Chelsea Clinton's Vera Wang Confection
Sunday, August 1, 2010 at 11:43 AM 
Photos by Genevieve de Manio via Getty Images
It feels almost impossible not to acknowledge one of the most highly anticipated events of the summer -- the wedding of Chelsea Clinton and Marc Mezvinsky, which took place last evening at Astor Courts in Rhinebeck, New York.
The bride chose a frothy, confection of a gown by Vera Wang, featuring "a diagonally draped bodice, ballgown skirt made out of raw edged laser-cut swirling silk organza, and a train in silk tulle." A crystal-encrusted belt, also by Vera Wang, defined the waist. Jewelry was kept simple with understated earrings and a bracelet. A long tulle veil and simple bouquet of white flowers completed the classic bridal look.
Various news sources reported Chelsea Clinton visiting both Vera Wang and Oscar de la Renta earlier this week. The latter, it seems, was for the radiant mother-of-the-bride, who wore a wine colored Oscar de la Renta gown for the wedding.
Congratulations to the newlyweds!
P.S. Check out WWD's piece "Chelsea Clinton's Moment", which includes more detail on the dress and bridal accoutrements. Look to the far right in the photo below to see a bit more of Hillary Clinton's Oscar de la Renta gown.
Oscar de la Renta, Vera Wang
Reader Comments (47)
Mrs. T, thank you so much for posting these photos! I agree with you, it would be impossible not to acknowledge such a grand event, related both to fashion and to the Obama administration. I love all of the photos, but I was just taken aback by the shot of former President Clinton escorting his daughter to the altar. Against the backdrop of the regal home, it looks very much the royal wedding!!
Thank you Mrs. T, I was hoping you would post photos of Chelsea's wedding. It looks like it was just lovely and she was such a beautiful bride.
Another thank you, Mrs. T! A confection indeed, although I think your Peter Soronen is every bit as exquisite!
Class and elegance. The gown itself is simply divine and a perfect representation of the bride.
Chelsea looked great! I really love the skirt of the dress.
BEAUTIFUL!!!
Here is a picture of FLOTUS and POTUS at the WH after they left the Spy Museum of Friday. I would love to see the full dress.
http://www.daylife.com/photo/07oxaJP5X3aYO
Also, I love Chelsea's wedding dress. However, I am not really like the Sec of State's dress, I like the color though.
Chelsea’s gown is beyond beautiful. I’m sure the bride and groom had a natural glow working for them but I love the ethereal quality captured in the first two shots. I don’t know if it was natural light from the approaching sunset that was captured or if the photographer is a genius with artful backlighting, but those two shots are priceless.
Mia Monte, not sure if your comment about the full dress referred to the pic of FLOTUS you posted or if you were referring to the wedding party. If it's the former, I posted a link to a full shot of FLOTUS wearing this same dress on a prior thread . I won't post a duplicate here, but if you have not seen it yet, you can find it on the "Mrs. O is going on Vacation thread".
Congratulations to the bride and groom and I hope they had a wonderful day.
(I must say though, I do think Vera Wang is overrated. I can only hope that brides get what they want but this to me just looks like yet another strapless wedding dress that is kind of floofy and doesn't suit the bride any more than any other strapless dress might have. It wasn't the right colour for her and it's a shame her hair was scraped back instead of being softer and more romantic. Some people can carry off an up do, some need to stay with hair down... tendrils... SOMEthing... and a veil that stays well back off the face and simply trailing down the back. Shame, because I think Chelsea can look REALLY pretty. This wasn't it though. And tell me, is it just me or is Bill ill? I didn't recognise him in the long shot at ALL! He's lost loads of weight, suddenly......)
Beautiful couple, beautiful parents, Chelsea is definitely her mother's daughter, they could pass for twins. The dress is simply gorgeous, I'm feeling the top half more than the bottom but is is simply divine.. I love sunset weddings. Nice, really nice.
