On May 20, 2017, Pippa Middleton and James Matthews exchanged vows in a wedding celebration that captivated onlookers and royal watchers alike. The highly-anticipated ceremony, which took place at St. Mark’s Church in Englefield, Berkshire, saw Pippa don a bespoke wedding gown crafted by respected British designer Giles Deacon.
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Pippa’s gown was a silk cotton lace creation that featured a fitted corseted bodice, delicate cap sleeves, and a sophisticated high neckline. The design included a heart-shaped keyhole detail in the back, adding an elegant twist. To complete her bridal look, she opted for a Stephen Jones veil and a stunning pair of ivory-and-pearl Manolo Blahnik pumps.
Notably, Pippa’s choice of attire paid homage to her British roots, reflecting both her personal style and her familial connections. Deacon, who established his own label in 2003, is celebrated for his innovative designs and was previously awarded the British Fashion Designer of the Year in 2006. His portfolio includes notable works for events like the 2012 London Olympics, where Victoria Beckham performed in one of his striking creations.
Speaking about the experience of designing Pippa’s dress, Deacon expressed immense pride in the collaboration, remarking on Pippa’s keen eye for detail and her clear vision for the garment. He recalled how the dress was meticulously crafted, emphasising the seamless stitching that made the gown appear flawless. Behind the scenes, however, a considerable amount of careful construction ensured that the seams remained hidden from view.
In a May 2017 interview, Deacon revealed that the gown was partially inspired by the stunning visuals from Luchino Visconti’s 1963 film, *The Leopard*. He noted the elegance of the dancing scenes, where the movement of the skirts, buoyed by hoop crinolines, created a captivating effect. This sense of movement echoed in Pippa’s dress, featuring a flowing tulle train and pleated front that enabled graceful motion.
There were striking similarities between Pippa’s gown and that of her sister, the Duchess of Cambridge, particularly in terms of the gown’s structure. Both brides chose ivory wedding dresses with corseted bodices adorned with lace overlays. While Kate’s dress, designed by Sarah Burton, showcased a plunging V-neckline, Pippa’s mock neck design harkened back to the classic elegance of Grace Kelly’s bridal look. The skirts of both gowns mirrored each other, featuring flattering A-line silhouettes.
An element that stood out during Pippa’s big day was her jewellery choice. For her wedding, she recycled a pair of earrings that had meaningful ties to her family history; she had worn them at Kate’s wedding in 2011, making them a fitting “something old.” Commissioned by her parents from the renowned jeweller Robinson Pelham, the earrings are designed with a pear-cut diamond drop and floral motifs.
Pippa also adorned her head with a bespoke diamond tiara crafted by Robinson Pelham, which was elegantly named the Maidenhair Fern tiara. The piece, constructed from 18-karat white gold and diamonds, was designed to complement Pippa’s features, with the jeweller explaining that great care was taken to ensure that the tiara did not overshadow the gown. This attention to detail further exemplified the care and thought that went into Pippa’s entire wedding look.
As Pippa Middleton celebrated her married life with James Matthews, her wedding remains a notable moment in contemporary British fashion, drawing admiration for its sophisticated design, exquisite craftsmanship, and the thoughtful elements integrated from family heritage. Pippa Middleton’s wedding attire not only marked a milestone in her personal journey but also ensured her place in the fashion spotlight, further extending the legacy of stylish brides within the Middleton family.