One of the world’s most beloved (and prominent) figure skaters of all time, Michelle Kwan, has finally tied the knot with Clay Pell, 31, on Saturday (19 January).
Photo source: Providence Journal / Freida Squires
Michelle, 32, tells People Magazine that her dress was designed by long time friend and designer, Vera Wang.
“I wore so many skating dresses designed by her, whole skating shows and everything,” she says. “I have a long relationship with her.”
Vera – also a former figure skater, put plenty of consideration into her creation for Michelle’s wedding: the fact that Clay is the grandson of late U.S. Senator Claiborne Pell, and works on the national security staff at the White House whilst Michelle on the other hand, is a public policy envoy with the Department of State played a huge factor.
“She is marrying someone whose family has a political history, and Michelle is living and working in Washington, D.C.,” says Vera. “[The dress] had to have a certain dignity and a certain classicism, and I think it was a lot about a new way of looking at tradition.”
Michelle opted for an elegant strapless mermaid gown in ivory, made with layers of silk organza and exquisite lace appliqué.
Photo source: Instagram @seraibeauty
“The fact that it’s got an inordinate amount of handwork in terms of lace is really a tribute to the art of hand-piecing lace,” Vera adds. “There is a princess-slash-queenly level of sophistication and quiet without sacrificing a lot of detail.”
“I’m really very honored and very thrilled that A. Michelle has found the love of her life and B. that I am the one to dress her for that special day just as I did for world championships, national championships, and Olympics,” she said. “It’s just the ongoing saga of our friendship.”
According to The Providence Journal, about 250 guests attended Kwan’s wedding, including her figure skating friends Dorothy Hamill, Dick Button and Brian Boitano.
Source: People, The Providence Journal
Congratulations on getting married