[2] Noted for its design, symbolism, and expected influence on Western bridal gown trends, the dress was widely anticipated and generated much comment in the media.

[4] Also suggested were Phillipa Lepley, Victoria Beckham,[5] Sophie Cranston's Libelula,[6][7] Jasper Conran,[8][9] Elizabeth Emanuel,[10] Daniella Issa Helayel,[8] Marchesa by Keren Craig and Georgina Chapman,[5] Stella McCartney,[5] Bruce Oldfield,[9][10][11] and Catherine Walker.

David Emanuel, co-designer of the wedding dress of Lady Diana Spencer, commented to the Canadian fashion journalist Jeanne Beker that "McQueen is owned by Gucci, an Italian company.

"[8] Official statements noted that Middleton wished to combine tradition and modernity, "with the artistic vision that characterises Alexander McQueen's work."

[16] The ivory satin bodice was padded slightly at the hips and narrowed at the waist, and was inspired by the Victorian tradition of corsetry that is a particular Alexander McQueen hallmark.

[17] The bodice incorporated floral motifs cut from machine-made lace, which were then appliquéd on to silk net (tulle) by workers from the Royal School of Needlework, based at Hampton Court Palace.

The main body of the dress was made in ivory and white satin gazar, using UK fabrics which had been specially sourced by Sarah Burton, with a long, full skirt designed to echo an opening flower, with soft pleats which unfolded to the floor, forming a Victorian-style semi-bustle at the back, and finishing in a short train measuring just under three metres in length.

[19] The British press showed considerable interest in the lace used in the wedding dress, but their published reports[20][21][22] are at variance with available documentation, and suggest that they were briefed with common incorrect or misleading information.

The effect achieved by the design of the bodice is similar to that of the decorated nets that were popular in the late 19th century, typified by the Limerick and Carrickmacross laces of Ireland.

The lace designs include roses, thistles, daffodils and shamrocks, representing the national flowers of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, respectively.

"[33] Antonio Marras, of Kenzo, stated, "the choice of the label and the style of the dress was a very clever mix between edgy fashion and tradition — all in a very British way.

"[33] It was noted that the lace bodice of Middleton's dress echoed that worn by Grace Kelly for her marriage to Rainier III, Prince of Monaco, in 1956.

"[35] Diana's wedding dress maker, Elizabeth Emanuel, has suggested: "Exactly as it happened in 1981, there are going to be people watching as she walks down the aisle with their sketch pads, with the machinists and pattern cutters all ready and waiting.

Alison McGill, the editor-in-chief of Weddingbells Magazine: "I think her choice to wear long sleeves signals a big goodbye to strapless wedding gowns.

[40] Chinese dressmakers told news reporters they expected to have knock-offs of the dress available one week from the event; one expressed frustration that it was not leaked in advance so that they could have stock prepared earlier.

[41] The choice of a dress from the fashion house of Alexander McQueen, who had died by suicide in 2010, led Hubert de Givenchy to state "It's a lovely thought, a nice tribute.

[42][43] The method of displaying the dress and tiara (on a headless mannequin lit by white lighting) was reported to have been described as "horrid" by the Queen during a private tour of the exhibition with the Duchess of Cambridge in July 2011.