Royal Wedding Gowns: A Look Back Through The Years!

Royal Wedding Gowns: A Look Back Through The Years!

Wedding Couture

In honor of Friday's Royal Wedding between Prince William and Catherine "Kate" Middleton, I have decided to do a posting on all the wonderful Royal Weddings of the past and, of course, what they wore! I hope you enjoy seeing all the wonderful ensembles as much as I did...plus I included a little Couture Dish!

Grace of Monaco: Helen Rose

Prince Rainer and Grace of Monaco--in a Helen Rose (an MGM Costume Designer) gown. Edith Head--Hollywood Costume Designer for the A-List of the time (and of Kelly) was reportedly saddened to not have been picked, for this once-in-a-lifetime occasion. COUTURE DISH: The gown was worked on by six seamstress at MGM and 30 million people around the world watched it. The gown has remained THE SYMBOL--and ruler-- of what a "Royal Wedding Gown" should be. Elegant, timeless, classic, serene, and above all, royal. Guests of the wedding included actresses Gloria Swanson and Eva Gardner, the Agha Khan, and many others.

Princess Caroline: Christian Dior Haute Couture by Marc Bohan

Their eldest daughter, Princess Caroline wore Christian Dior Haute Couture by then House Designer, Marc Bohan, when she married Commoner--and French Playboy--Philipe Junot, in 1978. The gown featured a high neck, scalloped edge embroidered gown, bishop sleeves and blouson top. I especially remember (I was VERY YOUNG!) how modern she looked with ringlets of flowers--a la Princess Leia--in her hair--as opposed to wearing a tiara or crown.

Queen Elizabeth: Norman Hartnell

Queen Elizabeth (then Princess Elizabeth of York) and Prince Phillip, Duke of Edinburgh (then Prince of Greece and Denmark--he's actually German and Danish but born in Greece). Her wedding gown was designed by British designer Norman Hartnell. COUTURE DISH: The Queen Mother had specifically asked that Hartnell should use an unusually rich, lustrous stiff satin which was made at Lullington Castle. The satin was ideal for the train, but Hartnell thought that the dress required a more supple material of a similar tone. He ordered the similar fabric from the Scottish firm of Winterthur. Difficulties arose when rivals put about the rumor that the Scottish satin was made from "enemy silk worms", either from Italy or possibly Japan. A telephone call to the town where Winterthur was based, settled the scandal. Mr. Hartnell was assured the silk worms were from Nationalist China and were not "enemy silk worms". Good to know...

Princess Diana: Elizabeth Emanuel

Continuing with the Brits: Prince Charles and Diana in 1981: Her gown was designed by British designer Elizabeth Emanuel is iconic, of course, especially for its infamous 25 foot (wrinkled) silk taffeta train. COUTURE DISH: The entire gown--including the train and veil--were comprised of (wait for it), 275 total yards. The gown epitomized the excess that were to be the 80's.

Princess Anne: Maureen Baker

Another gown I loved was the one Princess Anne (only daughter of Queen Elizabeth) wore when she wed then-Lieutenant Mark Phillips (he was soooo handsome!!) in 1973. The gown was inspired from the Medieval and Tudor styles. It was very "Lady Macbeth Gets Married".

The gown--designed by Maureen Baker, head designer for Susan Small--featured Trumpet sleeves that hid inner Bishop Sleeves (FIERCE!), as you can see above. COUTURE DISH: Fifteen women worked on the dress and each worked on a different section, and they didn't know what the final outcome would look like--this was done for fear that the design would be "leaked" to the press by one of these girls.

Wallis Simpson: Mainbocher

Of course, when speaking of Wedding Couture, we can't leave out the Mainbocher gown worn by Wallis Simpson when she married Edward, Duke of Windsor (also Prince Edward, King Edward XIII of course) in 1937. This pale blue gown and hat--have gone down in history as the epitome of understated chic. The groom wore a Morning Suit, of course. There were only sixteen guests, not one a member of the royal family.