Post Tater, I read that Chelsea asked her Dad to lose 15 pounds for the wedding, but in the end, he lost 20+ lbs!
I hate to disagree with Posh, but I really do think Chelsea looks lovely here. I've always thought she was attractive and here she just looks radiant. I love the idea of jewels at the waist and that very simple, beautiful bouquet. She wanted to look a bit fairy-princessy and she does, but not in a juvenile way.
Mazel tov to the couple! Despite the craziness of their own lives, the Clintons and the Bushes have raised, by all accounts, pretty awesome kids. I expect that it'll be the same with the Obamas.
Brava Chelsea! We are the same age, so I have seen her grow up in public as I did in private. She is not classically beautiful and maybe her gown may not suit some tastes but I think she is gorgeous as all happy brides are. To me and many friends in my generation, she is a thoughtful young woman who has risen above her parents' public spectacles with such dignity and grace. Since it is her day, which she chose to celebrate rather privately, she can wear a garbage bag if she wants and still beam!
NICE WEDDING THE OBAMAS DIDNT COME LOVE CHASEA WEDDING DRESS VERY PRETTY
What a beautiful bride. Simply beautiful! Congratulations to the lovely couple.
Bill and Hilary Clinton looked so proud of their only daughter.
Love the dress. Love the hair. Love the makeup. Love the jewelry. Love the flowers. Chelsea looks absolutely flawless, in my opinion. A class act.
Chelsea's dress is perfect - the shape is classic, the details modern. Love the skirt and the belt - I have not seen any pics of the other Vera Wang dress she changed into for her reception. I would love to see more details of Hillary's dress - saw her in the backround of one picture and it looks like the skirt could be lighter than the top and have some embellishments.
They all look soooo happy - looks like a perfect wedding. The shot of Bill and Chelsea coming down the aisle - the building in the background is reminds me of the White House - how appropriate.
I was reading the comments that readers over at the Huffington Post left and stumble upon this video. It was a very sweet moment by the First Couple. Congratulations to Chelsea and Marc and wishes them the very best.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T6rATx0J5Yw&feature=player_embedded
The bride is beautiful, however, she could have gotten a prettier gown at Lighinthebox.com or even David's Bridal. The dress looks like someone snagged it from the botton to the bejeweled sash. I guess you pay for the brand not for the quality. How sad the dress was depressing. I guess in the long run it helps to be beautiful so she out did the dress.
The bridal couple look absolutely radiant, the bride is beautiful, the dress is exquisite, and the Clintons look especially proud and pleased......and they should be. Chelsea has become a lovely and gracious human being, and whatever else the Clintons have or have not done in their private lives, they have raised a wonderful daughter and in some mighty stressful times.
Sorry; it's your blog, I am aware. But, this story doesn't belong here. :o(
Suggest you do overviews of other fashion forward women in the public eye ( not actresses or models) and how they choose to present themselves. The dresses of Hillary Clinton at the wedding looked quite exciting. She now has a great working style after many years of criticism. Samantha Cameron might be another.
Sparky
It's your blog but in my opinion this story does not belong here - especially since the OBAMA's were not involved. Sorry but it's wrong on so many levels. You will scrub this comment I know but as an American DAV living in Switzerland I surf here only fo rinfo on the first lady , not the Clintons.
BTW Chealse's dress is beautiful ...
The wedding was perfect. As a parent, I know they couldnt be happier or more proud of her. She seems to have grown into a wonderful young lady. They all should also be applauded for allowing her to have her wedding with friends and family. It is refreshing to see someone of her position not crave the spotlight. Definition of class.
Bill Clinton does seem to look perhaps too thin. Hope he is healthy. A wonderful, wonderful day!
I think the dress is exquisite. I respect the opinions of those who disagree with me, but is it really necessary to be so harsh? Wouldn't a simple "That's not my taste" be sufficient? It's her wedding day. That's as personal as it gets; every bride has a right to her dream day--even if it doesn't match anyone else's dream. The whole family looks happy and radiant. Lovely!!!
