FashionEtc.com April 19th, 2024

Kate Middleton’s Wedding Dress Knocked off Before Seen

Photo: Getty Images

Designers are already creating copies of Kate Middleton’s unseen wedding dress.

Kate Middleton’s dress may be the best-kept secret of the royal wedding—but that doesn’t mean it’s safe from copycats.

Numerous bridal designers are preparing to seriously scramble once the dress—which we hear is ready for the April 29 extravaganza—is unveiled; it will be a matter of days before Middleton-inspired dresses hit sales floors.

But some designers who just can’t wait are already hard at work creating copies of the dress they haven’t seen.

Don O’Neill, creative director of the bridal house Theia, has designed a long-sleeve, crystal-encrusted gown with a 5-foot train that he’s hoping will bear a resemblance to the one the future princess has chosen.

“We’re calling it the Kate,” O’Neill told the New York Times. “It’s very precious, very regal, and suited to a princess, if only in my head.”

Other designers are waiting until the big reveal to start the frenzied copying. “When that dress hits, we’ll be right on it,” said bridal designer Jim Hjelm.

“We’ll be on the computer that afternoon, sending a sketch.” According to Hjelm, the company will have samples back from its factory in China within 24 hours.

David’s Bridal execs will also be watching the bride walk down the aisle with an agenda.

“We’ve had enough curiosity that we have decided we are going to pay close attention to the wedding,” said Dan Rentillo, the chain’s vice president of design.

His timeline? A prototype for his version of the dress will be ready in about a week.

Meanwhile, check out all our royal wedding coverage.