Princess Eugenie's Peter Pilotto Wedding Dress: The Verdict

This is what industry insiders are saying about the royal bridal gown

Posted on

15 October 2018

All credits: PA

Princess Eugenie married Jack Brooksbank in a ceremony attended by a multitude of celebrities and members of the royal family, on Friday. There were some fabulous frocks on show but of course the most highly-anticipated outfit of all was the bride’s.

The Princess’s dress was created by Peter Pilotto, the brand helmed by designers Christopher De Vos and Peter Pilotto. The London-based duo, who have dressed the Princess on previous occasions, are famous for their digital prints, but this was a much more minimal affair.

The ivory satin jacquard dress had a fold over V neckline and long sleeves. Cinched in at the waist, it had a full skirt and long train. Eugenie chose to forgo a veil but, like many royal brides before her, borrowed a stunning tiara from the Queen.

Royal watchers on Twitter loved the dress, saying Eugenie looked suitably princess-like with many deciding they preferred the dress to the Duchess of Sussex’s Givenchy gown. So it was a hit on social media, but what did bridal wear experts think?

The experts loved it…

Peta Hunt, editor at large, You & Your Wedding magazine: “I think she looked stunning, I love the gentle low V-neck. The dress worked really well with that huge train, in damask satin – it worked perfectly for her shape and colouring.”

Caroline Castigliano, bridal wear designer: “The Princess looks classic with a contemporary twist, the long sleeves stay in line with royal tradition – while the cuff style neckline and full flowing skirt in a jacquard print has a freshness and simplicity about it.”

Andrew Barton, celebrity hairdresser:““Absolutely gorgeous, a perfect mix of traditional and on trend pieces.”

Praising the choice of designer

“Peter Pilotto and Christopher De Vos – well, that was a surprise, but it works so well and she is a big fan of British fashion,” says Hunt.

“It is such a huge occasion and she really needed a dress that filled the venue, but kept it simple at the same time.”

“It’s fantastic to see Eugenie opting for a British designer who wasn’t even in the running as a favourite for her to pick,” says Sarah Allard, editor at Hitched.co.uk.

Princess Eugenie revealing the scars on her back

“It’s incredibly refreshing to see Princess Eugenie showing her back operation scars on her big day, and a far cry from the picture-perfect bride we were presented with when Meghan married Harry,” says Allard.

“Brides should never shy from showing what makes them unique on their wedding day – and hopefully Eugenie’s move to show her scar will encourage others to embrace the unique parts of themselves on the most special day of their lives.”

The tiara was also a big hit...

“I love the Greville emerald tiara,” says Hunt. “According to royal protocol, tiaras are reserved for brides and married women so this will be the Princess’s first chance to wear a full-on one! So lovely with matching earrings.

“It was nice to see her not wearing a veil too. Very unusual for a royal.”

Experts think Princess Eugenie will influence bridalwear trends

“There is a trend for simple and less embellished dresses, plus off-the-shoulder and understated elegance and I am sure that she will influence some brides to be,” says Hunt.

“Whether she will have the huge impact that both Kate and Meghan’s weddings had on the public is unlikely as she is not as well know, however she is a role model for Middle England girls.”

Allard thinks we can expect to see a lot of brides following in Eugenie’s footsteps, especially for winter weddings. “The low back and V-neck give brides the option of showing some skin, yet the sleeves and skirt volume still allow for that wow-factor you want when you walk down the aisle.”