Giorgio Armani Tells The Story Behind Princess Charlene's Dress

The standout of Princess Charlene's extensive wedding wardrobe was her white, off-the-shoulder gown worn at Saturday's religious ceremony in Monaco, designed by friend Giorgio Armani.

The Italian designer let it be known weeks ago that he would design the dress for Charlene, whom he has clothed since she first wore wore an Armani creation at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Armani spoke to Vogue UK on Monday about designing for the Princess of Monaco:

"Charlene is without a shadow of a doubt very beautiful. Tall and slim, she is sporty and at the same time has a natural elegance about her. Dressing her is such a pleasure -- she knows how to wear my creations with the nonchalance and confidence of youth. I believe Charlene has the ideal figure to show off great dresses, because they highlight the fine curves and beautiful structure of her back and shoulders."

Armani may love it, but that figure has previously been a source of sartorial anxiety for the former-Charlene Wittstock. The former Olympic swimmer told Vogue last month:

"Finding my fashion feet has certainly been the biggest challenge... I was literally a fish out of water. I was insecure. I felt pressure to err on the side of caution -- I was terrified of meeting a head of state in an over-the-top outfit....I've reached the point where I know what I like and what works. I'm starting to play with fresher, bolder, and more daring looks."

With her wedding day confection, Princess Charlene certainly found her fashion feet. Armani designed a thoroughly-modern look, which he described to Vogue UK:

"I felt this was appropriate given that there would inevitably be comparisons with Princess Grace, and though such comparisons are of course a sign of admiration, each person has their own individual and unique style, and style is an expression of the times."

Read more about the dress (it took 2,500 hours to make!) at Vogue.co.uk.

Comments

[WillCooney]

04:59 AM on 07/08/2011

In a song titled "Anatole of Paris", Danny Kaye as a milliner sings "And why do I sew each new chapeau with a style they most look positively grim in? Strictly between us, entre-nous I hate women."

[ArChiMi]

01:04 AM on 07/07/2011

Not elegant enough. The shoulders overtake her little head and the dress looked cheap. The wedding ceremony was also cheap looking. It all looks sad and forced. What happened? Who planned it all?

[shuffleoff]

10:38 PM on 07/06/2011

While gorgeous, I thought it made her swimmers shoulders even broader. That being said, the dress was the least of her worries!

[Matt Blanc]

07:50 PM on 07/06/2011

I liked the wedding dress look, particularly the striking shoulder line and the tailored--almost medieval train from the shoulder. But the puckers at the breast was noticeable and detracted from the overall look.

[floridanorm]

07:30 PM on 07/06/2011

Who cares!

[AspenAlways]

06:20 PM on 07/06/2011

You outdid yourself maestro. Extraordinarily beautiful dresses.

[metivo]

03:24 PM on 07/06/2011

The fit on the bodice of the wedding dress was surprisingly bad. Go figure.

[libwithaclue]

02:26 PM on 07/06/2011

Princess Who?????????

[CrankyGal]

11:57 AM on 07/06/2011

Mr. Armani, you are truly a master.

Both dresses were gorgeous.

[doe58]

09:15 PM on 07/05/2011

Bravissimo for the gown! The marriage - not so much! I hope that the money and the perks make up for marrying an out-of-shape, 20 year older man - who seems quite controlling and ice cold - with thus far 2 illegitimate children. He seemed so detached while she was crying during the ceremony. The video which had been posted was quite difficult to watch. Is she there simply to produce an heir and then possibly a spare? There are stories that he is still quite attached to the Mom of his young son. She was seen in Monaco during the wedding.

[ABXNOMORE]

08:12 PM on 07/05/2011

Fabulous dress perfectly styled for her body type and her elegance.

[Gabisol]

07:44 PM on 07/05/2011

Armani thinks the ideal figure is the figure of a tortured woman, who tried to run away three times.

I'm starting to believe it is true that fashion designers hate women...