By MAYSA RAWI
Fit for a McQueen: Sarah Burton, rumoured to be designing Kate Middleton's wedding dress, unveiled the Alexander McQueen ready-to-wear collection at Paris Fashion Week yesterday
As the fashion industry is awash with reports that Kate Middleton's wedding dress will be made by Sarah Burton, the Alexander McQueen designer kept the rumour mill running when she unveiled a very bridal collection in Paris yesterday.
Although Burton dismissed claims after the show, the speculation continues and there is no doubt the stunning pieces are fit for a queen.
Kate's gown will be bespoke, but the Winter 2011 ready-to-wear line provides exciting insight into what to expect on the big day should the news turn out to be true.
Ice Queen: Romantic, long white designs with beaded and feather detailing featured high neck-lines
Romantic, long white designs with beaded and feather detailing featured high neck-lines, but no sleeves in the collection that was aptly named 'Ice Queen'.
Kate will no doubt follow in the traditional footsteps of her predecessors and eschew spaghetti straps or bustier designs in favour of a more demure look.
The odds so far have been on Kate choosing veteran designer Bruce Oldfield or Phillipa Lepley.
Innovative: Burton retained McQueen's signature look but introduced new elements, including a dress with a bodice made of chipped porcelain with a 6ft long train, which took two weeks to make
Short 'n' sweet: The collection won among the strongest reactions of any of this season's Paris shows, with the audience hooting, cheering and whistling its enthusiastic approval as Burton ducked out for a bow
But it seems fashion experts are now desperately hoping Burton will be the chosen one.
Asked whether he thought the rumours would prove true, Vogue editor Andre Leon Talley, replied 'I hope so.'
'If she were dressed by Ms Burton, she'd make a beautiful bride.'
Black Beauty: The Gothic-inspired designs were a tribute to the late Alexander McQueen
Hardcore: The collection also included a fair share of black, not to mention plentiful hardcore bondage touches
Either way, Burton won among the strongest reactions of any of this season's Paris shows, with the audience hooting, cheering and whistling its enthusiastic approval as she ducked out for a bow as the front row exchanged knowing glances.
But although white dresses dotted the collection, all the McQueen signature detailing was visible including chunky platform heels, black and Gothic accessories.
Only 35 pieces were made, giving the designer a chance to hone her expertise and concentrate on every little detail - including an intricate dress with a bodice made of chipped porcelain and a 6ft train.
Take a bow: Sarah Burton at the end of the show
It was Burton's second since she stepped into McQueen's immense shoes about a year ago following his suicide.
Burton, 36, had worked closely with McQueen for years, and her debut collection, shown last October, was lauded by the press for managing the tricky task of tapping into the late designer's creative genius, while softening McQueen's signature hard edges and letting out his painfully nipped-in waists.
And if she really is tasked with the Royal wedding dress, then her efforts have clearly paid off.
Recognition: Naomi Campbell, left, and Vogue editor Anna Wintour and Grace Coddington
Top secret: Kate, pictured yesterday, will not be revealing any details until her wedding to Prince William in April
Turning out to support her were supermodel Naomi Campbell - a longstanding fan of McQueen - Vogue editor Anna Wintour and creative director Grace Coddington.
Burton joined the label in 1996, where she grew to become his loyal sidekick and eventually became creative director when McQueen died last year.
After the announcement was made, she said: 'The creation of modern, beautifully crafted clothes was at the heart of Lee's vision.
'I intend to stay true to his legacy.'
Jonathan Akeroyd, president and CEO of Alexander McQueen said: 'We are delighted that Sarah has agreed to take on the role of creative director.
'Having worked alongside Lee McQueen for more than 14 years, she has a deep understanding of his vision, which will allow the company to stay true to its core values.'
Kate's choice and any details will of course not be revealed until April 29, but after yesterday's collection proved to be such a hit - and arguably the highlight of Fashion Week, the verdict is unanimous.
It would be a great shame not to see the future Princess in a McQueen dress on her big day.
source: dailymail
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