Royal wedding: What are they saying about the dress?

 

The dress was designed by Sarah Burton

Crowds outside Westminster Abbey were stunned by the dress chosen by the Duchess of Cambridge as she stepped out of the wedding car.

After months of speculation, the closely guarded secret of who would be designing the royal wedding dress and what it would look like is now out in the open.

Sarah Burton, who was first rumoured to have been given the high-profile job in March, is the lead designer at Alexander McQueen.

Initial reaction from the fashion world and the general public to the long-sleeved, V-necked lace dress has been overwhelmingly positive.

Wedding dress designer Philippa Lepley, who had been touted as a potential candidate herself, gave BBC News her initial reaction: "It's very understated, quite classic and timeless. it's almost Grace Kelly-esque."

The Telegraph's fashion director Hilary Alexander hails Mrs Burton's design "the Wedding Dress of the Century."

Fashion magazine Grazia also draws comparisons with the late Princess Grace of Monaco: "Kate Middleton is the perfect Grace Kelly Princess bride! Everyone in the office crying about Sarah Burton (yesss!) designing the royal wedding dress. Anyone else feel like they've died and gone to fashion heaven...?"

Bryony Toogood, fashion director of Brides magazine has also given the thumbs up to the newly anointed duchess's decision to wear a dress with a train: "Wow! A dress by Sarah Burton for McQueen completely befitting of a princess - and thank goodness a train!" and goes on to say "Absolutely stunning - timeless, classic and sure to be a benchmark for future brides. I love it!!"

From the initial commentary online it has been difficult to find anyone with anything but praise for the dress.

On Twitter, commentators like what they see. Anna Stanley, tweeting as StanandDeliver says "kate middleton, Grace Kelly style......beautiful"

Amanda Burcul is similarly complimentary: "This is just so exciting!!! Kate is stunning. Just a pure classic beauty, so natural. Love it!"

Poppy Ntshongwana tweeting as PoppyIsMyName, says "Kate at Westminister Abbey! GORGEOUS !!"

Diane Morris, tweeting as BridesButler, says on how well the dress has been tailored for the duchess: "The bodice fits her like a glove! Beautiful fit!"

ShanDN sums up her view of the dress simply: "Now that's a PRINCESS!"