This Is Us is a hit American drama television series that has won the hearts of millions of fans across the world. The show revolves around the lives of the Pearson family members, and their intertwined relationships, spanning past and present timelines. One of the most enduring storylines in the series is that of Kate’s wedding dress. The gorgeous, white lace gown that Kate wears on her wedding day is not just a piece of clothing but an embodiment of hope, dreams, and promises for her and her family. In this blog post, we will explore the origins and design of Kate’s iconic wedding dress, and the designer behind it.
The Origins of Kate’s Wedding Dress
Kate’s wedding dress, as seen on the show, was designed by the award-winning costume designer Hala Bahmet. Bahmet’s creative vision for the dress was to create a timeless, elegant design that would reflect Kate’s character and her journey. The gown is a flowing mermaid style dress made from stunning white Chantilly lace, weighing over 40 pounds with a three-foot train and intricate embroidery.
Bahmet says that she felt a deep sense of responsibility when designing the dress due to the importance of the occasion within the plotline, and the fact that Kate’s character is an important female lead in the series. The gown was not just an outfit for Kate, but it reflects her transformation throughout the series, culminating in her wedding ceremony.
The Designer Behind Kate’s Wedding Dress
Hala Bahmet is one of the most acclaimed and respected costume designers in the film and television industry. She has numerous awards and nominations to her name, including several Emmy nominations for her work on This Is Us. Bahmet was thrilled to work on the wedding dress of Kate, the series’ emotional core, given the importance of the dress to the show’s narrative.
Bahmet’s journey as a costume designer began with her fascination with clothes at a young age. Bahmet started her career in the film industry with small projects and gradually progressed to working on big-budget movies such as The Devil Wears Prada, Ocean’s Eleven, and several Spider-Man movies. Bahmet says that she enjoys working on TV series better, as it allows character development and exploration, which is challenging and rewarding work for costume designers.
The Significance of Kate’s Wedding Dress
Kate’s wedding dress holds a special significance within the series as it represents her coming of age and journey to self-realization. The dress acts as a representation of Kate’s emerging self-confidence and ability to believe in herself and her aspirations.
The wedding dress’s intricate details, including the Chantilly lace and embroidery, make it a timeless and classic design. Its shape and design perfectly complement Kate’s curves and body shape and highlight her beauty. Moreover, the dress also served as a symbol of continuity, bridging multiple timelines and storylines within the series.
The gown has become an iconic symbol of the show’s emotional core, and its design and impact on the show will undoubtedly continue to inspire and resonate with audiences for years to come.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Kate’s wedding dress was an iconic piece of clothing within the series, which reflects the character’s journey and transformation. The dress’s designer, Hala Bahmet, infused emotion and responsibility into the design process to create a perfect visual representation of Kate’s transformation. The dress’s intricate details and design truly make it timeless and a classic. Hala Bahmet’s creation of Kate’s wedding dress has solidified her as a world-renowned costume designer and showcased her creative talents and taste to worldwide audiences.
FAQ
Did Queen Elizabeth like Kate’s wedding dress?
In 2011, when Prince William and Duchess Kate got married, the wedding dress was anticipated with bated breath, as it is common with royal weddings. It was expected that the Queen would have something to say, but when she saw the gown, she, according to reports, was neither overly passionate nor excited about it. The Cartier tiara was put over an absent head, and the gown, which was mounted on an invisible mannequin, was scrutinized by everyone.
It’s difficult to know what goes through the monarch’s mind, but Her Majesty has seen numerous royal brides walk down the aisle over the years, including her own in the early 1950s, making her a pro when it comes to royal wedding dresses. The Queen is also famous for her impeccable style, so it would be intriguing to know what she truly thought of the gown.
Kate’s wedding dress was white and had a classical design. The gown had a deep V-neck, an A-line silhouette, and many delicate, handmade laces, which were the highlight. Sarah Burton of Alexander McQueen designed the dress, and the inspiration for the garment came from traditional styles to classic works of art.
