Last updated at 12:20 PM on 29th April 2011 Since the engagement was announced, the world has been waiting with bated breath for the moment Catherine Elizabeth Middleton would transform from commoner to royal bride. And smiling Catherine was the picture of poise as she walked down the aisle wearing a stunning ivory and satin Alexander McQueen gown designed by Sarah Burton - finally confirming the most well-kept secret in fashion history. The bride was heavily involved in the design and worked closely with Burton to ensure the gown would be a combination of both the traditional and the modern. Fit for a McQueen: Kate Middleton arrives at Westminster Abbey wearing a design by Sarah Burton The 9ft train flowed from a skirt echoing an opening flower, with white satin gazar arches and pleats The result is a stunning lace appliqué bodice with 9ft train - that appeared to be inspired by Grace Kelly's gown for her marriage to Monegasque Prince Rainier III. Sporting a 1936 diamond Halo tiara by Cartier - her 'something borrowed' - lent to her by the Queen, Catherine's hair was worn, as expected, half up showing off her signature loose waves with a 'demi-chignon'. The natural look was offset by pear-shaped diamond earrings designed by Robinson Pelham and inspired by the Middleton's new coat of arms. The bride was heavily involved in the design and worked closely with Burton to ensure the design would be a combination of both tradition and modern Her veil - made of layers of soft, ivory silk tulle with a trim of hand-embroidered flowers - fell to her waist. The workmanship involved saw the dress was made with Individual flowers hand-cut from lace and hand-engineered onto ivory silk tulle to create a unique and organic design - which incorporates the rose, thistle, daffodil and shamrock. The matching wedding shoes were also hand-made by the team at Alexander McQueen and are made of ivory duchesse satin with lace hand-embroidered. Celebrity bridal stylist Camilla Ridley Day hailed the dress a hit and 'perfect for a princess.' Camilla said: 'She wears the dress, the dress doesn't wear her. . 'It is totally fitting with her style and perfect for a princess. It is romantic and elegant, with long sleeves very suited to the Abbey.' Here comes the bride: Kate Middleton makes her way from the Goring hotel to Westminster Abbey Royal wave: Kate Middleton waves as she travels by Rolls Royce Phantom, showing the elaborate lace sleeves Despite rumours and rife speculation, Catherine insisted on keeping details under wraps to surprise her husband-to-be, who will be one of the last in the world to see the stunning creation and was suitably impressed, whispering 'you look beautiful' as she joined him at the altar, The bride decided not to use a make-up artist opting instead to do her own however opted for a beautician. Inspiration: Catherine's gown is similar to Grace Kelly's for her marriage to Prince Rainer of Monaco in 1956 Speaking exclusively to Mail Online, Marina Scandoval said Kate had been ‘bubbling over with excitement’ about her big day. ‘She was so happy and spoke about how much she was looking forward to the wedding. I can’t tell you how excited she was. ‘She didn’t display an ounce of nerves and said she was just happy that the day was here at last.’ She used custom blended a special mix including Bourjois no 28 Rose Lounge and Essie 423 Allure.Here comes the McQueen:
Kate Middleton marries her Prince in stunning design by Sarah Burton
Friday, 29 April 2011
By MAYSA RAWI
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