Zara Phillips donned a gown designed by one of her grandmother's favourite couturiers forHot Zara Phillips Wedding to Mike Tindall today. Speculation had been intense over who would design the 30-year-old's dress, though many predicted Zara's choice of Stewart Parvin. The UK designer creates outfits for the Queen and in 2007 was awarded the Royal Warrant of Appointment.
The Queen's granddaughter is known for her daring outfits, but dressed to impress in the gown, chosen from the White Room in Minchinhampton, Gloucestershire, near her and Mr Tindall's home. The dress is an ivory silk faille and silk duchess satin gown. Faille is a soft light ribbed fabric of silk, rayon, or taffeta.
A chevron pleated bodice ending in dramatic inverted pleats on a dropped waist was designed to create a bell-shaped silhouette and the gown has a concealed structured corset. Silk tulle straps form a V at the back and the bust is in silk duchess satin, with simple bias-cut raw edged ribbons of top-stitched silk faille and duchess satin decorating the neckline and empire seam.
The full skirt has concealed pockets, a band of silk duchess satin at the hem, and a subtle train - in contrast to many previous royal brides. Delicate fabric-covered buttons decorate the centre back of the gown, from its neckline to the hem.
The equestrienne wore a fine silk tulle cathedral length bouffant-style veil, and a Greek Key tiara lent to her by her mother the Princess Royal.
The move is an echo of the Duchess of Cambridge's "something borrowed" - a 1636 Cartier tiara loaned to her by the Queen. Zara wore Jimmy Choo shoes, and carried a bouquet by London-based florist Paul Thomas. With hair styled by Evangelos Tsiapkinis at Mayfair salon Michael John and make-up by Bobbi Brown, Zara's wedding day look is a far cry from her usual understated style. Zara's wedding may be a world away from the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's glittering April wedding where Kate wore a Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen creation which featured a lace applique bodice and skirt, a veil and tiara.
But the look has shown the world a very different Zara to the one who posed outside her home with her fiance sporting a casual look of jeans, jackets and boots. A statement from Stewart Parvin said he was "proud" to have designed Zara's dress. The designer presents two fashion collections a year, as well as one bridal collection.
The statement said: "Stewart's signature style is chic, modern, understated and impeccable which is evident in the quality of fit and the cut of his bridal gowns, and mainline collections alike.
"His extensive private client list is a reflection of his dedication, discretion and extraordinary talent."