Mazel Tov to the couple. We wish them a long and happy life together...... but why are we deprived of any details about the wedding.......... the party setting,t he menu etc.?? We have a natural curiosity about this special event in the lives of the Clintons and don't know why we can't share in it.
@Lorelai and SPQR1052, I respect your opinions but disagree. Comments like these have made me shy away from covering anything not squarely Mrs. O focused in the past. But, based on comments from others above, I think the majority of the site community appreciates an occasional post focused on other strong, fashionable women in the political arena. The blog remains dedicated to the first lady, but on occasion, there will be a sprinkling of coverage on other subjects -- particularly when the first lady is on vacation and/or not making public appearances. Just wanted to clarify. Thanks!
I think it is great that you have posted this coverage. It's not taking anything away from Mrs O. What a lovely, elegant event. Chelsea looked beautiful and I don't think the Secretary of State has ever looked better. With all of the bad news around, I think it is wonderful to give focus to such a happy event. I haven't always agreed with the Clintons' political views, but what a wonderful job they have done in raising Chelsea. All the best to her and Marc.
Thanks for the pics. I really like Chelsea's dress. Her hair and makeup were lovely. Her jewels were simple but pretty. I like Hillary's dress as well. It was pretty and she looked great. What a gorgeous setting for their wedding as well. Are there any pics out there of her bridesmaids dresss? Mrs T., I adored your wedding dress and am so thrilled that you were generous enough to share pics of it. Marilyne, thanks for the video of the first couple nuzzling a bit. There is a photographer from my home town whom was asked by the first couple, during the campaign, to be with them and photgraph them on the campaign trail for three weeks. He reports that they were extremely affectionate and as he says" obviously deeply in, love". I hope that Chelsea and Marc have a richly happy life. And Mrs. T thanks for the opportunity for us to share our thought about Chelsea's big day. A real treat!
First of all, Mrs. T, I think it is perfectly fine that you added this post about Chelsea, especially since Mrs. O will be incognito for the next week or so. Chelsea's mom is the Sec. of State, so there is a relation to Mrs. O that I think is appropriate for this post. Regardless, this is a fashion blog and Chelsea's dress was quite fashionable.
Now, onto the dress. I've never considered Chelsea to be particularly attractive, but I think she looks really nice for her wedding. I absolutely loved the dress - so feminine and light. The one thing that strikes me in looking at the released photos is how happy and excited Chelsea looks in them. And isn't that all that matters?
The dress is beautiful. Who cares if Vera Wang made it or if you can get it at David's Bridal? A dress is a dress and if it's nice, it's nice, no matter what.
Dang Posh, give the bride a break!
Chelsea is a presidential daughter and I'm glad Mrs. T. included a post on her dress. Chelsea is a lovely person, who I've met several times, including at the WH when her father was president and privately since then. She and Mark are devoted to each other.
My objection to the dress is mainly from a perspective of construction. It isn't balanced. The top is perfection and fit perfectly (you all know how I am about fit). But the belt adds unneeded glitz and the skirt overwhelms the top of the dress. It's a cream puff! However, it's what Chelsea wanted, and I'm sure she's thrilled with how it turned out. I agree with other posters that there are designers besides Vera Wang. Priscilla of Boston still makes what I think are the prettiest wedding dresses and Dior and Oscar both always have beautiful bridal gowns in their lines.
I thought Bill's tux didn't exactly fit him well. Yes, he is lean, but remember, he had bypass surgery. I know that his docs want him lean, eating a very low fat diet, and exercising alot. This is the best way to keep the heart working well and not clogging up again. There was some talk that his duaghter wanted him even more slender for the event. My husband is about Bill's age and had bypass about the same time as he did. My man looks really skinny and not as cute as I would like, (he is the king of gaunt) but his docs. are very happy with his blood chemistry and progress. Low fat diet and much exercise. I would think that a stylist could have helped Bill secure a better tux fit considering his trim sillhouette. I went to see him on the Hillary campaign trail and he was remarkably thinner than he was during his presidency. ( I had already decided on B.O.!) Again, Mrs. T. thanks for the pictures.
