Oh happy, happy day. Kate Middleton's wedding dress is a triumph for British fashion.

The message of this wedding dress is clear. Kate looks every bit the princess, but nothing at all like Princess Diana. My fear before the wedding was that, in wanting to avoid the overblown, Dynasty-esque glamour of Diana, Kate would opt for safety and understatement. Instead, the slender lace sleeves and the glory of the swagged train, the piety of the neckline and the splendour of the chantilly lace all draw on the wedding dress of fashion's favourite princess bride, Grace Kelly. With this dress, Kate has redrawn the order of princess succession. She has stepped out of Diana's shadow, but by making a strong visual connection to Princess Grace, made a strong statement that she intends to look every inch the princess.

Kate Middleton's dress – a fistpump moment for British fashion - Kate Middleton - Sarah Burton - Alexander McQueen