Princess Diana’s Wedding Gown Scrapbook Auction & Savile Row Under Seige

Today we have a number of quick Bits and Bytes to share, beginning with an auction item from an event that seems long ago and far away.

PFC Auctions

We’re talking about an amazing scrapbook created by one of Diana’s dress designers, Elizabeth Emanuel.

PFC Auctions via The Morton Report

The not-your-average-scrapbook is crafted of handmade paper, its cover shows Princess Diana (still Lady Diana Spencer at that point) on the steps of St. Paul’s, heading into the Cathedral.

PFC Auctions via The Morton Report

Inside there are sketches of bridesmaid dresses, a fabric swatch, and lace sample used for the wedding gown.

PFC Auctions via The Morton Report

The item will be auctioned online by PFC Auctions, bidding starts tomorrow at £2000, roughly $3400 at today’s exchange rates. You can read more about the auction in the Morton Report’s story, or visit PFC Auctions.

One item in the PFC Auctions sale that truly mystifies your trusty scribe: the lot featuring a Slice of Prince William and Kate Middleton’s Wedding Cake.

PFC Auctions

Here’s more from the Lot Description:

A slice of cake was presented to each of the 650 close friends and family who attended the afternoon reception at Buckingham Palace.

Accompanied by the 16 page Order of Service from Westminster Abbey which includes the vows, hymns, prayers and Blessing from the Wedding.

Believed to be the first piece of William and Kate’s wedding cake to appear at auction.

My very favorite part of the description?

In fine condition.

What would you think determines ‘fine condition’ for a piece of cake more than a year old….? We’re thinking it must have been kept in the freezer, that’s what TP & The Consort did with ours, bringing it out on our First Anniversary.

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Also today, a quick update about another happening on the far side of the pond, this one a protest on, of all places, Savile Row. Note the apparel worn by the folks with the picket signs, for this is not what one generally thinks of as average picket line attire.

PHOTO: Stephanie Wolff

Yes, many a protester is in a three-piece suit, perfectly proper attire if the cause being debated is keeping that-retailer-that-shan’t-be-named Abercrombie & Fitch away from the hallowed tailoring grounds. For those unfamiliar with the area and its heritage, a little background via The Guardian: :

The Row is the heartland of English bespoke tailoring, source of the most beautifully crafted suits in the world. It was here that tailors made the uniform worn by Horatio Nelson when he was killed at the Battle of Trafalgar; it was here that Edward VII invented the dinner jacket.

We learn more about the protest in Gawker’s story:

…”swathes of immaculately dressed chaps and chapettes” descended on No. 3 Savile Row, former home to the legendary Apple Studio, where they engaged in a peaceful protest of Abercrombie & Fitch’s imminent soiling of the celebrated shopping street with a new children’s clothing store.

This may surprise some readers, but historically TP has not been seen on picket lines for, or against, things. However, in 7th or 8th grade I did partake (actually I was the lone participant) in a silent protest, having the temerity to wear pants to school. (Back in the Dark Ages young ladies at my school did not wear anything other skirts and dresses, no further discussion merited or allowed.) One could look at my rebellious stance as both a success and a failure: short-term I failed and was sent home shamefaced to change into a skirt; longterm it was something of a success because school administrators relented, allowing girls to wear pants. On Fridays. (Obviously no jeans or denim, don’t even go there.) Thus the tale of my non-picket-line protest, remotely related (cough-cough) to the topic under discussion.

But we digress, back to the topic at hand, we tend to concur with The Guardian on this one, not just because we loathe what Abercrombie has become, but because some traditions need to remain just that: traditional. From The Guardian’s story:

You can go to practically any street in any city in Britain and buy the sorts of clothes peddled by Abercrombie & Fitch. You cannot, however, go to any street in the country to get a bespoke suit, and this is why the trade should remain where it is – so that when the time eventually comes that we can afford Savile Row’s prices, we know where to go.

