A gorgeous Bruce Oldfield gown perfect for a modern-day princess.
Naturally, one of the first questions that came to mind after hearing news of Prince William and Kate Middleton's engagement was what and who will she wear for her trip down the aisle? Every woman dreams of being a princess on her wedding day, but what if you really were a princess-to-be? The fashion stakes don't get much higher! Traditionally, royal brides don creations by British designers, which narrows the field somewhat, but the options are still endless. Early speculation pits older more established designers (such as Bruce Oldfield and David Emanuel) against modern talents like Alice Temperley and Jenny Packham. Oldfield has been a royal go-to designer for a number of years, and he opened a London bridal boutique in 2009. Judging by his exquisite creations (picture left), he's more than up to the task of making a memorable wedding gown for Kate. But let's not rule out Emanuel. This couture designer was part of the duo (Elizabeth and David Emanuel) that designed Princess Diana's iconic bridal gown in 1981. As for the new guard, Temperley and Packham both have loyal followings and brilliant bridal collections under their belts. Temperley, known for her boho styling and dreamy goddess gowns, would be a great option if Kate wants to channel a modern fairy-tale princess. Likewise, Packham is a celebrity favourite and nobody does old Hollywood glamour better than her. My predictions? Royal wedding dresses tend to err on the modest side of the spectrum, so I definitely see some sort of sleeve on Kate. Either a cap sleeve or a sleek full-length lace sleeve. Speaking of lace, this fabric would be a terrific choice for Kate, as it is intricate and romantic, yet very on trend. Kate definitely has the willowy figure to carry off a form-fitting gown, and if she does do volume, I can see it being sophisticated and refined (like this Jenny Packham ballgown, below). I would also say that a dramatic train and massive veil are distinct possibilities. Whatever she chooses, Kate will definitely set the bar high, and set the bridal trends for the forseeable future!
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