The Dress

Here's something else I'm sure we all do - watch what people are wearing.  Isn't it interesting what people choose to wear at various times?  Sometimes I watch women - men are mostly boring wearing the same tux, suit, jacket etc - and am amused, stunned, horrified and entranced all at the same event!  Sometimes I wonder just what kind of mirrors people are looking into before they step out the door.

I love to watch the red carpet at the Oscars.  The dresses and the fabrics are amazing.  The elegance of the women that night just amazes me.  Then there are dresses that make you shake your head and think WHAT WAS SHE THINKING????  The swan dress comes immediately to mind!  I mean really - there was no mirror to look in before she left?  


There are some women who always look great.  Halle Berry always looks amazing, elegant and chic at the same time.  Elizabeth Taylor, Kate Winslet, Audrey Hepburn, Princess Diana - these women have that sense of style that is ageless.  I'll bet they had quite a bit of input into their outfits.


I got up to watch the Royal wedding Friday.  Yes, I know I'm on the wrong side of the pond and I shouldn't care, but I wanted to see the dress.  I thought Diana's gown was, not ugly, but overpowering.  It overwhelmed her.  It was a dress with a person to hold it up, not a dress that showcased the bride.  

Kate's dress on the other hand, showcased the bride beautifully.  She has that sense of self which gives her the confidence to know what she'll look best in and boy did she pick a gorgeous gown!


The lace - gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous!  Here's a link to a short blog that has some details about the Carrickmacross lace detailing her gown.  The lace motifs, including a rose, thistle, daffodil and shamrock, represented England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland. 


Made from ivory and white satin gazar (a silk organza, a lightweight fabric with a plain weave), the dress had an underskirt made of silk tulle trimmed with Cluny lace.  Down the back of the dress were 58 gazar and organza covered buttons fastened by Rouleau loops.


The lace applique for the bodice and skirt was hand-made by the Royal School of Needlework, based at Hampton Court Palace.  Workers washed their hands every 30 minutes to keep the lace and threads pristine.  Needles were changed every three hours to keep them sharp and clean.


Gorgeous bride and gorgeous dress!


Until next time.