If there is one rule of fashion that never changes, it is this: if it is on the cover of the September issue of Vogue, it is big. This year, instead of yet another creative photo shoot with a fresh-faced starlet, a closet of designer clothing and a slew of props, Vogue decided to put model Kate Moss and her recent wedding on the September cover. And that’s because everything about Moss’ weekend-long wedding extravaganza and incredible wedding look represents the personal style, taste, and elegance that high fashion is all about.
The 37-year-old model has been charming designers, photographers, fashion editors and her adoring fans for decades, but it was not until she met 42-year-old rocker Jamie Hince that she finally felt ready to settle down. And when she did decide to get married, it had to be in the most fashionable way imaginable, with the help of Sam Gainsbury, a friend of the bride and a fashion show designer (as well as one of the designers of the recent Met exhibit on Alexander Mcqueen.) Inspired by traditional Gypsy weddings, Great Gatsby-esque 1920’s opulence, as well as the dreamy surroundings of the British countryside, and rock-and-roll, the wedding was an intimate affair that has managed to spark the imagination of fashion insiders around the world.
But of course, every wedding comes down to a few all-important details. For Moss, one of those was her wedding dress. She employed controversial fashion designer John Galliano to create a one-of-a-kind piece for her. The resulting dress, based on a relatively simple bias-cut design, is embellished with lace, gold paillettes, gold leaf embroidery and just enough sheerness to give it the edginess Moss is known for. She wore her trademark tousled blond hair down around her shoulders and covered it with an embroidered tulle veil that cinched on one side with a small flower, finishing the look with custom Manolo Blahnik sandals with a bridal-ready blue insole. Kate’s country-princess look was completed when she was surrounded by her 19 flower girls and bridesmaids, all in diaphanous white silk dresses, white ballet flats, and wreaths of country roses. But of course, no fashion darling wedding would be complete with only one wedding dress, so Moss followed up her wedding ceremony look with three outfits by Stella McCartney—a gray silk chiffon dress for dancing, a gold backless mini-dress for the rock-and-roll after party, and a simple wool suit to head off to the honeymoon in style.
The wedding reception was legendary. With the world-famous bartenders from the Bar Hemingway serving a Kate-themed cocktail, Bryan Ferry and several world-class DJ’s ruling the dance floor, a seasonal menu designed by Daniel de la Falaise, and a six-tiered cakes by Peggy Porschen, the party continued until sunrise.
But of course, as fans of Kate Moss already know, this obsession with the fabulous life of the 1920’s did not begin with wedding planning. Moss has long said that she is inspired by that glamorous era, and by Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald in particular. In fact, when Hince planned his proposal to Moss, he tried to find Zelda Fitzgerald’s actual engagement ring, but eventually settled for having a ring custom-designed to look like the lost original. Moss’ vintage-style engagement ring, with a large oval diamond set in a double-shank band, coordinates perfectly with her bohemian-meets-glam style. Even if many elements of Kate’s extraordinary wedding, like the who’s-who guest list and fleet of vintage Rolls Royces, are out of reach for the average bride, this dedication to a theme and to your personal style is something every bride can learn from Kate. And of course, having a ring custom-designed to reflect your bride-to-be’s passions is not a bad lesson for any would-be grooms to learn!