Princess Margaret: Norman Hartnell

Then , there was the Fashionista and "Party Girl" Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowdon (Queen Elizabeth's sister) and her wedding to Anthony Armstrong-Jones. Her gown was designed and created by the house of Norman Hartnell--same designer who created her sister's wedding gown.This was also the first royal wedding ever televised, and was watched by over 300 million viewers worldwide!Empress/Shahbanu Soraya of Iran: Christian Dior by Yves Saint Laurent

I also absolutely LOVE the wedding gown worn by Soraya Esfandiary-Bakhtiari (of German-Persian descent) , who would become Empress and Shahbanu Soraya of Iran when she married the Shah Mohammed Reza Pahlavi (his second marriage) in 1951. She wore a a custom gown designed by Yves Saint Laurent for the House of Christian Dior.

COUTURE DISH: The gown was a silver lame gown studded with pearls and marabou stork feathers (!). To finish the gown, there was a cropped shawl-collar jacket AND a full-length white mink cape which she removed for "let-me-sit-down-and-breathe" photos. Poor Soraya (who was rumored to always have been the Shah's love of his life) soon discovered she could not give him a male heir (she was infertile) and therefore, divorced seven years after their wedding, but was left with a nice you-can-live-forever-in-style bank account.

Queen Sofia of Spain: Jean Dessès

Next of note was Queen Sofia's (then Princess Sophia of Greece) Wedding Gown--designed by Egyptian-born of Greek descent fashion designer Jean Dessès--when she married the future King of Spain Juan Carlos in Athens Greece to much fanfare.

Marie Chantal of Greece: Valentino Haute Couture

Speaking of Greeks, here's Crown Prince Pavlos and his bride, Marie Chantal Miller. Marie Chantal is of US-Ecuadorian ancestry and Pavlos, the son of the exiled King of the Hellenes (Greece), Constantine II, is well, of Danish-German (and not so much Greek) descent. Constantine II is Queen Sofia's (see previous wedding gown pic) brother--yes, keep up!! By the way, the Bride's gown was from Valentino Haute Couture. Don't mess with them darlings!

Maria y Carmen Martinez-Bordiu: Cristobal Balenciaga

Now onto another fabulous Royal Wedding Gown of note. This gown is from Maria y Carmen Martinez-Bordiu y Franco when she wed Alfonso, Duke of Anjou and Cadiz and Grandson of King Alfonso XIII of Spain in 1972. General Franco made him Duke of Anjou and making him a Royal Highness, thereby making her a Princess: Can you say "At-a Girl!" in Spanish?? Momma didn't raise a fool!
COUTURE DISH: Her gown was designed by Cristobal Balenciaga. The Spanish Couturier ended his business in 1968 but came out of "retirement" to design her gown. It featured 14 meters of Abraham silk, 20 silk thread spools, 10,000 pearls, and over 5,000 sequins. It also had the Bourbon "Fleur-de-lis" embroidered into the front of this one-of-a-kind Haute Couture hand-made gown.

The future Queen Noor of Jordan's wedding dress is notable for it's elegant simplicity. It was a blouson gown, with no crinoline, no petticoat, no tulle. This is how you do "restrained" and unfussy, but still beautiful.

Queen Rania of Jordan: Bruce Oldfield

At the opposite end, was Queen Rania of Jordan's wedding gown to King Abdullah II. Her gown was designed by British designer Bruce Oldfield (a name that has been thrown around as a possible candidate for Catherine Middleton's wedding dress designer) and not by a Middle Eastern designer, which was odd.

Princess Maxima of the Netherlands: Valentino Haute Couture

Moving on to the New Generation of Royals--and their Wedding COUTURE: A gorgeous Valentino Haute Couture creation can be seen on Princes Maxima of the Netherlands when she wed Crown Prince Willem-Alexander, Prince of Orange, and heir apparent to the throne of the Netherlands. Maxima is from Argentina darlings, in case you weren't aware. South American girl done did good, as they say...The Netherlands will have an South American-born Queen sometime in the future.

