The Princess of Wales' custom Alexander McQueen dress for her 2011 wedding to Prince William was the blueprint for modern bridal attire. 15 years later, Kate's memorable floor-length lace gown has seemingly inspired another high society wedding.
Isabel von Habsburg-Lothringen, Archduchess of Austria, tied the knot with Carlos Gaytán de Ayala in Vienna on 25 July in the most gorgeous white satin dress with a structured skirt. The bride, who is the daughter of Archduke Simeon of Austria and his wife, Princess Maria of Bourbon-Two Sicilies, appeared to take style notes from the Princess of Wales for her big day as she opted for a gown with a sweeping train and the most beautiful floral lace top, just like Kate's.
© Getty Images
© Getty ImagesKate's ceremonial look, designed by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen, featured a tasteful V-neckline and long sleeves covered in handmade lace. Isabel channeled the Princess of Wales in a lacy bodice, but went for a different silhouette with a high neckline and delicate short sleeves. Isabel similarly complemented her white gown with a veil, adorned with lace trim, and a brilliant tiara for a final regal touch.
The Archduchess of Austria had her hair stylishly swept up in a bun beneath a diamond button tiara which was gifted to the Bourbon family as a wedding present for Princess Alicia of Bourbon-Parma when she married Infante Alfonso, Duke of Calabria in 1936.
© Chris Jackson, Getty ImagesPrincess Kate's bridal details
Kate worked closely with designer Sarah Burton to create her exquisite wedding gown, believed to have cost £250,000.
"Miss Middleton wished for her dress to combine tradition and modernity with the artistic vision that characterises Alexander McQueen’s work," the Palace said in a statement.
© WPA PoolThe final design was an ivory satin Victorian-inspired corset bodice with 58 organza-covered buttons at the back of the dress and a dramatic nine-foot train. The Princess of Wales wore the Cartier Halo Tiara, which she borrowed from the late Queen Elizabeth II for the special occasion.
"I loved making the dress, I loved adapting my ideas to suit the person and the occasion, and we put our hearts into it," Sarah told the New York Times, T Magazine.
"I respect the intimate nature of that lovely project and I respect the friendships that were forged during it... an instinctive, intelligent, imaginative young woman's wish for a beautiful wedding dress - or any kind of dress - is the most natural thing in the world. I was honoured to pick up the challenge and always will be."
Another royal bride who recently wore lace
© Samir Hussein/WireImageLace has become a classic choice for royal brides across different generations, with Queen Victoria and Princess Diana's wedding looks both incorporating the fabric.
For her wedding to Princess Anne's son, Peter Phillips, in June, NHS nurse Harriet (née Sperling) embraced the timeless bridal look in a stunning Emilia Wickstead gown. Harriet's dress featured long lace sleeves, a high square neckline, a sweeping veil and a diamond and pearl tiara.
"There are subtle parallels with the Princess of Wales in the choice of Emilia Wickstead and the commitment to timeless elegance," fashion expert and luxury stylist Oriona Robb told HELLO!. "Rather than following fleeting bridal trends, Harriet has chosen a look rooted in craftsmanship, sophistication and tradition. The addition of the Pragnell family tiara makes the ensemble feel both deeply personal and beautifully regal."
