Her gown from Dutch designer Addy van den Kronemaker featured sweet sleeves and a bodice in lace which parted over the slim skirt to create a flowing train. The lace was without a doubt the star of the gown: it included heirloom Bruges lace from the Dutch royal family which had been given to the bride’s mother, Princess Irene, by the bride’s grandmother, Queen Juliana. It was worn by Irene at her 1964 wedding and was restored by the designer for use on Carolina’s gown. (And because of this, the gown’s style was named the Irene.)
Details of the lace bodice and sleeves, earrings, and bouquet |
The Laurel Wreath Tiara |
The tiara, lace, and flowers all ground this gown in history and sentimental nods to family, but it also manages to be young and fresh and a perfect fit for the bride and her summer Italian wedding. I have no doubt that the gown’s place on your list of best royal wedding dresses is in part due to its recent outing, just a few months ago (and there will be more such cases before we’re done); that said, I know at least for me there’s a strong “I could wear that!” factor contributing to this gown's popularity. Many royal wedding gowns are works of art, but it’s hard to imagine them on a bride without a spectacular cathedral, long aisle, and hundreds of guests. This one, for a wedding that was a little bit royal but also private affair, translates to the rest of the bridal world so much better.
What puts this gown in the Top 10 for you?
Click here to see my original post on Carolina's wedding.
Photos: Getty Images