What reverence has Abercrombie & Fitch for the tradition or heritage of Savile Row? It is only interested in the street’s iconic status on the tourist map.

We can’t replace this….

The Culture Concept

With this.

City Pages

There is actually an online Save Savile Row petition, the page addresses an element of the debate that has nothing to do with tailoring per se, but everything to do with the controversy:

There is also the issue of abercrombie & fitch’s habit of pumping foul-smelling cheap cologne out of its doors to entice gullible tourists in: this will affect not only the look of Savile Row but the smell.

We’re not the only ones who would find it abhorrent, we’re guessing Mr. Grant, seen here in a bespoke Kilgour suit, would concur with the sentiment that some things need to remain true to their heritage.

Via The Culture Concept

Indeed.

A Preppy Mickey Mouse? Also, An Anti-Prep Lives Up To Wall of Shame Status

Happy Halloween, this is one of those goofy two-day posts, we’re so busy it’s unlikely we’ll be able to pop back in for a visit until Wednesday. We begin today with news of yet another collaboration, this one between two powerhouses, Disney and Tommy Hilfiger.

Women’s Wear Daily had the story today:

The “Meet the Family” capsule collection features a raft of Disney characters, including Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck and Pluto dressed in the Tommy Hilfiger spring children’s collection.

The collection is not going to be sold in the US, it will be available primarily in Europe and South America.  The WWD story quotes Mr. Hilfiger:

“Disney…has a lifestyle and core values that are aligned with our brand,” said Hilfiger. “It was a true honor and joy to be the first designer to give a preppy spin to the looks of our favorite Disney characters.”

The designs do look cute. (How about that hair on the young man in the green tee below right, it’s positively Bieberesque.)

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Speaking of collaborative efforts, there are two very large such partnerships about to hit stores. Because of all the pink we couldn’t help but write about Versace for H&M lands in stores in a few weeks, how lovely is this piece?

Versace for H&M

As one would expect with Versace, there is no shortage of bright colors.

Versace for H&M via Racked.com

This collection is not for the faint of heart.

Versace for H&M via Racked.com

(I don’t know about you, but I have a serious crush on that pink shirt.) There are 87 pieces in the group, it launches November 17 at H&M.

Versace for H&M via Racked.com

Click here to see the entire lookbook at Racked.com or here for H&M’s Facebook album. This one strikes me as a line that could go the way of Missoni at Le Boutique Targét, it seems to have very high sellout potential.

The other sizable collaboration we mention is Gwen Stefani’s Harajuku for Target line, we’ll have more on that later this week. In the meantime, a quick update on two other design partnerships the ‘cheap chic’ retailer is doing:

Albertus Swanepoel for Target is now in stores and online, below we show three different hat styles.

Albertus Swanepoel for Target

Also available now in stores and online, the Josie Natori for Target collection.

Josie Natori for Target

Josie Natori for Target is in stores now through Dec. 22, with a second group of merchandise being offered Jan. 1 through February 23.

Josie Natori for Target

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A quick note from the good folks at Jack Rogers.

Jack Rogers

The company has debuted its new Highlands Rain Boot, it looks cute as can be, and very practical as well. Fans of the brand may be interested to learn Jacks are on sale through 11am Wednesday at flash sale site Rue La La. Obviously the brand new Highlands is not included (there are no boots), there isn’t an enormous selection, but still worth a peek if you are in the market. (If in need of an ‘invite’ to Rue La La, just click here.)

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With apologies to our Facebook friends who may have already seen this, we had to share a comment seen on Twitter multiple times this afternoon:

Kim Kardashian sold the rights to her wedding for $17.9 million. Her marriage lasted 72 days. That comes to a nifty $10,358.80 per hour.

I feel less-than-prep for even writing about the topic, but the woman is one of our original members of the Anti-Prep Wall of Shame. A meritorious member we might add, for she never fails to disappoint.

