KATE MIDDLETON - TO DRESS A PRINCESS
KATE’S DRESS by C. M. Rubin and Theresa Blake
I admired Princess Diana enormously. For awhile, she went to a secondary school not far from mine. Our schools played netball matches (English version basketball) against each other. I grew up in her time, in her neighborhoods, and in her culture. I watched her fairytale wedding, and like everyone else, I expected her love story to continue happily ever after.
While her marriage did not last, Princess Diana can be proud of the two wonderful children it produced, whom she loved and cherished her whole adult life. When Prince William announced that he had given his fiancée, Kate (Catherine) Middleton, his mother’s ring, because he wanted his mother to be part of his engagement announcement, it was not Diana’s ring that brought tears to my eyes. It was Prince William’s proud smile as he spoke. In his smile, I saw his mother, Diana, and I then believed that her dreams for her son Prince William were well on their way to being realized.
Prince William’s bride-to-be is someone I know would make his mother proud. She is a modern woman. She is tall and slim. She is magnetic. She looks natural and beautiful, and has a classic sense of style that is both elegant as well as very contemporary.
Over the past two months, Theresa Blake and I have explored wedding dresses inspired by Princesses and Queens through the centuries. Today we reveal the wedding dress we visualize for Kate (Catherine) Middleton on her wedding day.
We have selected a gown (see the Athenae style below) created by Theresa which bridges the centuries. It is elaborate and sculptural. It has hints of the 1880’s bustle gowns and is combined with a fully boned corset bodice. The draped asymmetrical skirt has multiple layers of taffeta, lace and satin, and is trimmed with satin bows to one side. The eau de nil silk taffeta gown is further embellished with antique lace, lilac cut-velvet flower decorations, diamante, pearls and Swarovski crystals.
Indeed, a magnificent dress for a beautiful Princess-to-be Kate (Catherine) Middleton, for her wedding on April 29, 2011 at Westminster Abbey in London.
C. M. (Catherine) Rubin and Theresa Blake met when they collaborated on a reproduction of the design of the original wedding dress worn by Alice Pleasance Liddell (the Alice behind Wonderland) at her wedding in 1880 in the world reknowned Westminster Abbey in London. An illustration of Alice Liddell’s dress by Theresa Blake was featured in C.M. Rubin’s bestselling book, The Real Alice In Wonderland.
KATE MIDDLETON - TO DRESS A PRINCESS
PRINCESS DIANA’S STYLE by C. M. Rubin
“When I grow up I want to work with children and make their lives better,” wrote the young Diana Spencer in a careers lesson when she was a pupil at West Heath School in England.
After attending finishing school at the Institut Alpin Videmanette in Switzerland, Diana became a kindergarten teacher. She was no stranger to the British Royal family. She had played with Prince Andrew and Prince Edward as a child growing up. When she was 16 years old, she became reacquainted with their older brother, Prince Charles. Charles was 13 years her senior.
When Charles and Diana married on July 29, 1981, the ceremony was considered the wedding of the century. Millions of people from all around the world tuned in, excited to catch their first glimpse of Diana in her wedding dress.
Elizabeth and David Emanuel’s beautiful dress, inspired by a romantic princess look, did not disappoint. It had huge puffed sleeves with a full skirt of ivory silk, pure taffeta, old lace, and hand embroidery. Ten thousand pearls and sequins adorned the fabric. The dress had a twenty five foot train. In a television interview, David Emanuel complained that the carriage in which Diana was brought to the cathedral was far too small for her and their creation, which became very creased on route. However, nothing would stop Diana’s wedding dress from setting a fairy tale fashion trend for weddings of the 1980’s.
Unfortunately, the fairy tale wedding did not lead to a happily ever after marriage. The couple’s separation was announced in December, 1992, and a divorce was finalized in 1996. Diana, however, became the most influential fashion icon of the 20th century in clothes, accessories, make-up, and hair. Along the way, she supported many British designers, including Arabella Pollen, Bruce Oldfield, Amanda Wakeley, and Catherine Walker. Later on, her designers of choice included Versace, Christian Lacroix, Ungaro, and Chanel.
