I think due to the type of wedding she will lean to the conservative side so I don't expect her to go too modern or fashion forward. Which removes some of those high drama dresses and some of those strong architectural designs.
Romantic doesn't have to have all the detail, I agree with you on not likely to go all over lace or lots of detail pieces....and nothing similar to Kate's.
A simpler style of dress/material with a little embroidery detail could be quite nice.
LaRae
I just figured out why we aren't seeing eye to eye - we are using the same words but not the same meaning.
The gowns you posted were pretty - but way too similar to Kate's. They're also styles that have been copied so much that they aren't new anymore - any bride could have something similar off the rack and probably already has.
One of the things I love about most royal gowns is that you can't just buy them off the rack - or anything similar to them - most of the time. The ones that have some similarity to something on the rack usually make up for it by having a spectacular element or grandeur to them that elevates them above off-the-rack gowns.
That's why I haven't really liked many of the off the rack gowns I've seen posted - because they are off the rack. If you are going to go royal, go ROYAL. If you say you want a romantic gown - then I want to see a romantic gown with details no one off the street can mimic.
Kate's gown is very pretty, but I was underwhelmed by it because we've seen that gown for years before she wore it. Monique Lhullier has had a gown similar to that one in every collection since the year 2000. The only reason I was happy about Kate's gown was because it brought sleeves back.
Thus, my favorite royal gowns have been the ones that employ a simple and modern yet architectural shape that elevates them. I think Mette Marit's gown, Maxima's gown, Mary Donaldson's gown, Lady Charlotte's gown and even Letizia's gown all did this really well. None of them were fussy - but they WERE grand.
When I think simple and architectural, I see the gown like the one with the cape, or something with some kind of special pleated detail. The interest comes from how the fabric is utilized - how it's folded, pleated, etc..
So I think we agree - at least on the clean, modern gowns - as long as the gown is not "plain".
But if we are saying she's going to choose a romantic gown, that's when I think our viewpoints differ because we're not using the same definition of romantic apparently. Also - most of the examples of romantic gowns have been simple with no train, flimsy fabric that would cause a wardrobe malfunction (or headlights situation) and not enough grandeur.
I've been in love with this one for years. I think it's absolutely stunning. Drama, great design but very sleek. And the back is just LOVE.
https://www.mupload.nl/img/9ms5q7laaw9pg.jpg
https://www.mupload.nl/img/bluqn67xsd6uk.jpg
https://www.mupload.nl/img/2mhvztuhicb62.jpg
It's made by Delpozo.
Reminds me of Mette Marit's gown with the tiny pleats and shape - except for the draped cowl neckline and back.
It would be perfect on a beach.
It's not a matter of making an effort. It's a matter of personal taste. Many women aren't into glitter and lace and shine. There is just as much work and design that goes into a very simple but architectural dress, as there goes into a lace gown.
