Style Birmingham

Looking every bit the modern day princess, Kate Middleton wowed a worldwide audience of two billion with her stunning dress, designed by Sarah Burton of Alexander McQueen. With a nod towards the beautiful Grace Kelly, the elegant gown had been kept secret right up until the moment she stepped out in front of Westminster Abbey to cheers from a delighted crowd.

Made from ivory and white satin gazar, the dress had been designed to resemble an open flower.

Its intricate train stretched two metres 70 centimetres and, along with the bodice, it was decorated with handcrafted lace applique flowers made according to a traditional Irish technique.

The rose, thistle, daffodil and the shamrock were incorporated into the design to represent the floral emblems of the UK.

In keeping with Royal tradition, Kate’s arms were covered with while her waist-length veil was created so William could see all her facial expressions.

Drawing on Victorian corsetry, the dress narrowed at the waist and was padded at the hips - a signature of Alexander McQueen.

Workers based at Hampton Court Palace washed their hands every 30 minutes to ensure the lace and threads remained pristine. Needles were swapped every three hours to keep them sharp.

Kate wore her hair in a demi Chignon with the Queen’s 1936 Cartier tiara as her something borrowed.

A pair of pear-shaped diamond drop earrings, which were a wedding gift from her parents, were her something new.

For her something blue, she asked for a ribbon to be sewn inside the dress while the  Carrickmacross craftsmanship was her something old.

Rather sweetly, her bouquet contained Sweet Williams and a sprig of myrtle, the herb of love.