Designer's Dresses Copied by Third Royal Wedding This Year

COMMENTARY | According to AFP, Zara Phillips, Queen Elizabeth II's granddaughter, married Mike Tindall at Canongate Kirk in Edinburgh Saturday. It was the third royal wedding this year that has copied a dress from designer Romona Keveza's spring 2012 collection. Keveza's designs were clearly visible in the dresses worn by Phillips, Kate Middleton and Charlene Wittstock, yet she was not the official designer for any of these royal weddings. In addition, her collection was created months before any of the ceremonies occurred, and it was unveiled to the public 20 days before Kate Middleton's wedding.

Similarities

I have spent the last seven months helping a friend plan her wedding, so I instantly recognized the similarities between the royal wedding dresses and the designs featured in the Legends by Romona Keveza collection. Keveza unveiled her spring 2012 designs at the New York Bridal Market on April 9. Her press release indicated that she was inspired by the royal weddings, Queen Victoria and Grace Kelly. Aptly named the Royal Collection, her dresses were elegant and sophisticated.

Romona Keveza was not personally involved in any of the royal weddings and made her spring collection months in advance. However, she accurately created designs that have remarkable similarities to dresses worn at three royal weddings. Did she have insider information? Since all of the dresses were closely guarded secrets, this was not likely. Keveza may simply be a visionary designer who was able to predict the styles.

Zara Phillips

According to the Daily Mail, Zara Phillips' wedding dress, designed by Stewart Parvin, featured a combination of silk and satin with small tulle sleeves. The long gown was almost identical to one of the dresses in Keveza's spring 2012 collection. Keveza's dress was revealed several months before this wedding. Both dresses had tulle sleeves and a more structured bodice. In addition, they both followed a similar A-shape design, layers of fabric and an overall simplicity in style.

Kate Middleton

Kate Middleton's wedding dress was designed by Sarah Burton and was remarkably similar to a dress in the Legends by Romona collection. Both dresses featured lace sleeves, V-necks, scalloped edging around the neckline, structured bodices and even the veils had similar delicate embroidery. They were elegant and delicate creations. Keveza displayed her dress April 9, 20 days before the wedding.

Charlene Wittstock

At her wedding to Prince Albert of Monaco on July 2, Charlene Wittstock wore a Giorgio Armani Prive gown. Her column dress was almost identical to Keveza's gown. Both dresses had twisted-band necklines, satin materials, fitted tops and long trains extending from the back of the necklines. Although the Armani gown featured embroidery and beading that was not found on Keveza's dress, the veils were both plain.

After accurately predicting the dresses for three royal weddings, Keveza will face more scrutiny. Although her design was created months before the royal wedding, Keveza has been accused of copying the dress of Kate Middleton. The designer has denied these rumors and posted a video on her Facebook page to prove her innocence. The video shows her dress being featured on CBS before the April 29 wedding of Kate Middleton and Prince William. Keveza may simply be a prescient designer.