Pippa Middleton's $53,000 Wedding Dress and Its Subtle Connection to Sister Kate's Gown

In 2017, Pippa Middleton celebrated her marriage to financier James Matthews wearing a bespoke gown by British designer Giles Deacon. The dress showcased a Victorian-style neckline, delicate cap sleeves, and intricately hand-applied lace. She completed the look with a diamond tiara, a cathedral-length veil, and satin Manolo Blahnik pumps.

Pippas romance with Matthews began briefly in 2012, but their relationship truly blossomed after reconnecting in 2015. Matthews proposed in July 2016 in Englands scenic Lake District, and the couple planned their wedding for the following year.

As the younger sister of Catherine, Princess of Wales, Pippa had previously made headlines as the maid of honor at William and Kates 2011 wedding, wearing an Alexander McQueen bridesmaid dress that earned her global attention. Six years later, she had her own intimate ceremony at St. Marks Church in Englefield, dressed in another remarkable gown.

Deacons creation for Pippa featured cap-sleeve lace detailing, a Victorian neckline, and a subtle open back. Her veil, adorned with pearls and crafted by milliner Stephen Jones, complemented the elegance of the ensemble. While it is unclear if Kate held an official role in Pippas wedding, Vogue reported that she adjusted the train before the bride walked down the aisle, echoing their earlier wedding day moment.

The design of Pippas gown drew inspiration from the 1963 Italian film The Leopard. Deacon told Business of Fashion that the dancing scenes and hoop skirts in the film inspired the dresss graceful movement. Layered tulle and organza allowed the skirt to sweep the floor effortlessly, creating a flowing, dynamic effect.

The lace was crafted from bespoke silk cotton and meticulously hand-placed in Deacons London atelier, giving the appearance of a seamless, continuous piece over the corseted bodice and full skirt. The combination of a high neckline and cap sleeves offered a timeless elegance, subtly echoing bridal styles of her sister Kate and Princess Grace of Monaco. She also wore the Robinson Pelham diamond drop earrings first seen at Kates wedding, serving as her something old.

Glamour estimated the gowns cost at around 40,000, or approximately $53,000. Pippas pearl-accented Manolo Blahnik pumps, customized from the Seneca bridal design, completed her look.

There is speculation that Pippa may have had a second dress for the evening reception at her family home in Bucklebury, following a tradition her sister also observed. Guests were reportedly asked to bring outfit changes, though no photos or details of a second gown were ever released.

The ensemble was finished with a delicate diamond and white gold Maidenhair fern tiara by Robinson Pelham, designed to complement rather than compete with the gown. Its all about balance, explained the designers, emphasizing the harmony between the tiara and the dress.

Author: Benjamin Carter