Olivia Henson, the new Duchess of Westminster, stunned everyone with her bridal beauty when she married the Duke of Westminster on June 7th. The 31-year-old bride chose an ivory silk crepe satin dress intricately embroidered by British designer Emma Victoria Payne. The dress featured a bias-cut skirt, a pleated waistband, gathered sleeves, a dropped waist, a keyhole back, and a detachable two-meter train. The scalloped edge neckline with hand appliquéd embroidery added a special touch to the dress, as it was a reimagined design based on Olivia’s great-great-grandmother’s veil from 1880.
While Olivia’s dress received high praise, her choice of wedding shoes raised some eyebrows. The bride walked down the aisle in dark blue, velvet high heels adorned with a dramatic bow. Some fashion enthusiasts took to Instagram to express their opinions, with one comment stating the shoes were too bold for the delicate nature of the dress. Another user suggested that a blue garter would have been a more suitable “something blue” accessory. Despite the mixed reactions, it seems Olivia was honoring an old English tradition by incorporating the blue tone into her wedding attire.
Olivia’s decision to wear statement shoes on her wedding day is not entirely unprecedented. Many brides have opted for bold and unique footwear choices to add a touch of personality to their bridal look. Drawing inspiration from iconic characters like Carrie Bradshaw from Sex and The City, who famously wore blue Manolo Blahnik pumps, brides have embraced the idea of making a statement with their shoes. Perhaps Olivia was aiming for her own Carrie Bradshaw moment by choosing unconventional footwear for her special day.
The controversy surrounding Olivia Henson’s wedding attire showcases the ongoing debate between traditional bridal aesthetics and modern fashion trends. While some criticized her bold choice of shoes, others applauded her for adding a personal touch to her wedding ensemble. Ultimately, the bride’s style decisions should reflect her individuality and sense of fashion, regardless of public opinion. The fusion of old traditions with contemporary elements in wedding fashion only serves to make each bride’s special day more unique and memorable.