It's the one major detail of the Royal Wedding we are yet to find out - and the one we are all desperate to know: Who has been chosen to design Kate Middleton's bridal gown.And today the fashion industry was abuzz with rumours that Alexander McQueen's successor Sarah Burton, 36, is the woman tasked with the job.
According to the Sunday Times, the label's chief executive, Jonathan Akeroyd, reportedly told a colleague that the company had won the commission.
It is said that Miss Middleton, 29, has been consulting the fashion editor wife of Prince William's stepbrother Tom Parker Bowles.
Sara Buys, who writes for Harpers Bazaar, wore McQueen for her own wedding in 2005, and 'would have given her a good knowledge of the best designers', according to the paper.
But when questioned about the speculation, both Mr Akeroyd and Mrs Burton were quick to deny it.
She told the paper: 'I am not doing it.'
Mr Akeroyd added: 'No, not at all. I am the CEO. I would know if we were doing it.'
Whether or not there is any truth to the rumours, the dress designer would be bound to secrecy by Buckingham Palace, so we are still unlikely to find out until April 29.
Regardless, Miss Middleton is already winning high praise from the fashion industry for her speculated choice.
Daily Telegraph fashion director Hilary Alexander said: 'If this is true it's the best news the fashion industry has had in a long time. It is desperately in need of an injection of fabulousness in the wake of the whole John Galliano scandal.'
Many others took to social networking site Twitter to spread the gossip and cast their verdicts.
Sworn to secrecy: The designer of Miss Middleton's dress is the one major detail we are yet to find out about her wedding to Prince William on April 29Grazia magazine tweeted: 'If news true, so happy for Sarah Burton designing Kate's dress. Brave fashion choice. Brilliantly talented designer. Excited.'
And Harper's Bazaar editor Lucy Yeomans wrote: 'Hope McQueen/Middleton wedding dress rumour true as have predicted/wished it from day one. Bazaar fash ed Sara Buys an iconic trendsetter!!'
ELLEUK added: 'Sunday Times claims Sarah Burton is doing Kate Middleton's dress! She's got more chutzpah than we gave her credit for then...'
Indeed the choice of McQueen is a surprising one. The smart money had been on Bruce Oldfield or Philippa Lepley - especially the former given that Miss Middleton's mother and sister had been seen at the designer's atelier in London's Knightsbridge.
Emotional energy: Sarah Burton debuted her first solo collection for Alexander McQueen at Paris Fashion Week in October, winning universal acclaimLondon-based Brazilian Daniella Issa Helayel has also been tipped as a favourite, given how frequently the Royal fiancée wears her designs for public occasions.
But, though unpredictable, McQueen would be a fashion-forward and imaginative choice that promises to do the high-profile occasion justice.
Like McQueen, Mrs Burton has the capacity to thrill and surprise, without compromising on her mentor's signature emotional energy and exquisite tailoring.
Expert advice: It is said that Miss Middleton has been consulting Sara Buys, who wore McQueen for her own wedding to Tom Parker Bowles in 2005The designer, who is married to photographer David Burton, became McQueen's right-hand woman in the 14 years that she worked for him.
She was a natural successor after his tragic suicide last year and debuted her first solo collection for the label at Paris Fashion Week in October, winning universal acclaim.
It caught the eye of U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama who sparked controversy when she chose a piece from the collection for a State dinner in January, rather than opting for an American label.
Controversial: Michelle Obama wore a McQueen gown designed by Mrs Burton to meet Chinese President Hu Jintao at a State dinner hosted by her husbandIn an interview shortly before the show took place, Mrs Burton explained how the collection under her direction would differ from McQueen's.
She told WWD: 'I don't think it has to have as much angst in it. I think it will become softer.
'There will always be this McQueen spirit and essence. But, of course, I'm a woman so maybe more from a woman's point of view.'
She is due to show her second collection for the label on Tuesday.
Source:dailymail