Kate Middleton Wedding Gown Replica

Take a minute to watch the video above. It's certainly an incredible feat for the design staff to have re-created Kate Middleton's wedding gown a mere 48 hours after the world first viewed it. As a professional in the bridal industry, I have to admit, I'm a bit baffled. I understand the idea behind emulating celebrity styles, but an exact replica of a wedding gown? I think it's going too far.

Everything you choose to wear should be selected because of YOUR personal style and taste. Yes, Kate Middleton is a snappy dresser and yes, we all want to wear Alexander McQueen if we can, but we should want to wear something because it is appealing on a personal level not because the future Queen of England wore it. If I choose to emulate a celebrity's style, it is not because of who that celebrity is, it's because I like the look. I'm not saying that all the brides who choose to wear a replica version of Kate Middleton's dress are doing it to be like a princess for a day. I do believe there are other women out there who want to wear a lace bodice/satin skirt gown because it is what they love the most and what will ultimately make them feel the best on their wedding day. However, I also feel there is a bit of a craze over everything the Duchess of Cambridge dons these days. I love her style as much as the next person, but that's exactly what it is- HER style. Perhaps there are elements of her style that you may want to incorporate into your outfits, but to completely replicate her dresses- the engagement announcement dress, the engagement photo dress, and especially the bridal gown- seems to be abandoning your own personal style in favor of hers.

I've mentioned before that it's a good idea to select a style icon- someone whose fashion choices you can emulate to help improve your own wardrobe selections. I still stand behind this advice because the goal is not to replicate a celebrity style. The goal is to find your own unique look- to incorporate ideas you see in others in a way that is flattering to your body and that suits your unique lifestyle. Emulate, don't replicate.

What are your thoughts on this subject? Leave a comment and tell me what you think!

Alexander McQueen at the Met

Ever since rumors started circulating that Sarah Burton, the creative director of Alexander McQueen, would be designing Kate Middleton's wedding gown, I've had McQueen on my mind. Burton was a long time friend of McQueen and basically his right hand person for years, so it makes sense that she would succeed him as creative director of the company. Of course, it won't be officially announced that Burton is designing Middleton's gown as tradition dictates it remain a secret. (Good luck with that!) However, as a British designer, it's not entirely a surprise that she would be one of the top choices for the royal family. 

We'll all have to wait until April 29th so see Burton's design, only a few short weeks away- I can hardly wait! And as if that isn't exciting enough, shortly thereafter, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC will be hosting a large exhibition of McQueen's work. The exhibit will include over 100 pieces that span his 19-year career, which tragically ended with his suicide in February 2010. 

I found some amazing pictures and information about the exhibit titled "Savage Beauty" here. Take a few minutes to hop over there and see this small sampling of his genius and I can guarantee you'll be ready to book your trip to the city to see his designs in person. I know I am!