Designers Sketch Kate Middleton's Wedding Dress

And the fantasies run wild.

WWD had an idea:

"It is certain to be the wedding of the century. When fetching commoner Kate Middleton marries HRH Prince William of Wales, everything about the event will be scrutinized immediately the world over and will ultimately go down in history — starting with The Dress. WWD asked numerous designers for suggestions."

She's going to be referred to as a commoner or former commoner every time her name is mentioned for the rest of her life, isn't she? Anyway, let's see how the little darlings did, shall we?

“...In Kate I see the natural, radiant and self-confident attitude of today’s girls. For this, I can’t help but think of an embroidered, fluid-silhouette dress in precious fabrics that will help her make an everlasting impression.” — Alberta Ferretti

"We see Kate going completely classic. We love this off-the-shoulder silhouette for her. Her beauty and grace will make any gown look magnificent.” — Mark Badgley and James Mischka, Badgley Mischka

“I think she represents a new freshness to the monarchy, and it is up to her how modern she wants to shape her role. I think taking risks with a confident, colorful spirit is where it’s at with the royals.” — Chris Benz

“I admire the balance Kate Middleton strikes between elegant and contemporary with her unmistakable style. For her, I had in mind clean lines, soft shapes and classic touches such as the boat neckline and distinctive train.” — Frida Giannini, Gucci

“I love the idea of mixing traditional opulence with a very clean aesthetic for this modern-day princess.” — Jason Wu

Karl Lagerfeld suggests a Chanel take on “the Victorian wedding dress, with a twist — high boots and open in the front.”

“I think no poof and froufrou. Elegant with a modern twist. A little sexy, but also modest.” — Nicole Miller

“Light as a feather, layers of lace and organza…a dress fit for a princess.” — Peter Copping, Nina Ricci

“For Kate I love to showcase the British tradition with a wonderfully beautiful, yet modern hat worn under a full-length veil with a deconstructed cascade train balancing the formality.” — Rachel Roy

“Kate is a young beauty about to become a royal. She is very confident and knows her style. This gown has a long train, veil and a touch of embroidery, which adds drama, but the A-line silhouette is simple. It’s regal and sophisticated.” — Reem Acra

“We designed a ‘blossoming’ dress because we imagined her as a new Botticellian Venus.” — Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli, Valentino

“...The tradition of intricate hand-pieced lacework in the high-necked bodice with elbow-length sleeves, together with the voluminous skirt of a mixture of stiff and soft silk tulle, feels regal, yet poetic.” — Vera Wang

You can see which ones actually considered the woman in the dress and which ones just used the opportunity for self-aggrandizement or flights of fancy. Vera Wang, Gucci, and Reem Acra are examples of the former (with honorable mention to Jason Wu, although his look is a bit too American). Lagerfeld, Chris Benz, and Badgley Mischka would be examples of the latter. You can see and judge all the suggested dresses here. Which one's your favorite? We're partial to the Gucci but we realize there's not a chance in hell she'd wear something so modern.

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Labels: Alberta Ferretti, Badgley Mischka, Fashion, Gucci, Jason Wu, Karl Lagerfeld, Kate Middleton, Vera Wang