Bridal Fashion

fit for a princess: caroline castigilano on how to wear it like meghan markle

Rachel Hirst

Caroline Castigliano Sweet Dreams

Having been thrust firmly into the UK’s media limelight after snapping up one of Britain’s most eligible bachelors, Meghan Markle is quickly becoming a new style obsession for us ladies, favoured for her chic, tailored looks that are both pretty and polished.

We’re all keen to take note of her outfit choices at royal engagements and public appearances so that we can mirror that elegant yet effortless style for ourselves. So much so that certain outfits sported by the former Suits actress have gone on to sell out in just a matter of hours, or even minutes. In particular the bow-detailed green dress by Italian label P.A.R.O.S.H that Meghan wore for her first television interview with Harry after announcing their engagement.

It’s no wonder then that they biggest hype around the upcoming royal wedding, is what Meghan’s choice of gown will be. Speculation is sky high but with nothing confirmed we only have predictions to go on until the big reveal on May 19th.

Never one to wait patiently, we were keen to get the view of an expert in the industry, and so we’ve called upon our amazing Sponsor and top British bridal designer Caroline Castigliano, to give her thoughts on what we can expect from Meghan’s big day style while offering guidance for those brides-to-be wanting to radiant a royal worthy look for their own nuptials and celebrations.

Caroline Castigliano_-83

As the royal wedding approaches the question on everyone’s lips is what type of gown will Meghan wear? Can you share your prediction with us?

caroline says

: I think the dress will be in a delicate lace with very subtle beading, it will be designed with a deep V neckline and long lace sleeve – the sleeve will show her skin tone through so you can see the beauty and delicate detail of the lace. The gown will skim Meghan’s body and have a large train attached at the waist in a silk zibeline – from the front you will see the vision of the body skimming lace dress and this fabulous train creating drama – the train will extend to the back and the lace from the gown will trickle down the train from the waist.

Do you think that Meghan will follow in Kate Middleton’s footsteps and have a second gown for her wedding? If so what type of gown do you think this will be?

Meghan will definitely change for the evening reception, I feel she will wear a classic but very stylish gown to the wedding and change for the evening to something more in keeping with a glamourous party, perhaps a low back fitted gown that is sparkly and shows off her stunning figure. It was estimated that three billion people watched the last royal wedding – we need to see as many gorgeous gowns as possible!

Caroline Castigliano_Porcelain

And what about accessories? How do you think Meghan will complete her big day look?

Meghan will wear a silk veil covering the entire gown and extending to just past the end of the train on her gown. She will wear a tiara chosen from the collection of the late Princess Diana. I believe Meghan will also wear a delicate diamond necklace and matching bracelet.

How do you think Meghan’s choice of gown will shape bridal trends going forward?

I don’t think Meghan’s wedding dress will change the fashion of bridal wear in future years, Meghan may decide on something subtle within her outfit that could become a trend for a short period but if you look at royal weddings over the years you will see that none of these royal gowns have changed the course of bridal fashion.

You have designed gowns for celebrities, film stars and dignitaries – who has been your favourite to dress so far and which A-lister would you love the opportunity to design for?

I have never worked with anyone that I haven’t enjoyed dressing. My experience is the more successful someone is the more at peace they are within themselves and often quite humble. I would love to dress Adele. I love everything about her, the voice, the face – she is a great role model, truly amazing and a fabulous star.

Caroline Castigliano_-77

For brides that are wanting to achieve a radiant princess look through their dress choice, what style of gowns would you suggest?

If a bride wants the princess radiant look she should create a classic look; long fitted sleeve with the shoulder covered, no cleavage and preferably the back covered too, this of course could be in a beautiful soft lace, so the skin creates a highlight through the lace. Most royal wedding dresses have full ball gown skirts this helps create impact and most importantly a princess bride must wear a veil preferably a cathedral veil. Jewellery would be delicate with diamond or pearl earrings and makeup simple and natural with glowing skin.

Caroline Castigliano_-176

Can you suggest five of your own dress designs that you would consider most ‘fit for a princess’?

Statuesque with Jubilee shrug – This gown exudes timeless glamour and traditional artistry. Cut in structured silk zibeline with a sculpted bodice, the fitted waist flares into a full A-line skirt with a long train creating a beautiful regal look. The high neck Jubilee lace shrug with long sleeves completes the look. The bride could remove the shrug for the evening and add a sparkling belt to create a second evening look.

Porcelain with Porcelain veil – The elegant Porcelain gown is classic and romantic. The nipped in waist and full skirt with a sweeping train adds to the grandeur of the gown. For a regal look this gown would be customised to have the delicate lace on the bodice cover the shoulders. The look would be finished with the matching Porcelain veil.

Sweet Dreams – The feminine Sweet Dreams gown with a flowing full silk organza skirt is perfect for the romantic bride. The corseted bodice is overlayed with a delicate embroidered tulle shrug with a deep V-back allowing brides to achieve ultimate understated glamour. Wear with a cathedral length veil.

Day Dream – The Day Dream gown is a modern and sculptural design, while still romantic it guarantees a show-stopping entrance. The lace sweetheart corset with grown a grown on delicate tulle overlay could be customised to cover the shoulders. A grand lace edged veil would complete the femininity and charm of this gown.

The Daisy Shrug – The Daisy shrug offers an effortless romantic look, with cap sleeves and a high neckline this shrug has a timeless appeal. For a princess look the intricate Guipure lace shrug would be worn over a strapless Mikado or satin faced silk organza ballgown.

The exclusive ‘Knightsbridge Collection’ as well as bespoke and couture appointments, are offered at the Caroline Castigliano Knightsbridge store. To visit the flagship store, request an appointment here or call 0207 590 9120.

Contributors

this is a sponsored post

Contact Loved Up North for details of our sponsorship packages and feature opportunities.

Contact us to be featured on Loved Up North