Beth Harper, owner of Athena Bridal and Prom in Centerville, says designers are at work sketching gowns that resemble the dress Kate Middleton wore, a garment that conjured up memories of the elegant gown Grace Kelly donned when she married Prince Rainier of Monaco in 1956.
“I am sure all kinds of suppliers will be knocking off (the dress),” she said.”
Wedding dresses and prom gowns inspired by fashions celebrities wear are generally popular, said Harper. She points to the popularity of wedding dresses like the one worn by former first daughter Chelsea Clinton.
The influence of Clinton’s dress is expected to pale in comparison to the hand-cut English lace and French Chantilly lace one worn by Catherine, Her Royal Highness, The Duchess of Cambridge.
“Girls Kate’s age will want to look like Kate,” Harper said. “It is a big deal to some people at least. There’s been so much hype.”
The look-a-likes will arrive with a variety of price points.
Amanda Sheronas, director of public relations for Alfred Angelo Bridal, said her company is expected to have a gown similar to the dress by designer Sarah Burton in a matter of just a few weeks.
Alfred Angelo has a store in Miamisburg near the Dayton Mall.
Sheronas said Kate will be a different sort of princess than Princess Diana, her new husband’s late mother.
A college education, free spirit and opinionated nature helps make Kate a “modern day princess,” she said.
“She going to be this amazingly iconic person for generation coming up,” Sheronas said.
She predicts the newest edition to the royal family will mix off the rack looks with couture fashions just as U.S. first lady Michelle Obama does.
“I think she is very chic for today,” Sheronas said. “There is something about her fashion sense that presents an air of confidence.”
David’s Bridal, which also has a shop near the Dayton Mall, immediately started promoting a bolero and a dress that resembles the one wore by Kate. The Oleg Cassini style features a ball gown silhouette with a strapless sweetheart neckline and dropped waist with beaded waistband details. The lace bolero has fitted long sleeves and floral details
“It’s the perfect match for the modern princess bride,” said Dan Rentillo, David’s vice president of design.
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2384 or arobinson@DaytonDailyNews.com.
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