Designers are racing to create gowns that look like Kate Middleton's many at a fraction of the cost.
BY JENNIFER WATERS
MarketWatch
CHICAGO When Kate Middleton walked down the aisle Friday and unveiled her regal gown designed by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen the most closely held secret in royal apparel in decades hundreds, maybe even thousands, of designers put pencil-to-sketch pad in the race to be the first to create the next big trend in wedding attire.
Within weeks, brides-to-be will be able to choose from look-alike frocks at a variety of price points. Middleton's look will be seen in one variation or another at many altars for years to come.
"Whatever she wears will have a lasting influence," said Dan Rentillo, design director for David's Bridal. "My big challenge is how we are going to interpret it."
For months, designers have been debating how Middleton would make her wedding-day fashion mark as she married Prince William in Westminster Abbey. Rentillo's team, like many designers across the world, sketched designs weeks ago illustrating what they thought Middleton might wear, based on her sense of fashion, body type and what an event of such magnitude would dictate.
