resources at Pippa’s disposal she may go for a bigger couture name. ODDS: 20/1