And the Bride Wore Armani

Pool photo by Emma Foster The crowd threw flower petals as Prince Albert II of Monaco and Princess Charlene left the palace for the Sainte Devote Church after their wedding Mass.

In recap after recap of the royal wedding today in Monaco, I noticed that when the television camera was on the groom, Prince Albert II, during the vows, you could see Bernard Arnault, the chairman of LVMH, in the background.

And when the camera moved to the bride, Charlene Wittstock, you could see Giorgio Armani. How odd was that? And they were seated behind royals and heads of state. Just advantageous placement, I guess, for a couple of lords of fashion. Karl Lagerfeld, a longtime friend of Princess Caroline — she was dressed in pale pink and a wide-brimmed hat — also attended the wedding at the palace.

Mr. Armani designed Princess Charlene’s off-white duchess silk gown. According to a statement from the designer’s company, the front of the gown was embroidered with flowers, gold-colored stones, crystals and mother-of-pearl teardrops. The neckline was rather eye-catching, severe almost, with an asymmetrical cross-over that seemed intended as a modernizing effect. I found that detail a bit cold. But, overall, the dress was a sophisticated style for a glamor capital. The embroidery, beginning with a small tracing at the bodice, was quite stunning, at least from what I could see on French television. And the seven young bridesmaids, in traditional costume, looked adorable.

The Armani statement was very no-nonsense, not unlike one the company would issue for Cannes or the Oscars (“Giorgio Armani dresses her serene highness … ”) and went on to list other guests wearing Armani. The bride was expected to wear Armani Privé, his couture line, for the gala tonight.