Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson as Bella Swan and Edward Cullen in ‘The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part I’.Photo:Summit Entertainment
Summit Entertainment
If you’ve been waiting “A Thousand Years” for your wedding, you’re going to want the dress to be worth it.
Ahead of the release of 2011’sThe Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1, fans were eagerly awaiting seeing the nuptials of Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart) and Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson) play out on-screen. And while there were several elements — the venue, the music, the supernatural guest list — that Twihards were anxious to see come to life from Stephenie Meyer’s novel, no detail received more buzz ahead of the film than Bella’s wedding dress.
To create the highly anticipated gown, Meyer personally tapped renowned designer — and longtimeTwilightfan —Carolina Herrera. “Being a big follower ofThe Twilight Saga, I was very flattered to be a part of this fantastic project,” shetoldVogue. “I read the books and saw the first film and have been a fan ever since.”
Considering the huge fandom and intense excitement surrounding the fourth film, there was a fair amount of pressure to perfect the dress design. “It had to be magical,” Herrera explained at theBreaking Dawnpremiere. “I still have all the sketches and everything because it was so special.”
From how Herrera dreamed up the iconic gown to the stunning accessories that went with it, here’s everything to know about Bella Swan’s wedding dress.
Bella Swan’s Carolina Herrera Wedding Dress
Bella Swan in her wedding dress in ‘The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part I’.Summit Entertainment
In order to bring Bella’s wedding dress to life, Herrera first had to consider the source material.
The designer opted to create a crepe satin and French Chantilly lace gown, which took six months and four seamstresses to make. The dress featured 152 covered buttons along the back — a detail Bella mentions in the book’s description of the gown — along with an illusion lace applique and train. The long sleeves featured another 17 buttons each and additional lace detailing, while a subtle V-neckline completed the elegant bridal look.
It was exactly what Meyer hoped for her protagonist’s special moment, which is why she wanted Herrera to make the dress in the first place. “My favorite designer, Carolina Herrera, did the wedding dress," MeyertoldE! News. “I wanted the dress to be something special, not something that you’re going to see every day. I love what Carolina did with it, she came up with a stunning concept. It’s similar to what I envisioned, but with added elements.”
The back of Bella Swan’s wedding dress in ‘The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part I’.Summit Entertainment
But that wasn’t the only wedding dress Stewart wore in the movie. In a nightmare before the wedding, Bella has on a different gown. According toBreaking Dawncostume designer Michael Wilkinson, the contrast between these dresses was important.
On Bella’s real wedding day, however, she needed a look that she’d feel more comfortable in. “The real dress fit Bella like a second skin, and I was really glad about how all that worked out. It reflects her simplicity and elegance,” Wilkinson explained. “I thought it really hit the right note of having some vintage elements while working well for a modern woman.”
Film producers were very careful to keep Bella’s dress design under wraps, so much so that they took preventative measures to stop photos from being leaked. According to Stewart, she had to wear a Volturi-style cape to keep the dress covered.
“It was a huge deal keeping this thing shrouded,” shesaid during Comic-Conin 2011. “You know, you want to feel pretty on your wedding day, and every time they called cut, someone would come and attack you with a Volturi cape, and you’re like, ‘Where am I?’ ”
Bella Swan’s Wedding Shoes
Bella Swan’s Manolo Blahnik white satin bridal shoes.Neiman Marcus
Neiman Marcus
White satin heels, a long veil and a bejeweled hair comb completed Bella’s non-nightmare bridal look. The heels themselves were gorgeous — even if Bella could barely walk in them. Her Manolo Blahniks were over four inches high and decorated with crystal embellishments.
Bella Swan’s Engagement Ring
Bella’s engagement ring in ‘The Twilght Saga: Eclipse’.Summit Entertainment
Throughout the books and movies, Bella was never one to care too much about jewelry. Of course, for her wedding, she had to wear one notable piece of jewelry: her engagement ring from Edward.
The large oval-shaped ring featured 69 cubic zirconia stones set on a silver band. And though the sparkler featured no natural diamonds, it was priceless toTwilightfans; in 2016, it was put up for option and fetched a price of $16,800,perE! News.
source: people.com
