Prince Albert and Charlene Royal Wedding: The Armani Prive Custom Gown!!!

Prince Albert and Charlene Royal Wedding: The Armani Prive Custom Gown!!!

Wedding Gown Perfection...

Prince Albert and Princess Charlene of Monaco

As you may know--from reading my blog--Prince Albert II of Monaco just wed Charlene Wittstock, a "commoner" (just like his mother, Princess Grace), former South African Olympic Swimmer born in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe). The Civil Ceremony occurred yesterday and today was the Religious one--in other words: THE GOWN!!!!

Palace TV Screens: The Prince Albert and Charlene Royal Wedding, Monaco

The tiny Principality of Monaco was all "abuzz" this weekend for all the Royal Wedding festivities; streets were cleaned, flags were displayed and the Palace"Queened Out", as I like to say, for the Royal Wedding. It was "released" a while back that the bride--who as of yesterday is Princess Charlene of Monaco---was going to wear a wedding dress by Italian designer Giorgio Armani and his Armani Prive Haute Couture line.

Armani Silk: Princess Charlene of Monaco in her Armani Prive Custom Wedding Gown

Her gown was SUBLIME, to say the least: An off-the-shoulder fitted silk gown featuring a center front seam and French darts, as well as hand-embroidered Swarovski Austrian crystals. Princess Charlene--as I mentioned above--is an Olympic Swimmer and well, she has got a FAB shoulder-to-shoulder ratio--so it was no surprise that she would opt for an off-the-shoulder gown that would highlight this very strong physical feature of hers (not to mention the rest of her statuesque figure). It also makes sense to go the complete opposite of that infamous Princess Grace Wedding Gown from the 1956 wedding, designed by MGM Costume Designer Helen Rose (above).

The silhouette was "fit-and-flare" and also had a "Watteau"-like VERY LONG and DRAMATIC train that originated from her top back section (see photo above).

The silk tulle veil was perfectly draped above her up-do back chignon--which was accented by diamond hair jewelry. No tiara kids, in case you were wondering.

Her father walked her down the open air "Monaco Red Carpet" aisle and into the Palace Church. The wedding was picture perfect--just like the Bride and her over $100,000 Custom gown.

Click Below for the Video of the Prince Albert and Charlene Royal Wedding:

Royal Fashion Minute: Prince Albert of Monaco Weds Charlene Wittstock wearing Karl Lagerfeld: The Civil Wedding!

Royal Fashion Minute: Prince Albert of Monaco Weds Charlene Wittstock wearing Karl Lagerfeld: The Civil Wedding!

A Light Blue Princess...

Bonjour Princess: Prince Albert II of Monaco and his bride, Charlene, Prince's Palace Monaco

Yes kids, it's ANOTHER Royal Wedding!! This time around it's the Wedding of one of the wealthiest Royals in the entire World, Prince Albert II of Monaco (Prince Rainer and Princess Grace's son and ruler of the tiny European Principality) with "commoner" Charlene Wittstock who originally hails from Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) and was a former Olympic swimmer for the South African team. Tomorrow (Saturday) is the actual Church Nuptials (and the wedding gown) along with the Royal Guests including Model-Fashion Designers-Glitterati Galore...But today was the Civil Ceremony, celebrated at the Prince's Palace in Monaco, of course.

Blue Charlene: The new Princess Charlene of Monaco in a light blue palazzo ensemble by Karl Lagerfeld

The bride wore a light blue ensemble, consisting of a fitted crepe jacket and silk and lace trimmed palazzo pants. The ensemble is a collaboration between the bride and designer Karl Lagerfeld (The jacket does have that "Chanel" silhouette with the seam in the sleeves, etc.). In an interview with vogue.com she stated:
“We wanted something to match the color of my eyes. It is my creation and I’m proud of it. It’s feminine and keeps with tradition yet has a little twist that reflects my personal style. I thought it was a nice change to go for trousers instead of a skirt, especially since I’m an athlete and have always kept my clothes clean and simple.”

Le Bisou: Prince Albert II of Monaco and Princess Charlene

After the Civil Ceremony, they made an appearance in the Palace's balcony and kissed in front of their Moneguasque subjects cheering and waving below. The ceremony was attended by close family members of both the bride and groom...

Including the ever-so-chic Princess Caroline of Hanover, her sister Princess Stephanie and Camille Gottlieb, Princess Stephanie's third daughter (seen above in one of the Palace's balconies).

Click Below for Video of the Civil Ceremony of Prince Albert II of Monaco and Charlene Wittstock:

Weekly Royal Dish: Charlene Wittstock will be Her Serene Highness Princess Of Monaco

Weekly Royal Dish: Charlene Wittstock will be Her Serene Highness Princess Of Monaco

Her Serene FASHION Highness...

Prince Albert of Monaco and fiancé, Charlene Wittstock, soon-to-be Her Serene Highness of Monaco, Charlene--recently attended the amfAR Cinema Against AIDS benefit at the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Cap d’Antibes, France. Looking absolutely stunning in a pale blue silk gown with Swarovski crystals around the Empire by Armani Prive, Charlene Wittstock was dazzling on the arm of her fiancé.

Yesterday, it was announced that Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe, a country in southern Africa for those geographically challenged)born stunner Charlene Wittstock will be Her Serene Highness, Princess Charlene of Monaco as well as Duchess of Valentois, Marchise (Or Marchioness) of Baux, and Countess of Carlades. These are the same titles that the late Princess Grace of Monaco also had. The soon-to-be Princess Charlene will get the same protocol as her Prince Albert. And hopefully some of the BILLIONS he has--he is after all supposedly, one of the wealthiest Monarchs in the entire world!

Charlene Wittstock in Armani Prive

But really, what I am interested in is the fact that the future Princess of Monaco is quite a Fashionista! It all sort of began when she wore a Haute Couture hand-made suit by Armani Prive (seen above) that if she actually purchased it, would set her back about $40,000. If anyone wants to pinpoint Charlene's "Fashion Moment", this would be IT for me. Even future sister-in-law Princess Caroline's son was like "Oh No you DIDN'T!!" (see photo above)

Recently, at the Monaco Grand Prix 2011, she wore this lovely and very Lady-like printed dress (above)...

Charlene Wittstock in Akris, AmberLounge Fashion Event

She also caused a stir wearing this strapless jumpsuit, by Akris for an AmberLounge Fashion Event. Strapless black sequined and wide legged palazzo jumsuit? For a future Princess? Yep, she gave them "Disco" huney!

Charlene Wittstock in Akris, Grand Prix of Monaco 2011 Party

Later that same day--for the Monaco Grand Prix 2011 Gala, she also wore Akris. This time it was a bateau-necked bronze sequined gown that SCREAMED Hollywood Screen Goddess.

Charlene Wittstock in Akris gown, Queen Elizabeth II's Pre-William and Catherine Wedding Party at Mandarin Oriental, London

Speaking of Akris...Many wondered who had designed her over-the-top strapless silver gown during the "William and Catherine Pre-Wedding" evening reception hosted by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. Yep, it was from the Swiss design House of Akris. It should be noted that they recently opened a boutique in Monaco and let's just say, Akris' PR Office is certainly working OVERTIME!!!!

Finally, (again in Akris!), here is Charlene and her future husband, Prince Albert of Monaco (above) at last month's Kate and William Royal Wedding. Albert and Charlene's Wedding is to take place July 2, 2011. The rumor is that she will wear Armani Prive, a custom made gown estimated at over $100,000. I cannot wait to see it!