EXCLUSIVE: Kate Middleton's wedding dress... as imagined by Mad Men designer Janie Bryant

By Deborah Arthurs


Figure-flattering: The dress by Mad Men designer Janie Bryant for Kate Middleton is an elegant creation in lace and silk. 'It's romantic and dramatic,' she says


It's set to be the event of the year. But as details of the royal wedding remain shrouded in secrecy, fashion followers and Royalists the world over can only guess at what is the most-discussed secret of all: what will Kate's dress look like?

If you're anything like Janie Bryant, the inspired women behind Mad Men's pneumatic Sixties styling, you won't wait to find out. For the designer has taken matters into her own hands and designed a wedding dress for the princess-to-be.


The ardent Kate Middleton fan took time out from creating costumes for the hit American drama to conjure up her own creation for Kate's big day, a majestic dress that will give Kate the ultra-feminine shape of the Mad Men stars we've come to admire.

Ms Bryant said: 'I envision something elegant, romantic, figure-flattering and dramatic. A combination of tradition, humility, beauty and romance with the freshness of white lace.'

The dress, says Ms Bryant, will be an elegant take on the traditional wedding gown, featuring classic elements but with a modern edge.

Bryant has given the gown a cathedral-length train, which at 7.5ft would be a good deal shorter than the25ft train of Princess Diana's dress.

The train would be created in embroidered silk duchess satin with 'yards and yards of knife-pleated organza around the hemline, beautiful silk bows embroidered at the corners, and more silk bows at the wrists,' she says.

Overhead cameras in Westminster Abbey and pictures taken from all angles demand detail, something which Bryant approaches with typical flourish.

As well as the bows at the train's edge, Bryant has placed oversized bows at the top of the train, where the fitted corset ends.

The view as Kate stands at the altar will be stunning, thanks not only to the bows, but also the wasp-waist of the corsetry and the intricately embroidered back.

The arms would be demurely dressed in lace, while the veil, like the train, would be cathedral length.

Bryant has inadvertently weighed in on the tiaras vs flowers debate currently waging in the Royal household.

Traditionalist Camilla Parker Bowles is said to hope the future princess will choose the more regal tiara.

Kate is said to be keen on less formal flowers, so would be pleased to note that Bryant has created the delicate headpiece out of white blooms.

The elaborate dress is suitably intricate, entirely appropriate for a royal bride - and with the slim silhouette of the top half, differs enough from Princess Diana's own wedding dress to avoid some of the inevitable comparison that will be drawn.

Bryant says: 'A dramatic look is essential, and this dress will have such impact. Kate is sure to make her own statement.

'Kate will be a beautiful and elegant bride. I can't wait for the big day.'


source:dailymail