Opulent British designer a surprise but inspired choice for bridal gown
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GILES DEACON, the British couturier, won the fashion commission of the year when he was asked to design Pippa Middleton’s spectacular lace dress.
“I was thrilled to work with Pippa on her wedding dress,” said Deaconn yesterday.
He is renowned for his opulent designs, often inspired by historical and mythical themes. “The dress is constructed with a cap sleeve and high neckline, and features a corseted bodice with draping to the front and a heart-shaped detail at the back.”
The bride complemented her dress with custom-made Manolo Blahnik heels, a delicate tulle veil made by milliner Stephen Jones and a Maidenhair fern tiara by Robinson Pelham. Her something old? The pearl earrings that she wore as maid of honour at her older sister’s wedding.
Deacon was an inspired but perhaps unexpected choice by Miss Middleton, who many thought would opt for a gown by a more traditional bridal designer. His coup, which had been rumoured since he was spotted leaving Miss Middle Middleton’s home last Novem November, became a triump triumph for bride, design designer and British fashion fashion.
“It’s a privilege to show theth craftsmanship that my team produces in London and a real testament to Pippa’s support ofo British fashion,” Deaco Deacon added. Until la last year, he showed his collections at London Fash Fashion Week but now focuse focuses on couture commissions commissions.
Prices for his work can spiral to £120,000 for truly extravagant gowns.
The dress set the tone for an elegant wedding party, where tradition was coupled with modern good taste.
Miss Middleton’s bridesmaids and page boys wore classic outfits created by Spanish childrenswear brand Pepa & Company. The girls’ dresses came with champagne-hued bows and sashes, while the boys wore gold knickerbockers and cummerbunds.
Carole Middleton, the mother of the bride, and the Duchess of Cambridge used the opportunity to highlight the British brands they wore at the 2011 royal wedding, the former wearing a pale pink coat dress by Catherine Walker & Co, the latter in a Forties-esque bespoke blush design by Alexander McQueen.
The Duchess of Cambridge struck the right chord with her ensemble, understanding that no matter what she chose to wear, she would be at risk of upstaging her sister on her big day. She kept her look muted but sophisticated, adding a coordinating rose-topped hat by Jane Taylor, and Kiki McDonough earrings. It was poised, appropriate and as sisterly as could be.