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We leave you with much cheerier sights, more seasonal in nature. First, our friend Leslie (aka Southern Social) is stunning in a Princess manner of speaking, she looked lovely for this weekend’s Halloween parties.

Southern Social

That wasn’t the only Kate Middleton costume seen this year, not by a long shot. Below, Al Roker and Matt Lauer were part of the fun in the Today Show’s royal wedding reenactment.

The Today Show/NBC Universal

It actually was pretty funny, click here to see the whole thing. To look at a plethora of royally-themed costumes, click here to visit our sister site, What Kate Wore.

We love the Tipsy Skipper’s pumpkins.

The Tipsy Skipper

And we love an argyle pumpkin: we haven’t been able to identify those on the left, the group on the right is from Horchow.

This beautiful group is from the folks at Lilly Pulitzer Palm Beach Gardens.

Lilly Pulitzer Palm Beach Gardens

Here are two more beauties, these are by the talented ladies at The Pink Palm in Richmond.

The Pink Palm

This classic duo by Susan Trader is always fun to see.

Susan Trader

With that we say Happy Halloween, may all of your candy be fresh!

Popped or Not, Nantucket or the Vineyard?

Hello-Hello and happy Monday.

For those who don’t summer an entire season at the shore it is once again that time of year, friends and families are packing up and heading off for for a few days at the beach. That makes a story in today’s Boston Globe perfect reading, it looks at two of our favorite places.

Via Weather-Forecast

“Islands Apart” considers the age-old debate about which is the preferred island: Nantucket or Martha’s Vineyard…? The story suggests that perhaps sentiments on the topic have intensified.

“But what has changed, natives say, is how rabid the rivalry has become off the field, especially among the summer people… who care very much about what their island choice says about them.”

Now, we don’t come from the school of “let’s pick where we summer based on how it will impact the way people think of us”.  IOHO basics like proximity, history, ease of access, and weather make more sense when determining one’s vacation spot, no? Nor are we sharing our personal preference between the two islands (full disclosure: yours truly grew up summering on the shores of Lake Michigan, these two lovely spots are merely places we have been fortunate enough to visit), but we can say many of the observations made by residents and visitors in Billy Baker’s article ring true:

“Both islands, of course, are summer paradises of great natural beauty. They are also very expensive, very exclusive, and very preppy. Nantucket, the broad-brush argument goes, is just more extreme in all categories. In other words, many Vineyarders say, “snobby.’’

One point made in the article involves simple geographic distinctions:

“Martha’s Vineyard is much larger and more populated, with six towns that have distinct personalities; while Nantucket is just one town. The Vineyard is also considerably closer to the mainland. The traditional ferry takes just 45 minutes to arrive, and well over two hours to get to Nantucket.”

The story hones in on an aspect of the rivalry that may be easiest to envision, fashion differences between ACK and the Vineyard, more specifically, brands.

“In Vineyard Vines, a self-described “preppy’’ clothing store that began on Martha’s Vineyard and has now spread to other Sperry meccas, including Nantucket, pastels, braided belts, and shorts with whales on them rule the day.”

And it’s here where we get to a hot-button issue for many Princess readers, the article quotes a VV assistant store manager, Julia Graham:

“It’s basically the same style,’’ said Graham, who is from Greenwich, Conn. and has been summering on the Vineyard her whole life. “But in Nantucket, they pop the collars up.’’

The popped collar, even for a girl from Greenwich, is a thing, a symbol, the epitome of the preppy snob. Except that on Nantucket, many wear that exact stereotype as a badge of honor.”

Full disclosure #2: your trusty correspondent does not ascribe to the popped collar practice.  With no disrespect to those who do, we never have, it is more-than-unlikely we ever will.

Murray's Toggery

When presented with Graham’s assessment, John Murray, the latest generation of his family to own Murray’s Toggery Shop in Nantucket, the birthplace of Nantucket Reds – perhaps the quintessential preppy trouser – did not dispute the pop-collared joke.

