Nancy Shevell’s Wedding Dress by Stella McCartney

Pictured: The new Mrs. McCartney in Stella McCartney (photo via Getty images.)

As most of the world probably knows, Nancy Shevell married Paul McCartney this weekend in London.  I thought the bride looked fantastic, and like most fans, I hope Macca finds happiness this time. I have to say, I am fascinated by Nancy’s dress designed by Stella McCartney. It looks like a perfect update of the dress that designer Mainbocher designed for Wallis Simpson, the Duchess of Windsor in 1937 for her wedding.  Take a look at the bodice of the Mainbocher dress, which is now on display in the Metropolitan Museum, and you might see the resemblance.  The fitted bodice, the covered buttons, shirring and the long sleeves remind me of the earlier Mainbocher  dress. The fit of this dress and fitted style  is understated enough for a bride who has been married before and is reed thin.

Pictured: Wallis Simpson’s Mainbocher wedding dress from the Metropolitan Museum.

Of course, the dress Stella McCartney designed for Nancy Shevell is not a replica of the Duchess of Windsor’s Mainbocher gown.  The McCartney dress has an open collar and V-neckline. But I think it’s a fitting homage to a design masterpiece of understated elegance. Apparently, the Duchess of Windsor paid something like $250.00 for her wedding gown. Shortly after the wedding, replicas appeared in high-end department stores. I’m sure we will see some replicas of Nancy Shevell’s Stella McCartney gown.  Meanwhile, you can find dresses by Stella with a similar bodice for her collection for Target Australia selling every now and then on eBay. The dress from Stella’s first Target collection with a print of birds on it (which I once owned) is very similar to Nancy’s wedding dress and frequently sells for less than $100.00 on eBay and other auction sites.