Kent State design students show us how they would dress Kate Middleton for the royal wedding Fashion Articles

Kent State design students show us how they would dress Kate Middleton for the royal wedding

Posted by Jorja Rowlandson on April 24, 2011 Leave a comment (0) Go to comments

Enlarge The details of Kate Middleton’s wedding dress are a tightly kept secret, but that hasn’t stopped anyone — including us — from speculating.

In honor of the royal wedding Friday (the ceremony starts at 6 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time), we asked four fashion students to show us what they would design for the princess-to-be.

And take a look at some iconic wedding garb in the past few decades.

Holly Thompson

Kent State University

Hometown: Pittsburgh.

Details: The dress is all crinoline, embellished with gold and ivory embroidery. The embroidery consists of lilies (Middleton’s favorite flower), daffodils (official flower of Wales) and roses (to represent Kenya, where Prince William proposed). Embroidery is scattered across a sheer back and three-quarter-length sleeves. The neckline is rather conservative to balance the sheerness of the back. The entire dress is covered in crystal and pearl beading. The veil is very dramatic with pickups tacked with rose appliques and crystals. The “royal train” length would be 9 feet from the waistline.

Career plans: After graduation, I plan to move to Pittsburgh and work at Anne Gregory for the Bride doing custom bridal work and working on my first private sample bridal collection.

Liz Opaczewski

Kent State University

Hometown: Toledo.

Details: The dress is made out of silk satin with a silk-chiffon insert of layers in the front. The dress contains beading on the front bust and at the top of the waist insert. There are also embroidered flowers and more beading on the bottom of the cathedral-length train, which is 7 feet from the natural waist. My inspiration came from the Baroque era, and I added a modern details.

Career plans: I plan to work in technical design to further enhance my skills and experience in garment fitting.

Kristen Woodruff

Virginia Marti College of Art and Design

Hometown: Toledo.

The dress: I chose this design over a few others I drew because I feel it fits her personality, body type and royal appeal. Sleeves were a must, but I did not want overly used, and simply hideous, leg-of-mutton sleeves, so I opted for the more modern see-through lace. A train is important for a royal wedding, and I chose a round, lacey approach. The mermaid-style silhouette will show off her curves without being revealing.

Career plans: Right now I’m just deciding exactly where I fit in the fashion world. But I lean more toward menswear and costuming.

Joy Kobzowicz

Virginia Marti College of Art and Design

Hometown: Medina.

Details: The entire dress is made of silk organza. It is a halter style and has pale, cold-stone gray coloring. The ruched bodice features crystals and gems sewn into the material. Completing the look is an organza-tulle veil with hand-sewn crystals and a beaded headdress. I did a lot of designs for her, and I chose this one because it is dramatic, yet not over the top. The silk organza was the inspiration. It was light and feminine, and it reminded me of a spring fabric.

Career plans: I’m headed to the West Coast after graduation to continue my education. I would love to work in the entertainment industry, maybe costumes.