Wedding Dresses

1980s Emanuel White Silk Taffeta Strapless Gown If you have the opportunity to read David and Elizabeth Emanuel's account of creating Princess Di's wedding gown, you'll marvel not only at the level of secrecy involved in making the dress, but equally impressive was the enormous degree of royal patriotism demonstrated by those who had a hand in the production of the dress - from the silk weavers who specially wove the silk taffeta, to the man, Clive Shilton, who hand made the shoes to match the gown. Everyone considered it such an immense honor to dress the bride of the future King of England, they literally would have died before breaking their silence about who they were making these gorgeous items for. But we digress. The Emanuels were pretty much still obscure young designers, not long out of London's Royal College of Art, when Lady Diana Spencer tapped them to design and make her wedding gown. And the rest, as they say, is history. This lovely gown, though clearly not as elaborate as Di's, demonstrates the exquisite attention to detail in design, fabric and execution that the Emanuels were so highly regarded for. The fabric, like that used in Diana's gown, is an unbelievably gorgeous white silk taffeta, with a wonderful hand that isn't awkwardly stiff. A long, slim, strapless sheath gown, it has a panniered peplum at the hip, balanced by a big bow at the bust. The bodice is lightly boned for support and structure, and is trimmed around the top and bottom edges of the bow and band with a silver sequin topped by a clear bead. Alas, quite a few are missing. Rather than replace them ourselves, we are leaving it to the gown's new owner to replace or remove them. There is also some faint discoloration at the underarm. Back zipper closure. Measuring 32 1/2" at the bust, 22" at the waist, 36" at the hip, and 48" long from the underarm to the hem. Bears the Emanuel Special label, made in England. $305

1980s Emanuel White Silk Taffeta Strapless Gown