Our Catherine Middleton inspired veil, tiara and earrings are now available to order. Click here to see more pictures Click here to see how to buy

We have read Head of Design Kelly’s views on Kate Middleton’s wedding veil and tiara, today she shares with us her views on the beautiful wedding dress that Catherine wore at her wedding to Prince William and how she thinks this will affect upcoming wedding fashions.

Catherine has made us proud, managing to maintain the traditions of a dress fit for a Princess without the busy frills and long trains of some of her predecessors. Sarah Burton’s use of traditional materials such as lace and silk satin gazar are sensitive to Catherine’s shape, and are used in a contemporary manner with a nod towards traditional gowns of past brides, such as Grace Kelly. The neckline is in keeping with the Abbey’s requirements for modesty, yet the back is tantalisingly lower with a Victorian style layered bustle at the back. The handmade full skirt is designed to echo an opening flower with white satin gazar arches and pleats and only enhances Catherine’s slender waist, as in Victorian fashions. A key trend to look out for in next season’s gowns!

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I think that Sarah Burton’s choice to include both delicate English and French Chantilly lace appliqué in such a statement manner indicates a trend that will be at the forefront of bridal design for the coming seasons! We have seen elements of lace used for many years, in the form of trims and accent appliqués on dresses and accessories, but the decision to use lace in the structure of the dress as well at the decoration, in the form of a sheer floral veil across her shoulders and arms, could see more use of sheer panelling in gowns and all-over lace appliqué on veils.

The attention to detail is remarkable! The back of the dress was finished with 58 gazar and organza covered buttons, fastened by Rouleau loops. The silk tulle underskirt was trimmed with ‘vintage lovers’, Cluny lace, and it is believed that she had a blue ribbon sewn within her dress for her ‘Something Blue’, which is similar to the Blue Ribbon Petticoat range.

It has been reported that the Royal School of Needlework dressmakers were completely unaware of the dresses final destination and were under the impression that it was for a period drama. Hand finishing required hours of painstakingly cutting individual handmade flowers from lace, and hand sewing each one on to an ivory silk tulle to create a unique design incorporating traditional thistle, daffodil and shamrock.

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Every member of the team were instructed to wash their hands every thirty minutes and change needles every three hours in order to keep the gown in pristine condition! It is this immaculate attention to detail and precision skill management that isolates British Manufacturing from any other. We must celebrate British design and support the talents that we have nurtured through Colleges and Universities. Catherine has brought British design to the forefront and I must say that there is no better time for the British industry of Design and Manufacturing to receive such worldwide publicity!

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See our Royal Inspired accessories in our gallery, including our Kate Middleton inspired veil, tiara and earrings that we have created to mark this special occasion.

Next week we will be discussing the hats and fascinators seen at the royal wedding, including some of our own from the Boutique Collection!

Tags: brides, Kate Middleton, manufacturing, Real Wedding, Royal Wedding, trends, wedding, wedding dress