Princess Diana devoted herself to her sons, to numerous charities, and to work to help the homeless, people living with HIV and AIDS, and children in need.
Diana died in a car crash in Paris on August 31, 1997. Her funeral took place in Westminster Abbey on Sept 6.
On April 29, 2011, Westminster Abbey will be the setting for the most anticipated wedding of the year — the Royal Wedding of Diana’s eldest son, His Royal Highness Prince William of Wales, and Kate (Catherine) Middleton. To honor the event, author C. M.(Catherine) Rubin and designer Theresa Blake have joined forces to bring you a series of stories which focus on wedding dresses worn by famous Royal Princesses and Queens over the centuries that continue to inspire wedding dress designers and brides to this day. Who knows? Perhaps one of these historic royal gowns has already inspired the best kept secret for April 29, 2011 — what will Princess-to-be Kate Middleton be wearing?
C. M. Rubin and Theresa Blake met when they collaborated on a reproduction of the design of the original wedding dress worn by Alice Pleasance Liddell (the Alice behind Wonderland) at her wedding in 1880 in the world reknowned Westminster Abbey in London. An illustration of Alice Liddell’s dress was featured in C.M. Rubin’s bestselling book, The Real Alice In Wonderland.
Princess Diana and her sons, Prince William and Prince Harry
KATE MIDDLETON - TO DRESS A PRINCESS
Queen Elizabeth - Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon
THE KING’S SPEECH - ELEVEN THINGS THE MOVIE WON’T TELL YOU ABOUT HIS QUEEN by C. M. Rubin
The King’s Speech is the private story of a famous public man, King George VI (Prince Albert, Duke of York, also known as “Bertie”, played by Colin Firth), his Queen, Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon (played by Helena Bonham Carter), who loved him, and the Australian speech therapist, Lionel Logue (played by Geoffrey Rush), who helped him overcome his stammer and in the process find his voice at a time when Great Britain needed strong leadership. Colin Firth collected a Screen Actor’s Guild award, a Golden Globe, a BAFTA award, and an Academy Award for his performance as King George VI. Here are ELEVEN things The King’s Speech won’t tell you about King George VI’s real life love, his Queen Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon.
1. Elizabeth was born the Honorable Elizabeth in London, England on August 4, 1900, and died on March 30, 2002 at age 101 as Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother.
2. She was the ninth and second to last child in a warm and close family, and she became Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon when her father was named the Earl of Strathmore and Kinghorne.
3. Elizabeth loved talking and was known throughout her life to be able to talk to anyone, her philosophy for life being: “Life is for living and working at. If you find anything or anybody a bore, the fault is in yourself.”
4. She was educated at home at first by her mother and then by French governesses, and by the time she was ten, she spoke French fluently.
5. A dance in London in May, 1920 is reputed to be the place she made a big impression on Prince Albert, although the courtship that followed had many ups and downs, since young Elizabeth kept turning down the Duke’s marriage proposals.
6. She finally accepted the Duke of York’s proposal and their marriage took place at Westminster Abbey on April 26, 1923.
7. Her wedding gown, which followed the fashions of the day, was designed by Madame Handley Seymour, a former London Court dressmaker. After the Duke and Duchess became King and Queen in 1937, fashion designer Norman Hartnell was summoned into Royal service to create Elizabeth’s regal transformation.
8. King George VI and Queen Elizabeth went to Canada and the United States after their coronation, where they became close friends with President and Mrs. Roosevelt.
9. After bombs were dropped on Buckingham Palace in World War II, Elizabeth is remembered for saying: “I’m glad we’ve been bombed. It makes me feel I can look the East End (of London which suffered much devastation from the bombings) in the face.”
10. When advisors recommended her two daughters be evacuated to Canada, the Queen replied: “They cannot go without me, I will never leave the king, and he will never leave the country.”
11. On the subject of the importance of Royal duties, Elizabeth once told her daughters: “The work you do is the rent you pay for the room you occupy on earth.”
