To create the dress in the Giorgio Armani Privé ateliers, 50 meters of duchesse silk and 80 meters of silk organza were used, along with 40,000 Swarovski crystals, 20,000 mother-of-pearl beads, and 30,000 gemstones in golden hues: a project that took a total of 2,500 hours to complete, 700 of which were spent on embroidery alone. Added to all this was the veil, crafted as if it were a work of art, which required 20 meters of embroidered silk tulle and 100 hours of work. Such a massive undertaking made it possible to present the Principality of Monaco with a contemporary royal bride, very different from the previous one embodied by Grace of Monaco.
The tiara that remained tucked away in a drawer
Charlène of Monaco did have the traditional royal bridal tiara—Albert had given it to her in anticipation of the wedding—but she chose not to wear it. The prince turned to Van Cleef & Arpels, the official jeweler to the House of Grimaldi since 1956—dating back to the time of Princess Grace—and commissioned a set inspired by ocean waves. The tiara is the most important piece. Crafted in white gold with a design featuring circular elements that evoke the movement of waves, it is set with over 1,200 precious stones: specifically, 883 round-cut diamonds, 11 pear-shaped diamonds, and 359 sapphires.
Those who have appraised it estimate its value to be around 15 million dollars. Despite this, the tiara—which has never been worn in public as such, but only as a necklace—has remained at the palace. The princess chose to adorn her hairstyle with several 19th-century flower-shaped diamond brooches that had belonged to Princess Charlotte, the grandmother of both the groom and Carolina, the custodian of the heirlooms. After all, the true jewel of the day was the dress designed by Giorgio Armani.
Another Giorgio Armani Privé gown for the reception
Princess Charlène emphasized the deep bond she shared with the great Italian designer by choosing one of his creations for the gala dinner held on the terrace of the Monte-Carlo Opera House. Giorgio Armani designed for her a long, ruffled gown with a round neckline and wide sleeves in silk chiffon, featuring a small train and a bodice covered with a layer of fabric adorned with sparkling embroidery and sheer panels. A shower of Swarovski crystals and other sparkling stones added a dazzling touch to the creation, which seemed designed to come alive during the ball.
