I, being somewhat of an Anglophile (okay, an AVID Anglophile), was completely entranced by the royal wedding yesterday. I loved the somewhat austere solemness of it; the sense of royal history, and seemingly true love and dedication between William and Kate. Of course, I loved Kate’s dress. It was perfectly elegant, modern and gorgeous. The dress really suited Kate’s individuality, and her lovely radiance shone through, not being obscured by mounds of frothy meringue.
Well, imagine my surprise when I saw what Kate wore to the Buckingham Palace wedding reception. The dress was another lovely creation by Sarah Burton for McQueen; a strapless ivory silk gazar gown, with a sparkling band of diamante cinching her tiny waist. What really caught my attention though was the fabulously fluffy white angora bolero sweater that topped the whole ensemble!
You see, I love angora and am thrilled to see it in its rightful place on royal shoulders! Angora is just incredible; its furriness, lightness, and silky softness is beyond compare. To see Kate wearing such a stunning sweater is delightful. You can see the delicate fluffiness of the angora rabbit hair fibers reaching for the sky. I would guess that her sweater is at least 80% angora, but probably 100% pure angora (she is royalty, after all).
So don that royal angora! If you’ve never worn it before, you are in for a true sensory delight. You too, can have the same excellent sartorial experience that Princess Catherine has. Fluffy rocks!
~Marilyn Huttunen
I'm Marilyn, and I'm obsessed with vintage clothing, thrift stores, clotheslines, and Chanel. Welcome to my down-to-earth world!
I was also excited to see some angora on royalty. This may help bring angora back to the masses!!
Yes, angora is the bomb! It has been under-appreciated for quite a while (it was very popular in the 50s, 60s, and 80s). Time to bring it back!
For those who are wondering who designed Kate’s angora bolero: from what I understand it was also by Sarah Burton for McQueen.
Thank you so much for posting that pattern – I’ve been looking for a project and this is IT! Loved the wedding, loved the gowns (maybe the veil was a little heavy especially when the blusher was thrown back – I was worried that she would be suffering from “hat head” :)) – she is enchanting and her fashion sense is bang on! Thanks again for the inspiration.
You are very welcome, Wendi! I hope it turns out well – I would LOVE it if you could send me a picture of the finished product, and I will post it. I’m interested in seeing how these vintage knitting patterns actually turn out!
As for the wedding and Kate… Love, Love, Love 🙂 I think we have a new fashion inspiration. There has been a real lack of any royal style since Diana died. I think Kate will carry on the sartorial torch quite nicely.
I, too, totally loved that white angora – so pretty! A knitting friend has offered me some wonderful ivory fluffy wool from her stash, and I’m planning to make something similar!
I was slightly surprised that you call the garment both a “bolero” and a “sweater”. It’s a cardigan, isn’t it? No Englishwoman wants to be without her useful cardi!
I bet all you across the Pond laughed at the hats of the York sisters and Princess Anne. Oh dear….
Very cool, Miss Amaryllis! Yes, white angora is the bomb – plan on getting plenty of attention wearing that. 🙂
I’d say that bolero is more of the style of the sweater, but yes, upon closer inspection it does reveal that Kate’s sweater (jumper?) is a cropped cardigan (cardi?). OK, it really doesn’t matter what it’s called, it’s gorgeous!
I loved the York sister’s hats! Only the Brits can wear wacky fascinators with such aplomb. Our wedding attire here across the Pond is decidedly more boring. 😀
Please could you post the pattern for kate’s bolero again! I thou!ght she looked stunning, and absolutely love the bolero!
Nadia – I have three versions of vintage bolero knitting patterns already posted! 🙂