On April 29, 2011, Westminster Abbey will be the setting for the most anticipated wedding of the year — the Royal Wedding of His Royal Highness Prince William of Wales and Kate (Catherine) Middleton. To honor the event, author C. M.(Catherine) Rubin and designer Theresa Blake have joined forces to bring you a series of stories which focus on wedding dresses worn by famous Royal Princesses and Queens over the centuries that continue to inspire wedding dress designers and brides to this day. Who knows? Perhaps one of these historic royal gowns has already inspired the best kept secret for April 29, 2011 — what will Princess-to-be Kate Middleton be wearing?
C. M. Rubin and Theresa Blake met when they collaborated on a reproduction of the design of the original wedding dress worn by Alice Pleasance Liddell (the Alice behind Wonderland) at her wedding in 1880 in the world reknowned Westminster Abbey in London. An illustration of Alice Liddell’s dress was featured in C.M. Rubin’s bestselling book, The Real Alice In Wonderland.
Queen Mum
KATE MIDDLETON - TO DRESS A PRINCESS
Princess Elisabeth of Bavaria
On April 29, 2011, Westminster Abbey will be the setting for the most anticipated wedding of the year — the Royal Wedding of His Royal Highness Prince William of Wales and Kate (Catherine) Middleton. To honor the event, author C. M.(Catherine) Rubin and designer Theresa Blake have joined forces to bring you a series of stories which focus on wedding dresses worn by famous Royal Princesses and Queens over the centuries that continue to inspire wedding dress designers and brides to this day. Who knows? Perhaps one of these historic royal gowns has already inspired the best kept secret for April 29, 2011 — what will Princess-to-be Kate Middleton be wearing?
PRINCESS ELISABETH OF BAVARIA - 19th Century by C. M. Rubin and Theresa BlakePrincess Elisabeth of Bavaria (1837 – 1898), Empress of Austria and Queen Consort of Hungary, has inspired filmmakers and theater producers for decades. Her husband and first cousin, Franz Joseph I, Emperor of Austria, selected Elisabeth to be his queen when she was only 15 years old. Elisabeth bore the Emperor four children (Archduchess Sophie, Archduchess Gisela, Crown Prince Rudolf, Archduchess Marie Valerie). The Princess was known for her beauty, her passion for fashion, her 20 inch waist (she followed a strict diet and exercise regimen), and her reputed love affairs. During the course of her life, she faced many tragedies including the death of her oldest child, Sophie, and her only son, Rudolf. The scandal surrounding her son’s suggested murder-suicide with his lover Baroness Mary Vetsera (the scandal was known as the Mayerling Incident), increased public interest in Elisabeth. She spent little time in Austria during the later years of her life when travel to countries all over the world consumed her interest. On September 10, 1898, she was assassinated in Geneva, Switzerland by a young mentally ill anarchist named Luigi Lucheni.
The beautiful wedding gown below, of ivory lace satin and tulle, was inspired by a painting of Elisabeth. It is a reproduction of a classic Victorian court dress - a triple layered lace skirt, scattered with mother of pearl sequins, worn over many petticoats and a crinoline hoop. The velvet train is edged with appliqued details in gold, a theatrical interpretation of the original intricate gold lace. The corseted bodice is encrusted with intricate beaded patterns in crystals, sequins, pearls, and facetted stones, and has layered pearl-edged ribbons at the shoulder.
C. M. Rubin and Theresa Blake met when they collaborated on a reproduction of the design of the original wedding dress worn by Alice Pleasance Liddell (the Alice behind Wonderland) at her wedding in 1880 in the world reknowned Westminster Abbey in London. An illustration of Alice Liddell’s dress was featured in C.M. Rubin’s bestselling book, The Real Alice In Wonderland.
