New bridal paths

Not long to go now, and speculation about both the style and the designer of Kate Middleton’s wedding dress has reached pure fashion fever pitch, with veteran designer Bruce Oldfield, Alexander McQueen creative director Sarah Burton, Alice Temperley, Jasper Conran and relatively unknown designer Sophie Cranston, of Libelula, all in the frame.

Will she go for drama and romance or elegance and regal restraint?

There are varying opinions about what styles the princess-to-be should choose, but about one matter, most fashionistas and Royal watchers agree – she must choose a British designer.

Leeds couture bridal designer Caroline Matthews, of her own label Caroline Atelier, said she would be happy to see the House of McQueen design the dress: “I think this would be a perfect match, 100 per cent British and oozing with style and glamour.

“My vision of Kate would be something slim-fitting, as she has a fabulous figure, and obviously with a long train and maybe cap sleeves, as I know she has to be covered up in church, but then I would love to see the heavy embellishments done in a modern way, with corded heavy laces to give the rich, regal feel, while maintaining her own sense of style and fashion.”

Anita Massarella, who started her internationally renowned Leeds-based couture bridal studio in 1990, pointed out just how much there is to consider when designing any wedding dress – from the bride’s figure and colouring to the timing of the wedding and the formality of the venue.

“We would dress Kate in a beautiful lace dress that shows off her slim figure,” she said. “A fitted lace dress, with long sleeves suitable for a spring day in April, with a long, flowing train. A cathedral-length veil of pure silk would be all the drama that Kate would need and would complement the Royal jewels and tiara.”

She echoed the sentiment that the dress should be a British production.

“This is the perfect opportunity for British fashion and textiles to take to the world stage,” she said. “The Royal wedding dress should be a celebration of the skill and craftsmanship of British designers, pattern cutters, seamstresses and fabric manufacturers, which are still alive and thriving.”

* To celebrate the Royal Wedding, Save the Children in York is becoming a bridal and occasionwear store today, one of six STC stores nationally selling a full range of bridal outfits, from designers including Amanda Wakeley, Stewart Parvin, Jenny Packham and hat designer Vivien Sheriff – at fraction of their original prices. Doors open 10am at the Goodramgate store.

* Additional reporting by Amie-Leigh Claricoats.