Fashion Icon Kate Middleton - That's Queen Catherine to you!

It seems that the Royals have a knack of picking fashion icons as their Princesses/Queens.  Or its simply that they are put on that pedestal after the men they get married to?  I would like to say it is a blend of both, but in the case of Princess Diana and Kate Middleton, they both truly have their own unique styles and had already become fashion icons before attaining the royal status.  I am not sure Princess Diana and Kate Middleton should be compared at all, since both have their own very unique tastes and signature styles. 

Kate Middleton, now an ever popular household name, is on every magazine and tabloid cover out on the stands today.  After all, every outfit she wears such as her birthday outfit in 2007 or her blue Issa London dress worn for their engagement announcement sold out within hours of her appearance! 

While she posses an aura of total elegance and poise, she does also dress down and dresses comfortably which really defines her personal style!  She could have lined up racks and racks of designer clothes for her royal engagement portraits but instead picked a blouse and a dress from her own wardrobe the former being over two years old!  Now that is classy!

 

 

 

I would describe her style as very feminine and elegant yet slightly sexy due to her slim figure and choice of fitting dresses.  She is very versatile in her outfit choices as well as her hat choices.  One thing is for sure - she loves wearing dresses that accentuate her waist and slim figure (and rightfully so) and all her outfits have a fitted waist including her fitted jackets.  That, in my opinion makes her a daring fashion icon.

While the most anticipated and most watched event in television history will be their upcoming nuptials at the Westminster Abbey on April 29th 2011, the most coveted and respected job of the year will be designing her wedding dress!  Esteemed designers from around the world have submitted their sketches for what they feel the Princess should wear.  Eyes are pointing from Bruce Oldfield to bridal gown designer to the stars Phillipa Lepley and Kate’s own fashion favorite, Daniella Issa Helayel, creator of the Issa London Label.  Word on the street is that she will probably maintain the nation's pride, and pick a local designer, but at this point all is speculation till the big day.  Here are a few sketches that have been submitted by hopeful designers in bid to be the one lucky dress!

1.  MONIQUE LHUILLIER

One of my favorite designs.  It blends in Kate's style (Long fitted sleeves, fitted waist) as well as the requirements for a royal gown all in one!   It has a Chantilly lace bodice encrusted with an embroidered tulle overlay and pick-up ball skirt!














2.  ASHLEY ISHAM

UK designer whose looks have been worn by the likes of Lady Gaga, and Christina Aguilera, created a "princess dress" embellished with ostrich feathers and Swarovski crystals. "I would describe it like an old, dreamy, fairytale dress but modern and contemporary – not meringue-like!"













3.  BEN DE LISI

Another British designer,  a favorite of  Kate Winslet designed a  a gown with a twisted and torn silk tulle torso with ruched sleeves and a full skirt.















4.  BEN DE LISI

Here the designer uses silk bows and grosgrain knots adorning the bodice, which "explodes" into a hammered duchess satin skirt. I am not sure it is grand enough for the event of the decade. 















5.  REEM ACRA

A Lebanese designer who has dressed the likes of Eva Longoria.  She envisions a silk chiffon gown with crystal beading.  Too risque in my opinion for a Royal event.
















6.  SUZANNE NEVILLE

Another one of my top choices, this dress also blends in Kate's style as well as maintaining the Royal look to it.  A British wedding dress designer, known for her corsetry and structure.  Neville envisions a hand-embroidered strapless dress with Italian duchess satin jacket.












7.  ALBERTA FERRETTI

 Alberta Ferretti  imagines Kate in an "embroidered, fluid-silhouette dress."
I Love the tiered look, but I highly doubt that the Princess will go for a strapless 'look' or anything close to it.  Her choice will be modern but more conservative. 














8.  JASON WU

 Jason Wu suggested "mixing traditional opulence with a very clean aesthetic for this modern-day princess."  In my opinion, the arm cut out and design has more of Mrs. Obama written on it rather than Kate Middleton

9.  KARL LAGERFELD

 Karl Lagerfeld's Victorian-with-a-twist dress for Chanel.  Personally, I thinks there is too much going on at the collar and sleeves, something that I have not seen Kate pick her style as.















10.  NICOLE MILLER

Nicole Miller has a very clear vision for Kate on her wedding day: "I think no poof and froufrou. Elegant with a modern twist. A little sexy, but also modest.”  However, in my opinion, this gown does not say "royal gown" and does not exude the elegance needed for such an event.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11.  NINA RICCI

Nina Ricci's creation for the Princess is “light as a feather, [with] layers of lace and organza."  I really like the tiered bottom half, however the top half does not do the dress justice.

12.  RALPH-RUSSO

Ralph & Russo Creative Director Tamara Ralph created this vintage Chantilly lace gown with hand-embroidered bead work, a cascading fishtail skirt and "dramatic train" for "Princess Kate."
In my opinion, little on the daring side but nicely fitted to showcase Kate's silhouette, and a nice long train. 












13.  REEM ACRA

 Reem Acra's compliments his simple A-line gown with a long train, veil and embroidery to add drama "It’s regal and sophisticated.”

A much better choice for the Princess with the detail on the fitted sleeves.  The fitted waist and flaired bottom make it look very princess and fairytale like. 












14.  VERA WANG

Last but not least, our own bridal gown guru Vera Wang's

traditional design mixes lace, silk tulle, a high-necked bodice, a voluminous skirt and elbow-length sleeves. It "feels regal, yet poetic.”
Personally I expected more from Vera Wang, and I am not sure this has Kate Middleton written all over it. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sketches courtesy of www.people.com and www.stylecaster.com