- Thu, Oct 6, 2011 3:41 PM EDT
Photo by: Getty Images
Diana's world-famous gown was designed by Elizabeth Emanuel and featured a 25-foot train and 10,000 sequins and pearls. Fashion experts expect Middleton to make a less ... more
When news broke this week that Prince William, heir to the throne of England, was to marry his longtime girlfriend Kate Middleton, the world went kind of insane: WHO IS SHE? Where will they marry? When will they marry? (Whenever it is, it will be a national holiday.) But most important of all? WHAT WILL SHE WEAR?
It's an unimaginably big question for the fashion world-designing a garment for an event this size (for context: 750 million people watched Princess Diana get married in 1981) is a once in a lifetime experience, the gown will become instantly iconic and whoever Middleton chooses to create it will become an overnight and lifelong success. In fact, the Dress question has been so hotly argued in England that British odds maker Ladbrokes are now tallying designer "contenders" (Brit designer is Phillipa Lepley is in the top slot with 2 to 1 odds, the jokey "She'll wear a tracksuit" is at 1000 to 1).
Below, we've gathered up the top contenders. We also pow-wowed with Marie Claire Fashion Director-and Project Runway star- Nina Garcia ("I think it would only be fitting for Kate to go with a UK designer") and Style Director Taylor Tomasi Hill ("Her personal taste will be reflected in whichever dress she chooses, but the last royal wedding is a tough act to follow!") about who should create the Great Kate dress. Also, check out our slideshow for the world's most famous white gowns.
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