Princess Mette-Marit of Norway: Ove Harder Finseth

Staying in Scandinavia: There was the wedding gown of Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway. Ove Harder Finseth was the designer. I loved this gown for its elegant simplicity. The shape was perfect for Mette-Marit's lean figure and again, as one of the "Next Generation Royals", I love that she chose to do without the Disneyland Princess Crinoline-and-Petticoat Ball Gown "Princes Diana" silhouette. Norwegians know how to give you "Directional Modern Brides" for sure!

Princess Letizia of Spain: Manuel Pertegaz

I also LOVED Princess Letizia of Spain's wedding gown when she married Crown Prince Felipe in 2004. It was designed by 93-year old (yes, 93!!) Spanish Designer Manuel Pertegaz. I'm sure his "staff" had a lot to do with this and he probably sat there and said "Si!" and "No!". Letizia’s beige Valencia silk wedding dress was graceful and Medieval in its silhouette. It featured long sleeves, a decorative stand-away collar, veil and skirt embroidered with flower-de-luce and ears of wheat. Her wedding dress was 4.6 meters long!!

Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden: Par Engsheden

And last but not least in my Royal Wedding Couture Nick Verreos Hall of Fame, I have to include the gorgeous gown worn by Victoria Crown Princess of Sweden. The silk fit-and-flare gown was designed by Swedish designer Par Engsheden. Simple. Elegant. Sublime. The stunning crown and lace veil finish it off. THAT is a future Queen ladies and gentlemen.

Now....Which one was your FAVORITE Royal Wedding Gown???

Elizabeth Taylor: A Fashion Icon--A Photo Look Back

Elizabeth Taylor: A Fashion Icon--A Photo Look Back

Fearless, Fashion Leader, Diva, Humanitarian, A Hollywood Fashion Star

Draped Queen: Elizabeth Taylor as "Cleopatra" draped in rust-colored jersey and blue key-hole neckline dresses designed by Costume Designer Irene Sharaff (1963)

We were all saddened to find out of the passing of the LAST Hollywood Goddess: Elizabeth Taylor. She lived a life, that's for sure. I am certain that tributes will pour in for all that she did through her life--from her acting, her marriages, her men...to being a Champion against AIDS. They do not make women like Elizabeth Taylor any more. Of course, I wanted to do my own little "photo" tribute in terms of her FASHION! To me--and I'm sure to others--she was also a FABULOUS Fashion Icon. And these photos certainly prove it! From what she wore on screen--as well as off--to Academy Awards Shows, red carpet premieres, her many weddings, or just being caught by the paparazzi, Miss Taylor WORKED it OVERTIME!

Here's a Look Back:

50's Elegance: Elizabeth Taylor in a draped bust and fitted corseted dress

70's Hippie Chick: Elizabeth Taylor arriving at Heathrow Airport in London 1970, and her white hot pants ensemble and matching boots

The 90's: Elizabeth Taylor, in lemon-yellow silk crepe gown with "Devore" sleeve and neckline detail, holding her Humanitarian Oscar in 1997 Academy Awards

Dynasty Shoulders: Elizabeth Taylor in blue velvet gown with Leg o' Mutton exaggerated sleeves

Going To The Ball: Elizabeth Taylor (with Larry Forstensky in the background) wearing a canary yellow silk ball-gown skirt and silver v-neck top and shawl, 1991

Miss Taylor Never Met A Turban She Didn't Like...

Diva Sheikha: No one worked the Turban look of the late 1960's and early 70's more than Elizabeth Taylor. It was the perfect accessory to highlight and frame her STUNNING face, those eyes, and of course, once in a while, one of those priceless diamonds she owned...

Pink Turban: With Richard Burton, in pink sequin and silk gown

Seriously, this has got to be one of the MOST FABULOUS Elizabeth Taylor looks EVER--From "Boom!", a 1968 film adapted from a Tennesse Williams play where she plays an aging actress. The Fashions--designed by Tiziani of Rome-- were the actual STARS of this film--next to Elizabeth Taylor. The plunging neckline sequined gown, THAT headdress, the diamonds, the emeralds, the cigarette and then...a glass of beer! Fearless Liz! Seriously.

