ROYAL COUTURE.....Princess Beatrice Wears Upcycled Norman Hartnell Gown For Her Wedding

Upcycled Couture--Princess Beatrice and husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi (L) on their wedding day at Windsor; Beatrice wore a white Peau de Soie and Crystal-encrusted gown by British designer Norman Hartnell, worn by Queen Elizabeth II at the Premiere of "Lawrence of Arabia" in 1962 (R)

Princess Beatrice got married in a low-key (for Royal standards!) ceremony this past Friday at the Royal Chapel of All Saints at Royal Lodge in Windsor. Beatrice married Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, a 37-year-old British property developer and CEO of Banda, a real estate and interior design firm. He's got some blue-blood from his father's side (Count Alessandro Mapelli Mozzi) and on his own, a reported multimillionaire.

 The Newlyweds--Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, Royal Lodge Windsor

The Wedding Gown:

Vintage Bride--Beatrice wore (mostly) something NOT NEW for her Wedding Day...she wore an  ivory Peau de Soie gown, featuring crystal embellishments, originally designed by British Couturier Norman Hartnell. The gown was actually Queen Elizabeth's...so yes, she UPCYCLED one of her Grandmother's Couture...

Queen Elizabeth wore the gown to the Premiere of "Lawrence of Arabia" back in 1962, looking quite elegant, and regal. The gown featured a typical-of-the-period fit-and-flare full dress silhouette and stunning sequin embellishment highlighting the torso, upper bust and then creating a nipped-in-waist.

Fun Fact: Angela Kelly and Stewart Parvin, both of whom regularly work with the queen, remodeled the dress and carried out a fitting to ensure that it looked perfect on the bride. Angela Kelly is the Queen's personal dressmaker and hat designer and overall "gatekeeper" of sorts. Stewart Parvin, on the other hand, is one of the Queen's favorite designers as well...

Angela Kelly, Queen Elizabeth's personal dressmaker and personal assistant

Slight Changes--From the looks of it, Beatrice opted to not wear a full crinoline petticoat underneath (wise choice) so it wouldn't look so "retro" and overwhelming. It also looks like a wide band of silk was added to the hem. And in addition, fun Puff Sleeves were added, cut in silk organza, along with a fitted armband/cuff in the matching ivory Preau de Soie.

Queen Elizabeth also wore the same gown in 1967, five years after that "Lawrence of Arabia" Premiere, for the State Opening fo Parliament.

Designer Norman Hartnell

The Queen has worn Norman Hartnell many, many times...of note:

 For her Wedding Day: Wedding Dress, designed by Norman Hartnell, for (then) Princess Elizabeth, 1947

Queen's Coronation: Coronation Gown, designed by Norman Hartnell, 1953

The Tiara:

The Fringe Tiara--Princess Beatrice chose the Queen Mary diamond fringe tiara for her wedding day. Queen Elizabeth II also wore the intricate tiara at her wedding to Prince Philip in 1947. The tiara dates back to 1919 when it was made especially for Queen Mary by Garrard and Co., created from a necklace gifted by Queen Victoria. The Queen and Beatrice are reported to have a very close relationship and this is said to be one of the most personal "loans" by Her Royal Highness.

Fun Fact: On Elizabeth's wedding day, the tiara actually snapped on the big day before the bride left for Westminster Abbey. A jeweler quickly mended the break, but the hasty fix left a slightly noticeable gap towards the center of the frame.

Many Lovely Wishes to Princess Beatrice and Edoardo...and..always love seeing Vintage Couture getting a "new" Life! Cheers Beatrice...and Norman Hartnell (in Heaven)!