To Dress A Princess
KATE MIDDLETON - TO DRESS A PRINCESS
Mary Henrietta Stuart, Princess Royal
On April 29, 2011, Westminster Abbey will be the setting for the most anticipated wedding of the year — the Royal Wedding of His Royal Highness Prince William of Wales and Kate (Catherine) Middleton. To honor the event, author C.M. (Catherine) Rubin and designer Theresa Blake have joined forces to bring you a series of stories which focus on wedding dresses worn by famous Royal Princesses and Queens over the centuries that continue to inspire wedding dress designers and brides to this day. Who knows? Perhaps one of these historic royal gowns has already inspired the best kept secret for April 29, 2011 — what will Princess-to-be Kate Middleton be wearing?
MARY HENRIETTA STUART - PRINCESS ROYAL - 17TH CENTURY By C. M. Rubin and Theresa Blake
Mary Henrietta Stuart, Princess Royal, Princess of Orange, and Countess of Nassau was born at St. James’s Palace, London in 1631. She was the eldest daughter of King Charles I of England, Scotland and Ireland, and Queen Henrietta Maria of France. Mary’s father designated her Princess Royal (making her the first daughter of a British Sovereign to hold that title).
King Charles wished her to marry the son of Philip IV, King of Spain. However, Mary’s German first cousin, Karl Ludwig, the Elector Palatine, was also a suitor for her hand. Both proposals fell through and Mary was finally betrothed to Willem (William II), the Dutch son and heir of Frederick Henry, Prince of Orange. The marriage took place on May 2, 1641 at the Chapel Royal, Whitehall Palace, London. The marriage was not consummated for several years, understandably, since the bride was only nine years old when she was married. The couple’s only child, Willem, later became King William III of England, Ireland and Scotland. Mary died in 1660 and was buried in Westminster Abbey.
Theresa Blake’s restoration period wedding dress, inspired by Princess Royal Mary Henrietta Stuart, is made in a beautiful blue and gold silk brocade with matching plain blue silk overskirt and adornments of silk taffeta ribbon. This was very popular in the seventeenth century. An element of artistic license was used with the representative of shift sleeves (the undersleeve part). Theresa has used silk rather than lawn or linen. This seems very appropriate for a wedding or royal court gown. The slashed sleeves have piped edgings and blue-gold looped ribbon decoration.
C. M. Rubin and Theresa Blake met when they collaborated on a reproduction of the design of the original wedding dress worn by Alice Pleasance Liddell (the Alice behind Wonderland) at her wedding in 1880 in the world reknowned Westminster Abbey in London. An illustration of Alice Liddell’s dress was featured in C.M. Rubin’s bestselling book, The Real Alice In Wonderland.
To Dress A Princess
KATE MIDDLETON - TO DRESS A PRINCESS
Queen Anne Boleyn of England
On April 29, 2011, Westminster Abbey will be the setting for the most anticipated wedding of the year — the Royal Wedding of His Royal Highness Prince William of Wales and Kate (Catherine) Middleton. To honor the event, author C.M. (Catherine) Rubin and designer Theresa Blake have joined forces to bring you a series of stories which focus on wedding dresses worn by famous Royal Princesses and Queens over the centuries that continue to inspire wedding dress designers and brides to this day. Who knows? Perhaps one of these historic royal gowns has already inspired the best kept secret for April 29, 2011 — what will Princess-to-be Kate Middleton be wearing?
QUEEN ANNE BOLEYN - 16TH CENTURY QUEENS by C. M. Rubin and Theresa Blake
Lady Anne Boleyn became one of the most famous queens in English history, though she ruled for just three years. The daughter of an ambitious knight and niece of the powerful duke of Norfolk, Lady Anne spent her teenage years at the elegant French court. When she returned to England, her wit and French style were her greatest charms. She had a circle of male admirers and soon became secretly engaged to Henry Percy, the son of the wealthy Earl of Northumberland.
Lady Anne then entered the service of Queen Katherine of Aragon, wife of King Henry VIII of England. It wasn’t long before Anne caught the eye of King Henry. Jealous of Anne’s many admirers, Henry ordered her fiance, Henry Percy, from court. He then tried to make Anne his mistress. Anne boldly turned the King down. She had witnessed her sister Mary become the king’s mistress and gain little from it but scandal. However, Anne knew that her hopes to marry Henry Percy were futile. Pursued by King Henry, she insisted the King marry her before she would bed him.
