Camilla's style wins over the fashionistas
(Agencies)
Updated: 2005-04-10 10:33

Prince Charles waves with the Duchess of Cornwall, formerly Camilla Parker Bowles, as they leave St. George's Chapel in Windsor, England, following the church blessing of their civil wedding ceremony. [AFP]

Elegant and understated, Camilla, now Duchess of Cornwall, entered the Guildhall in Windsor wearing an oyster silk basket weave coat over a chiffon oyster-coloured dress and a wide-brimmed hat adorned with feathers and lace.

Commentators praised the outfit for its simplicity. It was the first of several worn by the duchess on her wedding day. For the blessing in St George's Chapel, she opted for a floor-length, porcelain blue silk coat dress embroidered with gold, changing back into the first dress later.

Arriving in Aberdeen at the start of her honeymoon, Camilla, whose official title in Scotland is Duchess of Rothesay, wore a cerise coat with Rothesay tartan trim complemented by a tartan shawl, black court shoes and black handbag.

Elizabeth Emanuel, who designed the wedding dress worn by Diana, Princess of Wales, said of Camilla's choices: "She looked very chic, very elegant, perfect for the occasion."

The handmade wedding outfits were designed by Robinson Valentine, the dressmakers based in Kensington, west London. They took 11 weeks to complete. Anna Valentine, the designer, said: "We wanted a crisp, clean look with subtle detailing for the guildhall. For St George's Chapel we felt the dress should have a sense of occasion while remembering it was a blessing rather than a wedding."

Britain's Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles leave the Guildhall in Windsor after their civil wedding ceremony. Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin offered his best wishes the couple on the occasion of their marriage. [AFP]

In keeping with the understated mood of the occasion, the duchess's outfit for the civil ceremony featured simple details. The silk coat was decorated with herringbone stitch embroidery and the chiffon dress appliquéd at hem and neck with woven lacquered discs.

After speculation about her chosen colour the duchess opted for oyster. The coat and chiffon dress created a gentle silhouette that suited her figure. The below-knee hemline, allowed the duchess to show off her legs.

The bride's matching suede shoes had a comfortable 5cm heel and she carried an ivory leather clutch bag by Launer, the royal bag makers. At her reception she wore a court shoe in pale grey shot silk designed by Linda Bennett. She kept jewellery to a minimum, opting for large diamond and pearl drop earrings and a diamond lapel pin in the shape of the Prince of Wales feathers.

Philip Treacy, the Irish milliner, crafted her wide-brimmed hat from straw overlaid with French lace topped with a spray of feathers.

Joanna Lumley, the actress, wore a colourful outfit in gold brocade with a wide-brimmed hat sporting a silk flower.

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