On May 20, 2017, Pippa Middleton married James Matthews.
On April 29, 2011, Kate Middleton married Prince William.
Both occasions were marked by intense interest from the public… the gathering of Royal Family members from near and far… ridiculously lavish receptions…
… and lots of talk over the sisters’ chosen wedding dresses.
And we mean LOTS. OF. TALK.
You’d think these wedding dresses had solved the problem of world poverty or something, based on the way everyone on the Internet discussed them, debated them and analyzed every inch of fabric that comprised them.
But that’s just what happens when you combine the world’s most famous set of relatives with one of the world’s most popular industries.
Royal weddings equal royal fascination.
And also a royal debate:
Which of these sisters actually looked best on her big day?
Let’s break down each gown before turning this question over to you, our dear reader…
PIPPA donned a lace dress designed by Giles Deacon. It featured a high neck and capped sleeves molded to her torso, along with a full (but not stuffed) skirt.
The younger Middleton sister accessorised her bridal outfit with a Maidenhair fern tiara by Robinson Pelham and satin pumps with pearl detailing by Manolo Blahnik.
She looked amazing.
For her “something old”, meanwhile, Pippa rocked the same Robinson Pelham pearl earrings that graced her lobes for Kate’s wedding in 2011.
Which brings us to Kate’s wedding in 2011.
It was designed by Sarah Burton, the creative director of the luxury fashion house Alexander McQueen.
The ivory satin bodice was padded slightly at the hips and narrowed at the waist, incorporating floral motifs.
When Kate turned around, fans were left in awe at the 58 buttons of gazer and organza, which fastened via rouleau loops.
Sources at the time said that Burton used traditional Carrickmacross craftsmanship in making the ivory gown, a technique that dates back to the 1800s; this was meant to represent “something old.”
The skirt was crafted with white satin gazar arches and pleats to echo an opening flower.
From the hand-cut Chantilly lace of the sleeves to the lace applique on the bodice and the individual lace roses, the attention to detail on this dress was nearly unparalleled in wedding history.
It makes sense. Kate was actually marrying into the Royal Family.
These was the most-watching nuptials of all-time.
Therefore, Pippa didn’t have the same standard to meet when marrying James Matthews.
That’s important to keep in mind here.
This fine-assed beauty was still the center of the world’s attention on Saturday morning, but she didn’t face the same sort of societal expectations as her sister when it came to her dress.
So there’s some background on the iconic ensembles for you.
Now it’s time to end the preamble and get to the pressing question on everyone’s mind at the moment.
You’ve seen both dresses. You’ve marveled over both brides. You’ve been given ample time to determine your preference. Let’s do this:
PIPPA OR KATE: WHO WORE IT BETTER?
It’s a sisterly showdown! Vote on who you think wore her wedding gown better, Pippa or Kate Middleton? View Poll »