Obsessed with Anne, it took King Henry nearly seven years to obtain an annulment. In addition, his divorce involved an irrevocable breach with the Catholic Church in Rome. Finally, King Henry and Queen Anne wed on May 28, 1533. Queen Anne’s coronation took place at Westminster Abbey on June 1, 1533. Queen Anne gave Henry a healthy daughter, Elizabeth, who would later become the greatest queen (Elizabeth I) that England ever had. By January of 1534, Anne was once again pregnant. The child was either miscarried or stillborn. In 1535, she became pregnant again, but miscarried by the end of January. Henry became frustrated with Anne’s inability to give him a son and heir. His interest in one of Anne’s ladies-in-waiting, Jane Seymour, had also begun to grow. Anne’s enemies at court took advantage of the situation and plotted against her. The marriage ended tragically for Anne. She was executed on trumped up charges of witchcraft, incest, and adultery on May 19, 1536.
The 16th century styled wedding gown in the picture below is inspired by Queen Anne Boleyn. The dress is elaborately embroidered with a beaded brocade bodice, embellished with faux fur and pearls. The fitted sleeves were made in silk organza, topped with ruched silk, and held together by braid. The main skirt of the dress is a deep rich cream silk. It splits to show an underskirt of pearl-beaded brocade. The dress would have been worn over a shaped frame and petticoats.
C. M. Rubin and Theresa Blake met when they collaborated on a reproduction of the design of the original wedding dress worn by Alice Pleasance Liddell (the Alice behind Wonderland) at her wedding in 1880 in the world reknowned Westminster Abbey in London. An illustration of Alice Liddell’s dress was featured in C.M. Rubin’s bestselling book, The Real Alice In Wonderland.
To Dress A Princess
KATE MIDDLETON - TO DRESS A PRINCESS
On April 29, 2011, Westminster Abbey will be the setting for the most anticipated wedding of the year — the Royal Wedding of His Royal Highness Prince William of Wales and Kate (Catherine) Middleton. To honor the event, author C.M.Rubin and designer Theresa Blake have joined forces to bring you a series of stories which focus on wedding dresses worn by famous Royal Princesses and Queens over the centuries that continue to inspire wedding dress designers and brides to this day. Who knows? Perhaps one of these historic royal gowns has already inspired the best kept secret for April 29, 2011 — what will Princess-to-be Kate Middleton be wearing?
PRINCESS SABRA AND ST. GEORGE by C.M. Rubin and Theresa Blake
There are many versions of the story of the legend of Princess Sabra and George of Lydda (also known as St. George, patron saint of England). This is one of the popular ones from the 11th century. Princess Sabra was the daughter of the King of Silene (Egypt). George, a crusader, had travelled for many months until he came to Libya. There George met a poor hermit who told him that the land was being terrorized by a dragon. The dragon had demanded that a beautiful maiden be sacrificed by the people every day. The King’s daughter, Princess Sabra, had been selected to be sacrificed the following day. The King of Egypt had offered his daughter’s hand in marriage to any champion who could destroy the terrible dragon. When St. George heard this story, he was determined to try and save the princess, so he rested that night in the hermit’s hut, and at daybreak set out to the valley where the dragon lived. When George drew near, he saw a procession of women, headed by a beautiful girl. It was Princess Sabra being led by her attendants to the place of death. George quickly overtook the ladies. He comforted the princess with brave words and persuaded her to let him intercede. The fearless George entered the valley where he fought the dragon long and hard. At a pivotal point in the battle, he called out to Princess Sabra and asked her to throw him her girdle, which she did. George placed Princess Sabra’s girdle around the dragon’s neck and as he did, the great beast backed down and meekly followed the Princess. After this magnificent conquest of the ferocious dragon, the King and the people rejoiced and soon converted to Christianity. And of course, George married the enchanting Princess Sabra.
