Eight long months of anticipation and speculation came to an elegant conclusion when Kate Middleton, now HRH The Duchess of Cambridge, revealed her Alexander McQueen wedding gown on Friday.
Details about the dress, designed by the fashion house’s Sarah Burton, were kept under wraps until Middleton’s entrance at Westminster Abbey for her wedding to Prince William.
Middleton also wore a Cartier “halo” tiara supplied by Queen Elizabeth II as well as diamond earrings by Robinson Pelham given to her by her parents.
South Africa’s top designers praised the gown, with many describing it as “simple but elegant”.
“It was beautifully designed. The workmanship and details were amazing,” said international haute couture designer, Gavin Rajah.
“The 1820s embroidery technique with petticoat edgings of lace, phenomenal workmanship. Pure haute couture,” Rajah said.
Malcolm Kluk, part of the noted Kluk CGDT design duo, said he was happy Middleton had chosen a McQueen design as it was the right message to send about the evolution of British fashion.
“Overall it was regal, ethereal, and elegant. We always tell brides, ‘the dress can’t wear you’, and she (Middleton) wears the dress. I love the short veil and that it’s not over the top.”
Kluk said he would have liked a bit more excitement to the design, as the late Alexander McQueen was known for his elaborate designs.
Michael Pokroy from the Marc and Michael fashion label loved the detail on the wedding dress, as well as the fit and cut.
“It was modern as opposed to the ‘princessy’ style people were expecting. The fabric and detail were amazing.
“The veil they could’ve done more with. It was a bit floppy on her so I don’t think it went as well with the dress and the tiara.”
Gert-Johan Coetzee, whose designs are recent favourites among young celebs and socialites, said from a designer’s perspective, Middleton’s dress was “virtually seamless”, a very hard thing to achieve.
“Few designers can get it right,” he said.
However not impressed was renowned designer David Tlale, who felt the dress was “ordinary”.
“I was expecting something really elaborate.
“Unless there’s a set rule of how dresses should be from the royal house ... I was sort of disappointed. I’ve seen this dress so many times.” - Weekend Argus