Pippa Middleton Marries James Matthews in Lace Giles Deacon Gown
Pippa Middleton wed financier James Matthews on Saturday morning during a traditional church service held at the bride’s family’s local parish in Bucklebury, Berkshire, an English village outside of London.
The Duchess of Cambridge’s sister, who became world-famous as a bridesmaid in a head-turning dress, is now a bride herself and once again proving to be highly fashionable. For the occasion, the 33-year-old turned to British designer Giles Deacon, a favorite couturier in the United Kingdom.
And Deacon delivered. Middleton walked down the aisle for her intimate nuptials at St. Mark’s Church in a bespoke gown that created an illusion of absolute seamlessness, according to Business of Fashion. “I wanted that ‘how-was-that-done?’ factor,” he said. “It’s all hand-pieced which is why you don’t actually see a seam.”
The cap-sleeve number with a heart-shaped cutout in the back, that she paired with a Stephen Jones veil, Maidenhair Fern tiara, and Manolo Blahnik heels, was also hand-embroidered with pearls on the high neck and intricately degradé-ed on the bodice and corset. The long train was also filled with tulle for extra volume.
Deacon said he took inspiration from the dancers in the 1963 movie The Leopard. “I’ve never been just about fashion,” he said. “One foot in, one foot out, in art, craftsmanship, tradition, modernity, technology, right from the start of my career.” He added, “I do a hell of a lot of research into every client commission.” And while he couldn’t speak directly of his client, Deacon did admit of Pippa, “She has a great eye, she knew what she wanted.”
Since the engagement was announced last July, speculation has been swirling surrounding who would design Middleton’s gown for her big day. Deacon was actually considered the favorite after he was spotted at her London home in December with an armful of dress bags. But he wasn’t the only contender: The party planner reportedly held meetings with numerous designers in a bid to find the perfect dress.
Would Middleton follow in her sister’s steps and wear a decadent, lace Alexander McQueen creation? Would she turn to safe, bridal bet Jenny Packham? Or go all out with a big, white, frothy Ralph & Russo number?
Deacon, who stopped showing at London Fashion Week in 2016 to spend more time focusing on couture, is no stranger to wedding dress design. In 2011, he famously created English model Abbey Clancy’s strapless, tiered creation for her marriage to Peter Crouch. He’s also a seasoned red carpet designer, and has dressed everyone from Sarah Jessica Parker to Cate Blanchett and, of course, his Game of Thrones girlfriend Gwendoline Christie.
An interview with Hello! from last year revealed that Deacon’s certainly a fan of the Middleton sisters. “I think they’ve both got divine style,” Deacon told the magazine. “They’re thoroughly modern girls promoting British brands and looking fantastic.”
Read more from Yahoo Style + Beauty:
Prince George and Princess Charlotte Steal the Spotlight at Pippa Middleton’s Wedding
Kate Middleton Looks Pretty in Pink for Sister Pippa’s Wedding
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