The wedding dress below, inspired by Princess Sabra, was designed by Theresa Blake. It was constructed in a sage green matka silk, cut through in “princess line”. A belt worn at upper hip level helps to achieve the perfect Pre-Raphaelite silhouette. The main body of the gown was created in a unique “rustic” fabric (silk matka) - less glossy than dupion. At the hem, lions rampant, interspersed with pomegranates (a nod towards the famous “Proserpina” painting by Dante Gabriel Rossetti) were appliquéd. The sleeves, fitted quite tightly to upper and lower arm, are slashed at the elbow to reveal a silk underdress. The same false under-chemise detail is at the shoulder to imply the dress beneath. Brown leather thong is used for lacing.
C. M. (Catherine) Rubin and Theresa Blake met when they collaborated on a reproduction of the design of the original wedding dress worn by Alice Pleasance Liddell (the Alice behind Wonderland) at her wedding in 1880 in the world reknowned Westminster Abbey in London. An illustration of Alice Liddell’s dress by Theresa Blake was featured in C.M. Rubin’s bestselling book, The Real Alice In Wonderland.
TO DRESS A PRINCESS
KATE MIDDLETON - TO DRESS A PRINCESS
Alice Pleasance Liddell
THE REAL ALICE IN WONDERLAND MARRIED AT WESTMINSTER ABBEY By C.M. Rubin and Theresa Blake
On April 29, 2011, Westminster Abbey will be the setting for the most anticipated wedding of the year — the Royal Wedding of His Royal Highness Prince William of Wales and Kate (Catherine) Middleton. To honor the event, author C.M. Rubin and designer Theresa Blake have joined forces to bring you a series of stories which focus on wedding dresses worn by famous Royal Princesses and Queens over the centuries that continue to inspire wedding dress designers and brides to this day. Who knows? Perhaps one of these historic royal gowns has already inspired the best kept secret for April 29, 2011 — what will Princess-to-be Kate Middleton be wearing?
Westminster Abbey is steeped in more than a thousand years of history. Benedictine monks first came to this place in the middle of the tenth century, establishing a tradition of daily worship which continues to this day.
The Abbey houses a treasure of paintings, stained glass, pavements, textiles and other artifacts. Westminster Abbey is also the place where some of the most significant people in Great Britain’s history have been buried, including perhaps the most popular Royal princess of all time, Princess Diana, whose funeral took place at the Abbey on September 6, 1997. Westminster Abbey has been the Royal coronation church since 1066, and is the final resting place of seventeen British monarchs.
Alice Pleasance Liddell (the real Alice in Wonderland) was married in Westminster Abbey on September 15, 1880. Other famous weddings at the Abbey include those of Princess Elizabeth II (later Queen Elizabeth II), Princess Margaret (daughter of George VI), Princess Anne (daughter of Queen Elizabeth II), and Princess Alexandra of Kent. Princess-to-be Kate Middleton will join this celebrated list on April 29, 2011.
C. M. Rubin and Theresa Blake met when they collaborated on a reproduction of the design of the original wedding dress worn by Alice Pleasance Liddell at her wedding in 1880 to Reginal Hargreaves in the Abbey. An illustration of Alice Liddell’s dress was featured in the bestselling book, The Real Alice In Wonderland, by C. M. Rubin and Gabriella Rubin.
Theresa Blake trained at Wimbledon School of Art in period costume design. After helping to design magnificent gowns for major bridal and couture houses in the UK, she formed her own company, Rossetti Couture. Today, Rossetti Couture designs period wedding gowns inspired by historical princesses and theatrical costumes for individuals and prestigious entertainment companies around the world.
C. M. (Catherine) Rubin designs many of her own clothes and is also the author of three best-selling, award winning books, including The Real Alice In Wonderland.
Westminster Abbey
KATE MIDDLETON - TO DRESS A PRINCESS
”The Accolade”
PRINCESS ISOLDE OF IRELAND by C. M. Rubin and Theresa Blake
On April 29, 2011, Westminster Abbey will be the setting for the most anticipated wedding of the year — the Royal Wedding of His Royal Highness Prince William of Wales and Kate (Catherine) Middleton. To honor the event, author C.M. Rubin and designer Theresa Blake have joined forces to bring you a series of stories which focus on wedding dresses worn by famous Royal Princesses and Queens over the centuries that continue to inspire wedding dress designers and brides to this day. Who knows? Perhaps one of these historic royal gowns has already inspired the best kept secret for April 29, 2011 — what will Princess-to-be Kate Middleton be wearing?
