As Eugenie stepped out, fashion watchers had one question in mind
As Princess Eugenie emerged from the car ahead of her wedding to Jack Brooksbank in Windsor on Friday, fashion observers only had one question on their minds: how would her dress compare to the royal gowns that came before it?
Of course, every bride looks beautiful, and Eugenie, the youngest daughter of Prince Andrew and Sarah, the Duchess of York, was no exception.
Her gown, by British designer Peter Pilotto, featured a wide neckline that skimmed her shoulders and a bustle detail in the back. The fabric featured a pattern that included several motifs that are significant to the bride.
The symbols are a thistle for Scotland, acknowledging the couple's fondness for Balmoral; a Shamrock for Ireland as a reflection of the bride's maternal family; the York Rose; and ivy representing the couple's home.
On her head, she wore one of the Queen's personal tiaras, the Greville Emerald Kokoshnik, and no veil. According to the palace, her earrings are a gift from the groom.
The reaction to the dress on social media during the wedding ceremony was overwhelmingly positive, especially as the princess has received criticism over some of her fashion choices in the past, most notably the Philp Treacy hat she wore to William and Kate's wedding, which many likened to a woman's reproductive anatomy, earning it the nickname "the vagina hat".
But even the most diplomatic observers couldn't help compare Eugenie's dress to the last royal wedding, of Meghan Markle to Prince Harry.
Given it was only five months ago, trends are still reasonably consistent, so it's more sensible to compare Eugenie, who has no official royal role, to Meghan, rather than her cousin, Kate, who married Prince William in 2011.
Given Catherine will become queen consort one day, she had to toe the most traditional line, whereas Eugenie was free to be more creative, reflecting her career and interest in art, while still maintaining royal protocols.
In contrast to Eugenie's dress, Meghan's Givenchy gown by Claire Waight Keller, featured a bateau neckline, fitted sleeves and an A-line skirt.
Incidentally, Kate and Meghan each chose outfits by the designers of their respective wedding dresses on Friday, with Kate in fuchsia Alexander McQueen and Meghan in navy Givenchy.
The line-up of fashionable guests extended to celebrities including models Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss, singer Robbie Williams, whose daughter Teddy was in the bridal party, and Cara Delevingne, who made a bold choice in a top hat and tuxedo.
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