Fashion Diva with Her Men:

1950 Wedding to Hotel Heir Conrad "Nicky" Hilton: Elizabeth Taylor in her timeless silk duchesse wedding gown with a fitted corset and full ball gown skirt

1959 Wedding To Eddie Fisher: Wearing an emerald green silk chiffon dress and veil (love the matching flowers!)

1960 Academy Awards: Elizabeth Taylor wins Best Actress Oscar for "Butterfield 8"--with husband Eddie Fisher, wearing an ivory silk embroidered ball gown skirt with waist rose-and-sash detail and see-through high neck top

1962 Fashionista: Elizabeth Taylor with husband Eddie Fisher, making an entrance in a draped open-necked gown that could be THE Epitome of CHIC in 2011--almost 50 years later!!!

Bow To The Lady: Now this is how all actresses should be "caught" by the paparazzi: Elizabeth Taylor--with Richard Burton--wearing a flower hat, elegantly tailored coat, pointed heels and a crocodile purse. Effortless.

One Shoulder Grecian: Elizabeth Taylor, in a one-shouldered draped gown with diamond brooch at shoulder and flowers accenting her jet-black hair, with Richard Burton

The ORIGINAL Brad and Angelina: In 1971, with Richard Burton--wearing turquoise blue open-necked (of course!) dress and THAT 69.42-carat Taylor-Burton Diamond!

Valentino Lace: The infamous Elizabeth Taylor/Larry Fortensky Wedding at Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch. The Bride wore a custom pale yellow Chantilly Lace tiered gown by Valentino. The entire wedding was estimated to cost $2 Million and is on the list of Forbes 20 Most Expensive Weddings! I'm sure her haute Couture Valentino gown didn't help (the budget, that is)

We'll Miss You Elizabeth.

Royal Fashion Minute: Prince Albert and Charlene Monaco Wedding--The Wedding Dinner Red Carpet!

Royal Fashion Minute: Prince Albert and Charlene Monaco Wedding--The Wedding Dinner Red Carpet!

Dinner Outfit Changes...

Bienvenue Prince and Princess: Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco

As we know, there was a "certain" FAB Royal wedding over the weekend, and of course, after any wedding there has to be a BIG Party!!! So, following the glorious Religious Wedding of Prince Albert II and Charlene of Monaco, there was the even more fabulous Wedding Dinner Reception...

Is Saturday Night Available: The Opera Garnier, sight of the Prince Albert and Charlene of Monaco Wedding Dinner Party

Now, not just any "Banquet Room" would do for one of the wealthiest royals in the World, so naturally, this Wedding Dinner and Party was held at the Opera Garnier and catered by the one-and-only French Chef Alain Ducasse. Everyone who was anyone--well who was at least invited--was there! First up, of course were the Bride and the Groom.

Armani Prive Custom: Princess Charlene of Monaco

The bride, Princess Charlene changed from her gorgeous Armani Prive Custom Wedding Gown into another Armani Prive Custom white gown. This time it was silk organza high-neck and sleeveless multi-tiered dress with all-over sequin detail. Just perfect. It wasn't over the top, it was just the right side of subdued elegance and yet still, entrance-making!

The Casiraghi's: Pierre, Charlotte and Andrea Casiraghi--Princess Caroline of Hanover's oldest children. Charlotte evoked images of both her late Grandmother Princess Grace as well as Princess Antoinette (the late Prince Rainer's sister who loved caftans and capes when she attended many a Monaco Ball) in this sublime mint-blue gathered gown with dramatic cape.

The Partners: The Casiraghi children's respective girlfriends and boyfriend were present--US-born Brazilian and Colombian socialite/heiress Tatiana Santo Domingo (Andrea's girlfriend), British-Iranian playboy Alex Dellal and yet anotjher FAB Euro trust-funder, Beatrice Borromeo (Pierre's girlfriend) who hails from the aristocratic House of Borromeo.

Caroline of Hanover: Princess Caroline changed from her Chanel Haute Couture Custom rose-pink Wedding ensemble to this black lace tea-length gown and "comfortable" t-strapped heels. Inquiring Minds want to know: Where is her estranged husband, the Prince of Hanover, Ernst August? The last that was heard of him is the he took off with another woman and was never heard from since...Interesting.

