Princess Margaret, the younger sister of Queen Elizabeth II, was the epitome of grace and elegance during her lifetime, and her wedding to Anthony Armstrong-Jones in 1960 was no exception. Princess Margaret wore a beautiful wedding gown designed by her aunt, the society designer Norman Hartnell, that was a timeless and iconic piece of fashion history. To this day, the wedding gown is remembered as one of the most beautiful of all time.
The Design
The dress was made of white silk organza and adorned with a high neckline and long sleeves. Hartnell included touches of his signature style, including a beaded bodice with an overlay of lace, and an intricately embroidered skirt with a train that was 31-feet long. The entire ensemble was hand-embroidered with pearls and crystals, taking over 600 hours to complete.
The Finishing Touches
To complete the look, Princess Margaret wore a pair of elbow-length white silk gloves, and a small diamond tiara. She also carried a small bouquet of lily of the valley and orchids. Her gown was further accessorized with a 12-metre long tulle veil, which was held in place with a diamond-encrusted coronet. The total cost of the gown and its accompanying accessories was estimated to be a whopping £30,000!
A Lasting Legacy
Princess Margaret's wedding gown has become an iconic fashion moment in history. The timeless design and intricate details have been replicated in numerous wedding gowns since then, and it is still remembered by fashion lovers and royal watchers alike. The gown was even the inspiration for the wedding dress worn by Kate Middleton when she married Prince William in 2011.
Modern Interpretations
Today, designers are still inspired by Princess Margaret's timeless wedding gown. Many wedding gowns now feature elements of the original design, including high necklines, beaded bodices and long trains. The dress has also been a source of inspiration for modern fashion designers, who have reinterpreted the classic look in more contemporary styles. For example, designer Oscar de la Renta created an updated version of the dress for actress Emmy Rossum's wedding in 2008, featuring a more fitted silhouette and subtle embellishments.
A Symbol of Elegance
Princess Margaret's wedding gown is a symbol of elegance and grace, and a reminder of a bygone era of royal weddings and stylish bridal looks. The timeless design continues to be a source of inspiration for modern brides and fashion designers alike. Although the original gown was destroyed in a fire in 1987, its legacy lives on in the countless interpretations of the iconic look.
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