6 FEBRUARY 2004
After a frenzied few months of speculation as to who would snag the plum job of designing Spanish princess-to-be Letizia Ortiz's wedding gown, one of the country's most venerated fashionistas has landed the commission.

In what the royal palace has called a "personal decision" by the former TV newsreader, Barcelona-based Manuel Pertegaz will create the dress for Letizia's May wedding to Crown Prince Felipe.

The 86-year-old couturier, who has dressed some of the world's best-known fashion icons, from Audrey Hepburn to Jaqueline Onassis, remains tight lipped on what the dress will look like. But, in light of what Pertegaz told Spanish newspaper El Mundo two months ago, royal watchers can expect an elegant and classic design.

In the interview, Pertegaz said Letizia, who has become known for wearing neutral tones and simple silhouettes, "should freely choose what she likes – there are no boundaries in fashion". However, he then remarked that he didn't think she should be a bride that "breaks any moulds", pointing out that royal protocol would have to be the main consideration.

The sentiment was reinforced by Pertegaz's comments after the future princess spent two hours at his workship this week. "She was very pleasant and she has a wonderful figure," said Pertegaz, who later added: "I don't think I would advise her to wear a gown that is too avant garde."