Welcome to In Defense of the Dress, where we fearlessly take on dresses that caused controversy on their first (and sometimes second, and third!) appearances.
The Facts
Today we turn our eyes to that Scandinavian beauty with the propensity for ruffles and prints, Crown Princess Mette-Marit. At the 2015 wedding of Pierre Casiraghi and Beatrice Borromeo, Mette-Marit wore a bespoke Giambattista Valli gown. The dress featured several of Mette-Marit’s signature touches: a high neck, long sleeves, and a flowing, printed skirt. The bodice and skirt fabric is chiffon, and the neck and waist are embellished with black lace.
As you can see, the dress fit in with the attire of the other attendees very nicely. She wore flat sandals to complete the easy breezy summer effect.
The Case For the Dress
The Handbag – Ok, so bear with me. It’s a pretty dress, and it really reflects the wearer. It is flowing and soft and it suits her glowing skin. It is a lovely, summery color. The black accents enhance the subtle flower pattern, and do not overwhelm. It may ping prairie to North American eyes, but for a glamorous European island wedding, I think it telegraphs summer sunlight and celebration.
LiL: She’s worn worse. Is that defense enough? LOL
The Case Against the Dress
OC: Newp. It’s a black bib gone too far. I agree with the esteemed Handbag that the black accents don’t overwhelm the dress. For me, they are just plain ugly. Honestly, I’d prefer no black. But if I have to I could live with the black belt and the black clutch. Otherwise, no thanks.
LG: Just no. Black, crocheted bibs do not belong with a floaty, summery floral.