The legendary love story of Tristan and Princess Isolde takes place in the fifth century during the reign of King Arthur. Princess Isolde of Ireland was the daughter of King Angwish of Ireland. There are several versions of the story behind the legend; here is one of the popular ones. The beautiful Princess Isolde was betrothed to King Mark of Cornwall. King Mark sent his handsome nephew, Tristan, to bring home his bride, the Princess Isolde. However, during the journey back to Cornwall, Tristan and Isolde fall madly in love with each other. Princess Isolde goes ahead and marries King Mark upon arrival in Cornwall but continues to see Tristan. King Mark finds out and banishes Tristan from Cornwall. Tristan moves to King Arthur’s court and later to Brittany where he meets and marries Iseult of Brittany (because of her resemblance to Isolde). Tristan, however, is unable to consummate the marriage because of his strong feelings for his true love, Princess Isolde. Tristan falls ill and sends ships for his beloved Isolde. The returning ship’s white sails are the lovers’ signal that Princess Isolde is coming back to Tristan. Iseult lies to Tristan, telling him that the white sails are black. Tristan dies of grief before Isolde can get to him. Soon after, Isolde too dies of a broken heart.
Theresa Blake’s design for Princess Isolde’s wedding gown, shown below, is inspired by the famous painting, “The Accolade,” by Edmund Blair-Leighton, seen above. The white gown of duchesse satin has a sumptuous, multi-layered chiffon skirt and dramatic, flowing, medieval style, long hanging sleeves. The lightly corseted bodice is laced at the back to emphasize the silhouette. A belt of dazzling jewels and facetted stones surround the Princess’ hips.
C. M. (Catherine) Rubin and Theresa Blake met when they collaborated on a reproduction of the design of the original wedding dress worn by Alice Pleasance Liddell (the Alice behind Wonderland) at her wedding in 1880 in the world reknowned Westminster Abbey in London. An illustration of Alice Liddell’s dress was featured in C.M. Rubin’s bestselling book, The Real Alice In Wonderland.
To Dress A Princess
KATE MIDDLETON - TO DRESS A PRINCESS
KATE MIDDLETON - TO DRESS A PRINCESS by C. M. Rubin and Theresa Blake
C. M. Rubin and Theresa Blake met when they collaborated on a reproduction of the design of the original wedding dress worn by Alice Pleasance Liddell (the Alice behind Wonderland) at her wedding in 1880 to Reginald Hargreaves in the world reknowned Westminster Abbey in London. An illustration of Alice Liddell’s dress was featured in the bestselling book, The Real Alice In Wonderland, by C. M. Rubin and Gabriella Rubin.
On April 29, 2011, Westminster Abbey will once again be the setting for the most anticipated wedding of the year — the wedding of His Royal Highness Prince William of Wales and Kate (Catherine) Middleton. To honor the event, Rubin and Blake have joined forces to bring you a series of stories from CMRubinWorld entitled “KATE MIDDLETON - TO DRESS A PRINCESS.” The stories focus on wedding dresses worn by famous Royal Princesses over the centuries that continue to inspire wedding dress designers and brides to this day. Who knows? Perhaps one of these historic royal gowns has already inspired the best kept secret for April 29, 2011 — what will Princess-to-be Kate Middleton be wearing?
Theresa Blake trained at Wimbledon School of Art in period costume design. After helping to design magnificent gowns for major bridal and couture houses in the UK, she formed her own company, Rossetti Couture. Today, Rossetti Couture designs period wedding gowns inspired by historical princesses and theatrical costumes for individuals and prestigious entertainment companies around the world.
C. M. (Catherine) Rubin designs many of her own clothes and is also the author of three best-selling, award winning books, including The Real Alice In Wonderland.
Theresa Blake and C. M. Rubin
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