The Fairytale
comes to the Enchanted Cottage

The venue was magical, the  charming Prince and his beautiful bride all smiles.

The kiss on the balcony and that
Gown!!!

The royal wedding gown, designed by Sarah Burton, creative designer at Alexander McQueen, was made from ivory and white satin gazar – a heavy semi sheer satinised fabric similar to an organza. The skirt panels signify an opening flower with lower curved ‘petal’ shaped panels. The neatly fitting bodice with lace overlay and sleeves echoes the lace used to trim the skirt panels. It was fastened down the back with rouleau loops and gazar covered buttons. The entire lace appliqué work which incorporated the rose, thistle, daffodil and shamrock was painstakingly hand made by the Royal School of Needlework, based at Hampton Court Palace. They apparently changed their sewing needles every three hours and washed their hands every twenty minutes. Her shoes were made from ivory duchesse satin with hand embroidered lace also by the Royal School of Needlework. Her halo tiara and silk tulle veil completed the Royal Wedding ensemble.

The Gown in Miniature

This miniature creation began with dainty lace shoes and a pure silk tulle petticoat with Maline lace trim. The beautiful lace bodice and sleeves have tiny pearl button trims. The skirt was fully lined with the finest silk whisper  habutai which also had a tiny lace trim. 

Then came the greatest challenge I have had to date as well as the most enjoyable and following months of research - the multi panelled skirt with lace overlay incorporating Chantilly lace motif appliqué work and that unmistakable bustle - the receptacle part of a flower which holds the petals in place and in this instance - the skirt petals. A divine idea, a work of art on Sarah’s part who interpreted Kate’s ideas so brilliantly. It truly was a magnificent design and I’ve loved recreating it for you in miniature.