“I’m OK with that,’’ he said. “We like to think of ourselves as more sophisticated.’’

Via Damee NYC

Your thoughts? Is one or the other considered a favorite?

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Also today, a quick update on this weekend’s Red Cross Ball in Monaco. Below we see newlyweds Prince Albert and Charlene, behind them you can just about see the Prince’s sisters, Princesses Caroline (L) and Stephanie.

Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

Princess Charlene wore a deep fuchsia gown by Akris, as well as a custom-made necklace by Van Cleef and Arpels.

Reuters via The Daily Mail

As an update to our post that shared some of the rumors about the couple’s relationship and marriage, the Palace says those reports are untrue; the couple is suing L’Express, a French magazine that printed allegations about the Princess trying to flee the country just days before her wedding. Hmmmm.

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Finally today, an early look at one of the soon-to-be-released ads promoting the upcoming Missoni for Target collection.

Courtesy Image

The enormous collection launches September 13, and will be a major component of Targét’s Fashion’s Night Out event.

We’ll be back on Wednesday, until then may the sun be shining on your island, wherever it may be.

Of Polo and Parties on a Royal Weekend

Hello-Hello and welcome to a Monday.

We are brief today, trying to catch up a zillion business-related projects, so we are going to do a ‘One Topic Tuesday’ on a Monday. (Gasp.)

As some readers are no doubt aware, a certain royal couple was in California this weekend.

Hans Gutknecht - Pool/Reuters

Saturday there was a little polo match, with a luncheon beforehand. As you might imagine, a number of celebrities were at the event. Below we see chef Giada de Laurentiis, who did the lunch, and actress Nicolette Sheridan (?).

Reuters/AP Photo

Actor Rob Lowe brought his son along, John Owen.

Ian Vogler-Pool/Getty Images

Actresses Rosario Dawson and Jennifer Love-Hewitt also attended the function.

AP Photo

The event was at the Santa Barbara Racquet and Polo Club, a fundraiser for the Prince William and Prince Harry’s charitable foundation.

Gus Ruelas/Reuters

Prince William’s team won quite handily.

Ian Vogler-Pool/Getty Images

Sharp-eyed readers may have noticed the players holding rather recognizable boxes in a certain color. They are precisely what you thought, Tiffany was a sponsor of the event, creating the trophy you see being hoisted in the picture above.  That robin’s egg blue could also be seen atop tables set up for lunch.

Via Kate Snow Twitter Feed

Then it was on to the big Hollywood bash, the gala BAFTA dinner (British Academy of Film and Television Arts). Prince William is the president of the organization.

Kate wore a lilac Alexander McQueen gown, accessorized with Jimmy Choo platform sandals and clutch.

Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images via Just Jared

Gossip Girl stars Blake Lively and Ed Westwick attended the big party.

Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

As well as Jennifer Lopez and wacky Jack Black.

AP Photo

Several people savvier than I have noted that Jennifer Lopez, Jennifer Garner and Blake Lively were all in attendance at the dinner, Ben Affleck was not. If anyone wants to help me grasp the deeper meaning of this, any and all comments explaining things would be more-than-appreciated. 🙂

Also taking part in the festivities, Tom Hanks and his wife, Rita Wilson.

Bret Hartman/AP Photo

Here we see Prince William joking with Nicole Kidman.

Mark Large via The Daily Mail

Sunday morning brought more functions and fundraisers, below we see Reese Witherspoon greeting Kate at a private breakfast for Tusk Trust, a group working to conserve wildlife in Africa.

Chris Jackson-Pool/Reuters

Then it was on to Inner City Arts, the newlyweds painted with children in this program. (It seems William may be looking to Kate for inspiration.)

John Stillwell - Pool/Getty Images

The real stars at this event were the children who are part of the Inner City Arts program.

Kevork Djansezian - Pool/Getty Images

Throughout Kate and William’s nine day tour Kate has seemed particularly drawn to the children she meets.

