From his Manhattan studio, designer Oscar de la Renta stated, “Catherine Middleton was wearing what she was supposed to wear: traditional and not ostentatious or over embroidered or over-anything” It was, he added, “a pretty dress, beautifully executed. Discreet and elegant.” It may have been safe. But, he says, “it was exactly right.”
Middleton contacted Burton several months ago to commission the gown. Word leaked out in February, but Burton repeatedly denied it to help Middleton keep all details about the dress a secret from William. Together, Burton and Middleton came up with a gown with classic lines: a long-sleeved, lace bodice over an ivory and white satin gazar corset and full skirt that the palace press office described as “in the shape of an opening flower.” Much of the lace was made by the Royal School of Needlework at Hampton Court Palace. The hips were padded and the silhouette was based on Victorian corsetry, both McQueen signature elements.