Chelsea sure made a beautiful bride. Oh, she looked so radiant and happy. Her dress was exquisite and suited her personality. For what it's worth, I am happy for the bride and groom. And how about our former president? Didn't he look handsome and a little sad at the same time! I bet it was torture giving away his only child, yet alone only daughter! Hillary looked so nice. I loved her dress, that color sure looked nice on her and her dress was quite stunning. It looked like a very classy and fun affair. Good for them.
Loved the pictures--would certainly like to see more of MOB's dress. The love the Clinton's have for their daughter is touching. I hope Bill's health remains good--I want to see him in photos with grandchildren. Can't you imagine the joy?
Thanks for the photo's Mrs. T! I think Chelsea looks lovely. It's very sweet how President Clinton is also holding her hand while escorting her down the isle.
I also think that Chelsea looks radiant. Her happiness is perfectly evident and the gown holds a weird fascination for me. The bodice and belt are lovely, and the deconstructed skirt really works on her frame. This gown really does not fall into the "meringue" category. It shows a fine balance between whimsy and wedding dress.
When the Clintons were in office, some media really brutalized Chelsea while she was transforming out of the usual awkward years. Bill and Hillary immediately came to her defense and made it clear that they were intolerant of unkind remarks in the press that were aimed at their daughter. Chelsea, like Mrs. O, has an inner beauty that just sparkles off her skin and smile. She thrived under the care of her parents, in spite of family upheavals.
I am really happy for this adorable woman.
I, too, appreciate the photos of Chelsea's wedding. She looks beautiful and magnificently happy, and it's always a treat to see such joy. Thanks for posting, Mrs. T. Also, on the topic of spreading joy, the photos of Pres. Obama with Sasha at the Washington Mystics game yesterday are just delightful.
http://obamadiary.wordpress.com/
I've finally managed to tear my eyes away from Chelsea and her lovely dress and...is that Mrs. Clinton at the far right in the last photo above?? You can't see her face clearly, but somehow she gives a very youthful impression. Happy too! This is the best full-length photo I've seen of her dress. Very unexpected style, fun and festive.
I love chelsea and I am so happy for her...
That said, I do not like the dress. I think Vera Wang is over rated. Each time I hear she is making some celebrity's dress, I have really high expectations but she dissapoints me over and over again.
There is nothing spectacular about the dress. I agree with the other poster, priscilla of Boston would have done a unique, breath taking Job.. even maggie soetoro has produced more unique bridal gowns than this Vera Wang Lady...
I luv Chelsea though, kinda grew up with her.
So glad you covered Chelsea's gown! How about a post or posts on the fashion sense of first daughters (children) or have you already done so?
Such a gorgeous wedding gown! Mrs. Clinton's Oscar de la Renta is also beautiful and a fabulous color. The whole family looked radiant and I am so happy for all of them!
Regarding the last photo shown, it was just stated on TV that the woman in the grey dress, who's hand that Hillary is holding is her 91 year old mom! She looks good, wow those are some good genes. It was said that Grandma helped plan Chelsea's wedding and reception, and also danced the night away at the reception. Now that's touching!
The entire Clinton family looked amazing. Congrats to Chelsea.
I agree with the few others that believe this post does not fit, every other blog site has these photos up. This is a Michelle Obama blog and this wedding has absolutely nothing to do with her...no disrespect though
Just one comment. Why do young women opt to wear dresses that don't cover their shoulders?Chelsea is beautiful, but a little something around her shoulders would have balanced the whole look I feel. I know this is very fashionable at the moment for all brides including those in New Zealand where I live, but I do my best to encourage my clients to add a little something to frame their gorgeous faces rather than just skin. This is not a criticism of Chelsea or any other young woman who chooses this style, just a question really :)
I love this website, and thank you for providing Mrs T.