The world thought they had Catherine Middleton figured out. Sensible Catherine, the pretty girl next door, usually accused of being demure, boring and mumsy, with little interest in fashion, was going to wear Alexander McQueen and give the world a little bit of that untouchable royal glamour we all secretly crave.
And as she stepped out of the Rolls Royce, there was a collective gasp from the one- million people crowded around Westminster Abbey. Squeals and spontaneous applause erupted in the Weekly office.
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Her glossy signature blow-dried hair is half up, half down, and set in luscious curls. The much anticipated dress is a long sleeved, delicate French Chantilly lace dress, designed by Sarah Burton at Alexander McQueen, with a plunging neckline and full skirt. Her veil, held by a simple Cartier tiara, is made of layers of soft, ivory silk tulle. She looks like a modern day Grace Kelly.
In an era when every outfit of the famous is forensically analysed, her wedding gown sends a thousand messages about who Catherine Middleton is, and what kind of princess she will become. It both mirrors and set the trends of today. Elegant, sleek, modern. Absolutely timeless.
If the blue Issa dress she wore to announce her engagement (a world-wide sell out in 24 hours, sparking an online stampede when the Tesco knock-off was released) is anything to go by, every bride-to-be will be soon want the ‘Catherine Middleton’. A modern day princess from humble beginnings — the stuff of fairytales.
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The special royal wedding commemorative issue of the magazine will be on sale Wednesday, May 4, featuring all the photos and unrivalled coverage.
Your say: Who do you think is best dressed so far?
Video: Guests arrive at Westminster Abbey