Photo: Getty Images
In case you missed it: Pippa Middleton is rumored to be engaged to boyfriend of more than a year Nico Jackson! And we're not even waiting for the proposal dust to settle before we begin posturing the most important wedding planning detail of all—her future wedding dress!
The youngest Middleton turned heads at the Royal Wedding in April, 2011 when she choose a slinky, body-hugging, cowl-neck satin crepe gown in white as opposed to a conservative taupe buttoned-up dress with matching coat (hello, Princess Beatrice.) Instead, Alexander McQueen's Sarah Burton designed the maid of honor's much-talked about dress—a look that fashion critics and British royal fans alike acknowledged could have easily been a wedding dress in its own right. (Burton also crafted Kate's iconic long-sleeve lace wedding dress, promptly setting off a resurgence of lace and long sleeve wedding dresses in the bridal sphere.)
Clearly, whomever designs for a Royal sets the tone for future bridal fashion everywhere. We're sure, then, that with this news British bridal designers are scrambling for that ultimate moment in the spotlight. Here, a few of our picks for which fashion all star might be tapped to create the dress for the next Middleton bride.
Since she knocked it out of the ball park with Kate and Pippa the first time, Sarah Burton is definitely in the running for The Royal Wedding: The Sequel. Burton was pretty on-point with Pippa's taste, too—Pippa often walks out in sleek silhouettes with slightly revealing details (that cowl neckline? Fuggedaboutit!). After all, as the Duchess of Cambridge's sister, she doesn't have to stick to as many dressing conventions as Kate does, which means there's freedom to opt for more modern wardrobe selections. McQueen is the design house to go to for modern femininity with hard-hitting edge. If Pippa's looking to 1) have as much success with her wedding dress as she did with her MOH wears and 2) rock something more edgy than her sister's traditional gown, Burton should be receiving a phone call shortly.
Another British designer to consider? Jenny Packham. As Adele and Kate's couturier of choice, she's a natural pick for the newly betrothed Middleton. Plus, Packham is known for the her breezy and slim-fitting silhouettes with delicate details—qualities Pippa admires and emulates in her own wardrobe. We could see her rocking quite a few looks from Packham's Fall 2014 collection (see below), particularly "Cynthia" a three-quarter sleeve silk sheath with a keyhole neckline (talk about modern!) and "Daphne" or "Molly," two ethereal empire-waisted dresses with plunging necklines and minimal embellishments.
Photo: Mateo Volta/ImaxTree.com
Then again, there's always Alice Temperley. Pippa may crave daintier details for her big day—it does come only once in a lifetime! Temperley's slightly bohemian, vintage-inspired designs would make for a timeless bridal style. "Dorothy" from Temperley's Spring 2014 collection (see below), an ivory silk sheath with scalloped lace on the deep V-neck and cap-sleeves, would look incredible on Pippa.
Photo: Steve Eichner
Maybe she'll go for an up-and-comer instead. Suzanne Neville, who just started selling her sleek bridal designs in the states, would be a great choice. "Magnifique," a bejeweled halter crepe sheath, and "Memoire," and ivory crepe mermaid with pearl details and an illusion tulle neckline, from Neville's Fall 2014 collection would complement Pippa's figure and fashion sense.
Photo: Rodin Banica
Obviously, we're overwhelmed with the possibilities at the moment. If you need any help planning the wedding, Pippa, hit us up!
—Lauren Frankfort
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