Chris Jackson-Pool/Reuters

The couple wrapped up Sunday’s activities with an appearance at a Mission Serve job fair. “Hiring our Heroes” was the theme of the fair, with 1,500 veterans and military spouses meeting potential employees. William also spoke at the event.

“The idea behind Service Nation Mission Serve, an initiative strongly supported by The First Lady and Dr. Biden, is simple, but truly inspirational. To help those returning from active service to open a new chapter in their lives and find employment when they retire from the military.”

Francine Orr - Pool/Getty Images

Prince William noted this was the most important speech of the tour:

“This is because it is about men and women who—of their own freewill—choose to put their life on the line for their Country. They are the front line of a remarkable relationship between the United Kingdom, the United States and Canada, which has safe-guarded our freedoms for a century. But Mission Serve is about something more than just men and women in uniform. It is about our other halves. The half that makes the loved one’s duty and sacrifices possible and worthwhile. It is about you: families, partners and friends.”

The couple also helped pack boxes for children of military personnel, ‘care packages’ of a sort.

Mario Anzuoni-Pool/Reuters

With that the nine-day visit was over and the royal couple headed to LAX for a flight home. (They actually flew commercial.) Below we see them boarding their plane.

EPA via The Daily Mail

(For anyone interested in the fashions worn by Kate during the trip, our sister site, What Kate Wore has many posts on the topic.)

For now, goodbye until next time, may the rest of your Monday be simply splendid.

When You Wish…

Hello-Hello, all.  The Consort sauntering casually mikeside to entertain you while The (lovely and very talented) Princess tends to some prior obligations.  There have been some events these past few days that I’m sure you noticed.  That’s right, Canada is rolling out the red (how appropriate) carpet for The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.  Or, as we refer to them here at The Prepatorium, William and Kate.  As they tour Canada the royals have been welcomed by great crowds and much to-do.  But I noticed some images that captured the impact the Prince and Princess are having on some of Canada’s smallest citizens.  And those images made me think for a moment.

When I was just a young Consort I imagined myself doing great things.  Shouldn’t all children have those dreams?  My lovely bride tells me many young girls have the familiar fantasy of marrying a prince and becoming a princess.  It’s a fairy tale and part of growing up.  Adults are mature enough to realize life is not a fairy tale.  But children don’t know that yet.  So what happens when the dream comes to life right in front of the youngster’s eyes?

Have you ever seen such precious children?  While the littlest girl greets a real-life princess with her best curtsey the other girl is enthralled.  This meeting will live forever in their minds because this is the moment they saw that dreams can become real.  And that dream can be close enough to touch…

 
This little girl put her pretty yellow flower in her hair and waited at the fence with hundreds of other people.  Can you imagine what she is feeling in this instant?  This is the moment when Kate came to her, crouched to look her directly in the eyes and shared a few words.  It is a private time in an extraordinary public event.  Now the little girl with the pretty yellow flower in her hair has met a real-life princess and knows that dreams do come true.

When does the dream of becoming a princess begin?  Perhaps for this young girl it started in this moment.

She’s delivered her flowers to the Princess and now she has her eye on the Prince.  What could she be thinking?  Is this the moment when she realizes princes are real and within reach?

And for some children meeting a prince and princess brings just too much joy to contain.

This little girl in Quebec is saying so much with her smile.  She is moments away from an encounter that she will likely never forget.  And she will know that fairy tales can come true because she met a woman who became a princess.

Here at The Preppy Princess we hope your dreams come true.

Thank you for indulging me.  My Princess will be back with you tomorrow and I hope to revisit you all soon.  Until then, remember to take care of your waitperson because they’re working hard for you tonight.  I’ll leave you today with a singer who knows a thing or two about dreams.  Good night, everyone!

Photo credits:  Splash News via The Daily Mail, Reuters, Andy Clark/Reuters,  Christinne Muschi/Reuters