John Galliano 4 Kate Moss

So it’s been confirmed. Renowned, (even among the recent controversy) British designer John Galliano is the mind behind Kate Moss’ wedding dress. Alongside Sarah Burton designing McQueen for Kate Middleton, there is absolutely no doubt that this year will ultimately be the Battle of the Kates.

See my articles on Kate Middleton’s dress here and here.

Galliano fits easily into my list of Top 10 Designers. Below Vivienne Westwood and Erdem but above Issa and potentially even Alexander McQueen, with which Galliano shared a British Designer of the Year Award in 1997. I’ve done reviews of their collections before – which you can see by clicking on the names.

But back to the wedding dress. John Galliano is known for his extreme elegance, class and theatrical designs and has played the role of head designer for both Givenchy and Dior. Kate Moss has been one of Galliano’s muses almost since time began, so it only seems fitting that she has chosen him to come up with her frock of a lifetime.

The final design is very simple and elegant – and very Kate Moss – as can be seen in the photo above. Ivory in colour and covered top-to-toe in embellishments, it’s almost hard to tell the difference between the bride’s wedding gown and her evening disco number. Although it really is a beautiful creation – it’s hard to label it outstanding after Kate Middleton walked down the aisle in THAT McQueen gown mere weeks previously. To be honest, I’m not entirely certain that I don’t prefer the bridesmaids’ dresses…

Princesses, McQueens and Future Kings

Kate Middleton – now Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge – continues to raise the royal fashion bar.

It all began with that blue Issa engagement dress (which I gave 10/10 for in my previous blog post here). Not only did she have a bespoke Alexander McQueen wedding gown (perhaps the long-awaited tribute McQueen himself deserved), Kate then went on to wow us all with this SECOND Sarah Burton ivory floor-sweeper. Complete with jewelled waistband, fitted bodice and a cute cardi – this ‘evening reception dress’ is almost as beautiful as the filigree daytime number.

Several official photographs were taken of the newest additions to the royal family by the talented photographer Hugo Burnand. These include some enormous family shots featuring the adorable bridesmaids and one with the Queen Elizabeth II herself (who donned a fabulous daffodil-yellow outfit for her new grandaughter-in-law’s big day).

Among the official photographs are pictures of Prince William and Kate walking around the grounds of Buckingham Palace. In these photos, Kate is wearing a beautiful cornflower-blue (almost casual) chiffon dress: the second Issa frock we’ve seen in recent weeks. No doubt this one will sell out just as quickly as the first.

On the theme of Royalty, check out my Union Jack cushion design here!

And then we come to those who made some SERIOUS fashion faux-pas. Oh Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, what were you thinking? While Princess Beatrice opted for top-to-toe Vivienne Westwood and Eugenie for Valentino couture- there is something seriously wrong about this combination. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE both of these designers. I think the peacock blues and neutral pastels are stunning. Perhaps it’s the Philip Treacy hats the pair are wearing that just tip them that little bit too far over the line of fashion vs disaster. Maybe these outfits are a little TOO haute couture for a wedding in an abbey built 1000 years ago. It makes me slightly morose to think that these 2 outstanding designers could make anyone look so very, very wrong. If you’re listening Dame Vivienne, Mr Valentino – send your garments to me first next time, yeah?

A Dress Fit For a McQueen

Here we have Kate Middleton in her Alexander McQueen wedding gown, designed by Sarah Burton. Complete with lace bodice, French filigree lace sleeves, 2.7m train, veil and tiara lent to her by the Queen – the new Duchess of Cambridge looks simply exquisite.