Queen Elizabeth II has never publicly stated her opinion of the dress, but given her affection for classic styles, it is possible that she was pleased with the gown. It is also worth noting that there were no visible indications of any negative emotions on her face. That being said, the Queen is a reserved and dignified individual, and it is conceivable that she would not openly express any displeasure she may have had with the gown.
There is no concrete evidence that Queen Elizabeth loved or disliked Kate’s wedding dress. Still, it is essential to remember that the overall success of the wedding was undoubtedly the most crucial aspect to the Queen, and the dress played a considerable part in that success. Despite the Queen’s silence on the matter, there is no question that the garment was a masterpiece, and Kate looked stunning in it, and it is still admired by many as a timeless and classic design.
How much did Kate’s wedding cost?
Kate Middleton’s wedding to Prince William was a highly anticipated event around the world, and everyone wanted to know how much it cost. The Royal Wedding was held on April 29, 2011, at Westminster Abbey in London and it is estimated that the entire wedding cost the Crown around USD 34 million.
The majority of the money allocated for the wedding was spent on security considerations, amounting to approximately USD 32 million. This was understandable as additional measures were put in place to ensure the safety and security of the royal family, guests, and the public during the wedding.
Another significant expense for the wedding was Kate’s wedding dress, which was a stunning Alexander McQueen handmade lace gown. It was reported that the dress alone cost approximately USD 434,000. The gown was designed by Sarah Burton and featured a 2.7-meter-long train, making it a significant part of the wedding.
Apart from these, there were other costs related to holding the wedding at Westminster Abbey, transportation, floral arrangements, and other miscellaneous expenses that contributed to the overall cost of the wedding.
The wedding of Kate Middleton to Prince William was an extravagant affair, costing the Crown an estimated USD 34 million. While this might have seemed like a hefty expense, it is important to note that royal weddings are significant events in British history and tradition. The wedding brought the country together and was watched by millions of people worldwide, making it a momentous occasion for the royal family and the British people.
Does Kate get a salary?
Kate Middleton, the wife of Prince William, does receive a salary from the British Royal Family. As a member of the royal household and a working royal, Kate is paid for her official duties and responsibilities to the Crown.
According to official reports, Kate’s salary is funded by the annual Sovereign Grant, a government grant given to the British monarch to cover the cost of official duties and the upkeep of royal residences. In 2020, the total Sovereign Grant was £82.4 million, and a portion of that went towards paying the salaries of senior members of the royal family, including Kate and her husband, Prince William.
The amount of Kate’s salary has not been publicly disclosed, but it is estimated to be around £250,000 per year (which equates to approximately $324,000 USD). However, it’s worth noting that this figure is not just for Kate’s personal earnings, but also covers the cost of her staff, official travel, and other expenses related to her role.
In addition to her salary from the royal family, Kate also receives income from the Duchy of Cornwall, a private estate that belongs to Prince Charles, William’s father. The Duchy of Cornwall generates an annual income of around £20 million, which is used to support the activities of the royal family, including the public duties of Prince William and Kate.
It’s important to note that Kate’s income is not the same as a traditional job salary, as her role as a member of the royal family is much more than just a job. She is a public figure who represents the Crown on official visits and participates in a wide range of charitable and community initiatives. Her salary is reflective of the work she does in service to her country and the British people.
Did the Middletons pay for Kate’s wedding?
The Middletons, who are the parents of Kate Middleton, were originally thought to be paying for their daughter’s wedding to Prince William, as is traditional in Western wedding customs for the bride’s family to cover the majority of the expenses. However, as the wedding approached, it was revealed that the royal family, including Prince Charles and Queen Elizabeth II, would actually be footing most of the bill for the lavish event.
It’s important to note that the Middletons did still contribute financially to the wedding in some way. For example, they paid for Kate’s wedding dress, which reportedly cost over £250,000. They also likely covered some of the expenses for events leading up to the wedding, such as the rehearsal dinner and various parties.
That being said, the royal family ultimately took on the majority of the costs for the wedding, which was estimated to be around £20 million in total. This included things like the venue (Westminster Abbey), security, decorations, and the reception at Buckingham Palace.
While the Middletons did play a role in financing their daughter’s wedding to Prince William, the bulk of the costs were actually covered by the royal family.