Grace Kelly seen as inspiration for Kate Middleton's gown

Desingers and commentators have been pointing out the similarities in the gowns worn by Britain's Duchess of Cambridge in Apri of 2011 and Princess Grace of Monaco in April of 1956.

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(CBS) Before her wedding to Prince William, Kate Middleton was said to have admired the wedding gown worn by film actress Grace Kelly when she married Prince Rainier of Monaco in April of 1956.

The Sarah Burton-designed lace and satin gown that Middleton herself wore when she married Prince William on Friday, April 29, 2011, had some similarities to that Grace Kelly classic design.

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Pictures: Royal wedding gowns

Both gowns have the sleeves and shoulders covered with lace that ends in a tight bodice and then flows into a full skirt with long train. Both brides wore embroidered veils.

The similarity was not lost on many commentators and onlookers. Several designers have called it a modern twist on the Grace Kelly gown. Tim Gunn, of "Project Runway" fame,  also acknowledged the resemblance but said Middleton's low-cut neckline gave it a modern look.

What do you think? Tell us in the comments which gown you like better.

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Royal wedding gowns

[GaPeeche]

Copying ones style of dress is the biggest compliment. So what if she styled it after Grace. It doesn't matter. It's a beautiful dress on both of them. It isn't like there is a patent on the design.

[dixie-chik]

It's hard not to echo the Grace Kelly wedding gown when a bride wants to be sexy but not bare. Illusion lace is about the only option unless she wears a shrug or long sleeve coat. Still I think the designer could have steered her toward a different neckline. Without the stand up collar, the similarities would not be so strong. It was a tasteful, understated dress, albeit middle of the road.

[RealiteBites]

Also, I kind of like the parallel - the Grace Kelly marries Prince Ranier fairy tale is one of the most iconic Cinderella stories of modern time. People think of Cinderella when they see her in that gorgeous dress.

[RealiteBites]

Princess Grace's dress is considered one of the most beautiful dresses of all time, so I can understand why Kate would be drawn to that. As soon as I saw the dress, I thought of Grace Kelly's - everybody knows it, it's iconic.

The button thing is different, but the lace is almost identical, as well as the raised collar.

The drape of Kate's skirt was different though - more streamlined and stiff rather than poufy.

They're lucky they're both so tall - at 5'4", this style of dress would be a major 'don't'

[yarnplay]

The top of the dress may be similar, but Kate's neckline is more flattering without the buttons, and the pleating and matching of the embroidery on Kate's dress is brilliant. But even more brilliant is her smile, which Grace Kelly couldn't muster for the event.

[AZDarkblade]

Who cares! Kate is lovely, this is her day, what a dumb topic!

[usadvisor101]

wow, how gorgeous. and yes the designer sure seems to have been a fan of grace's gown!