Princess Stephanie: The Groom's other sister, Princess Stephanie wore a white sequined gown to the Wedding Reception. Poor Stephanie, she looks "through"! Too much of a sad life, too much partying in her early days and too much South of France sun...have all taken their toll on the Princess.

Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden: Victoria, here with her husband Prince Daniel Duke of Vastergotland, wore a one-shoulder pink and gray gown with sequined waistband detail. She looked "regal"--it helped to have that CROWN!!! Wow! I can only imagine the security that had to travel with these royals to this wedding--just to be "on the watch" of the Royal Jewels! I would have liked the colors to be just a bit stronger. It looks a tad bit "matronly", or "mother-of-the-Bride".

Good Genes: Her gorgeous sister and brother, Princess Madeleine and Prince Carl-Philip of Sweden. Madeleine is one of the "Best Dressed" of the night in this strapless silver-gray organza gown with dramatic train. The choker necklace, diamond tiara and silver clutch are the perfect accessories. She seriously looks like a Finalist in the Miss Universe Pageant in this gown (and with the crown), and I mean that in a good way...

Princess Mathilde of Belgium, Duchess of Bravant: Mathilde changed from an Armani Prive Custom suit which she wore earlier in the day to the Religious Wedding Ceremony, into this GORGEOUS Armani Prive Custom $100,000 off-the-shoulder gown in fuchsia metalized silk. Now this is a GOWN! I think the directional fabrication makes this gown, otherwise it would probably look rather matronly and again--mother-of-the-bride-ish. But it doesn't! Saved by the fabric!!!

The fabrication is from the Armani Prive Spring 2011, as seen above from one of the looks from that collection that could have "inspired" Princess Mathilde's design.

Denmark Meet Belgium: Princess Mathilde's husband, Prince Philippe of Belgium (right) entered the Wedding Dinner Party with Princess Mary of Denmark. Lots of the Royal Guests were actually paired with other royals who weren't their actual partners. I love how his sash (almost) matches her pink/fuchsia one-shoulder princess-seamed gown. The gown is classic, non-fussy and of course, I LOVE the color! Ten Points my dear!

Old-School: H.R.H. Swiss-born Karim Agha Khan VI arrived at the Monaco Wedding Reception Dinner Party, with H.I.M. Empress Farah Pahlavi, who once again proved to everyone why is such a Fashion Diva. Pahlavi wore a blush-colored notched-collar "shirt-Gown" with contrast white front and sleeve cuff detail. Definition of Chic! And look at those peep-toe pumps! Seriously, she is 72 years old! She gets "Nick V. At-a-Girl" points!

Ball Gown Beauty: Maria Margarita (left), Venezuelan heiress and wife to Louis Alphonse de Bourbon, Duke of Anjou (the "Royal Social Circle" rumor is that her family has more money that he does!), looked resplendent in this Carolina Herrera strapless silver-gray gown with silk organza overlay and gold and silver sequins. She looks like an actress in a Disney "Princess Diaries" movie. Perfection.

My New Favorite Royal: Grand Duchess Maria of Russia--She may not really have a country to rule over any more, but boy does she always look FAB-u-Lous!!! Her Imperial Highness LOVES her prints and she didn't disappoint in this violet-colored caftan-gown. Her crown looks very similar to the Kokoshnik she wore to the Religious Wedding earlier in the day.

Supermodel Naomi Campbell changed from one gown...to another, for the Wedding Dinner Party. She wore an ivory silk gown with crystal and emerald jeweled sequined details. Of course, she is WORKING IT OVERTIME!!! This isn't Naomi's "First Time at The Rodeo" as we all know. She even took off the feathered shrug-coat...

So the photographers can get to see hers sans the coat! At-a-Girl!

The gown is from Givenchy Fall 2009 Haute Couture by Riccardo Tisci. It looks as if in the original Runway Look, the front and sides were covered with skin-colored mesh but of course, for Miss Naomi, they were removed.

Congratulations to Prince Albert of Monaco and his bride, Princess Charlene--And thank you for all the FAB Couture Fashion!!!