Since the announcement of the royal engagement of Prince William and Kate Middleton, London bookmakers have been busy. For now all betting is suspended since Bruce Oldfield is the front runner by over 75%. This UK fashion designer has very traditional approach: luxe fabrics, conservative cuts, glamorous clients of a certain age including Princess Diana, Joan Collins, and Helen Mirren. And of late, even Taylor Swift.
Speculation is that the Princess-to be will select a gown more modest than the strapless bridal gowns we have seen dominating the runway for several years. She will also more than likely follow the lead of the late Princess Diana, who had several gowns and no one knew for sure which one she would be wearing until she appeared on live television in front of millions of ‘wedding guests’! One thing is for sure; she will be using a British Designer since anything else would be considered a royal faux pas.
And while the world waits for the newest member of the royal family, to select her bridal gown in (complete secrecy) we still haven’t seen any pictures of America’s pop princess Katy Perry to reveals photos of her gown choice from almost a month ago. Media reports she chose a Haute Couture gown by one of her favorite Lebanese designers, Elie Saab. While Chicago brides probably won’t travel to Beirut to buy a hand made, one of a kind creation from Elie Saab, you can always see what the top couture designers from around the world are showing on the runway at every Bridal Expo Chicago Luxury event Starting January 9, 2011 at the Renaissance Hotel in Schaumburg. Additional wedding shows in the Windy City can be seen on their website at www.bridalshowexpo.com and include Sunday, January 23rd at The Sheraton Hotel & Towers and the Hyatt Regency O’Hare, Sunday February 6th.

by Penny Frulla

Royal Weddings Over the Years