Bride Pippa Middleton stuns in bespoke Giles Deacon lace gown that has a high-neck, corseted bodice and a heart-shaped cut-out at the back
IT’S been the most anticipated wedding dress unveiling since the Duchess of Cambridge walked down the aisle in 2011.
Pippa Middleton stunned onlookers today as she arrived at St Mark’s Church in Berkshire, ahead of her nuptials to millionaire hedge fund manager James Matthews, in a stunning bespoke lace gown by British designer Giles Deacon.
The 33-year-old socialite and author stepped out of a vintage Jaguar Mark V in the striking figure-hugging floor-length dress that featured a demure high-neck, capped sleeves and a heart-shaped cut-out detailing at the back.
The sweeping train added a sense of drama to the star-studded occasion, with guests including Princes Harry and William, Donna Air, Spencer Matthews and Roger Federer.
Pippa completed the beautifully elegant look with a veil, designer shoes and a pearl-studded headband.
Fashion designer Giles Deacon, who made Abbey Clancy's wedding dress and has dressed the likes of Kendall Jenner, Kate Hudson, Solange Knowles and Sarah Jessica Parker, commented: “I was thrilled to work with Pippa on her wedding dress.
“The dress is constructed with a cap sleeve, high neckline and features a corseted bodice with draping to the front and a heart-shaped detail at the back.
“The bespoke silk cotton lace was hand appliqued to create an illusion of the dress having 'no seams'."
The Central Saint Martins-educated designer added: “The lace bodice is embroidered with pearl detailing over an organza and tulle underskirt, which has payer upon layer to enable a floor sweeping movement.
“It's a privilege to show the craftsmanship that my team produces in London and a real testament to Pippa's support of British fashion.”
Pippa wore a bespoke veil made by milliner Stephen Jones, of tulle with a degrade of embroidered pearls.
Who is Giles Deacon? Meet Pippa Middleton's dress designer
- Giles Deacon was spotted in November leaving Pippa's house in west London carrying a garment bag, but had refused to confirm if he was making her wedding dress.
- A royal favourite, Giles' designs have formerly been worn by Princess Beatrice, as well as other A-list celebrities Scarlett Johansson, Drew Barrymore, Agyness Deyn, Thandie Newton and Victoria Beckham.
- In 2011, Abbey Clancy, who had previously modelled for Giles, wore a wedding dress by the designer when she married footballer Peter Crouch.
- Giles' collections are described as having a "couture" feel, and his catwalk shows have previously attracted supermodel fans Linda Evangelista and Karolina Kurkova.
- Born in Darlington, Country Durham, the designer was raised near the Lake District and wanted to become a marine biologist but, after failing his chemistry A-Level, ended up on an art foundation course.
- He went on to study at Central St Martins in 1992, going on to win Designer of the Year at the British Fashion Awards in 2006.
- Fashion Model Daisy Lowe, who was the face of his high-street collaboration collection with Debenham's, said of the designer: "Giles Deacon is a genius".
She also wore a tiara by Robinson Pelham, and ivory stain pumps by Manolo Blahnik with pearl detailing.
Pippa dazzled in Robinson Pelham diamond earrings, which she wore when she was a bridesmaid at the Duchess of Cambridge's wedding in 2011.
Pippa kept her make-up look elegant and simple, ditching heavy bronzer in favour of a cream blush, rose pink lipstick and eyeliner.
Pippa managed to dodge the rain and beamed as she walked down the little path into the 12th century church with her father Michael.
She was greeted at the church doors by Prince George and Princess Charlotte, who were both dressed in bespoke outfits by Pepa & C.
Pippa’s bridal bouquet was made by Lavender Green and included peony, sweetpea, asilbe, freesia, waxflower, green bell and alchemilla mollis.
Pippa married millionaire hedge fund manager James in the picturesque Berkshire church this morning.
Bridesmaid Princess Charlotte and page boy Prince George threatened to steal the show in adorable co-ordinating outfits.
Meanwhile, Prince George was spotted in tears after receiving a telling off from his mum Kate.
The youngster was seen having a tantrum outside of the church before the waterworks started.
Lovely in lace? Fashion experts give their verdict on Pippa Middleton's dress
- The lace is a big hit
"It's simple and pretty," says David Emanuel, host and creative director of Say Yes to the Dress UK, who also designed Princess Diana's wedding dress. "I predicted it would be soft and pretty and very English, which it is."
"I love the lace, it looks so clean, so pristine, she looked immaculate," agrees couture designer Edwing D'Angelo.
- It's a little bit sexy - but not too much
"I think the capped sleeves and delicate v-back show her arms, without being too over the top. It really emphasizes her waist," says Peta Hunt, editor-at-large, You & Your Wedding Magazine.
"She's got the key hole back detail which is how to show a bit of skin without being too much," agrees bridalwear designer Charlotte Balbier. "I believe if you're going to show off the back detail then you must go high at the front, and she's done that. I love the high neck, that's my favourite part."
- The dress totally suits the setting
"Because it's an English country wedding, she went for soft and pretty," explains Emanuel.
"It's a very English girl's dress, for the classic English wedding," agrees Hunt. "It's a really appropriate dress for that venue and the fact she's having a country garden reception."
Hunt thought that the pearl-embellished tulle veil, which was designed by legendary milliner Stephen Jones, flowed beautifully.
"It's Britishness at its best, which is what we needed. She didn't want loads of sparkle, I'm glad she stuck to her roots."
- Giles Deacon was an excellent choice
"Looking at the dress, she was obviously looking for a romantic feel and I think [Giles Deacon] gave her that with this dress. I absolutely love his work, it was a great choice," D'Angelo says.
Emanuel thinks that the choice of a fashion-forward designer like Deacon over more mainstream or traditional names means Pippa is showing off her fashion credentials.
"In his past, he's worked for big fashion houses and then he went into ready to wear and now he's doing couture...he's relatively new on the scene."
- Pippa is going to be a trend-setter
"I'm sure we're going to get lots of girls following her lead with this dress," Hunt says. "It's an easy look for us all to emulate. It is what most girls dream of looking like, I feel."