Royalty Fashion

The year 2011 saw the fashionable transformations of commoner women who joined the elite court of European royalty. From the announcement of the official engagement to the royal weddings and to public appearances, the public witnessed how these commoners gradually emerged into the limelight of fashion and style. But can we really call them fashionable icons?

Kate Middleton and Charlene Wittstock who became royal brides in 2011 are just two women who transformed from being commoners to high profile royals this year, the constant media intrusion somehow forced them to appear glamorous in public by choosing carefully the kind of look and style expected from them.

Kate Middleton’s fashion has been the subject of so much debate. Since she walked down-the-aisle with her ivory satin gown created by Sarah Burton of the Fashion House of Alexander McQueen, fashion critics followed her everyday. Then the public discovered what was considered a style below the standard of what royalty is all about when the Duchess of Cambridge revealed through her clothing choices that she loved to recycle wardrobe and even shoes. Many fashion commentators said that she is not after all a fashion trendsetter but merely a fashion follower.

Let’s take a look how she transformed from being a commoner to royalty:

After earning a degree in Art History, the media tailed her compulsively and began scrutinizing the way she dresses

She has a long torso and her legs are very thin so she is not quite attractive when wearing a pair of pants

Not good to look at when wearing an above the knee skirt or dress because her legs are not impressive

But she is gorgeous and irresistible when wearing a floor-length gown

From Getty Images. The Duchess of Cambridge looked fabulous in this peach gown

The stunning Jenny Packham peach and crystal embellished gown worn by Kate Middleton (above photo) during the ARK gala last December 8, 2011. The Duchess of Cambridge looked delicately wonderful in this amazing cut and style

Another commoner who entered the royalty spotlight in 2011 is Charlene Wittstock, a former South African Olympian, when she married the sovereign prince of Monaco, Prince Albert II. Like Kate Middleton, she is an “outsider” who tried to tear down the wall that divide the royalty and commoners. Charlene gradually transformed into a stylish Princess with her elegant and sophisticated fashion style. She wore an exquisite wedding gown in a column sheath design created for her by fashion maestro, Giorgio Armani, when she married the Prince in July 2011.

Charlene has a good body physique, maybe because she is a veteran swimmer and very captivating when wearing something that hides her wide shoulder. Her height and weight are in proportion and she has a good pair of legs.

Princess Charlene of Monaco wearing a soft-beige pants, a pale grey cashmere top and ivory sweater

Sophisticated young lady. Charlene wearing a purple halter gown which made her look more glamorous and elegant

Attending the Award Ceremony for badges of rank and medals during the Monaco’s National Celebration. Charlene is flanked by her husband’s nephew and niece, Andrea Casiraghi and Princess Alexandra of Hanover, both children of Princess Caroline.

The Duchess of Cambridge and the Princess Consort of Monaco have something in common: their prominent muscles. Both athletic and sporty, however Charlene established herself as a professional swimmer while Kate Middleton just enjoyed her love of sport and never made it to any professional competition.

The Duchess of Cambridge revealed her muscle in a black velvet strapless gown by the House of Alexander McQueen while attending A Night of Heroes at the Imperial War Museum of London

Charlene looked stunning in this satin strapless gown during the Monte Carlo Rose Ball, never mind the athletic muscle

Charlene Wittstock and Kate Middleton are not the only commoners who became the subject of intense media coverage after marrying royalty. Princess Mary of Denmark, Princess Letizia of Spain and Queen Rania of Jordan had experience the same intrusion and coverage too and these women are really glamorous and stylish in their own right. Not only are career-oriented women before marrying royalty, they also are women of substance.