Michelle Kwan revealed to reporters that she chose Vera Wang to design her strapless wedding gown for her Jan. 19 nuptials.

The highly decorated figure skater, who married Clay Pell, said choosing a designer was an easy decision. ”I wore so many skating dresses designed by her, whole skating shows and everything,” Kwan, 32, told PEOPLE. “I have a long relationship with her.”

Olympic Medalist Michelle Kwan Marries Clay Pell

Wang created a sophisticated ivory, strapless mermaid gown with lace appliqués for Kwan. “She is marrying someone whose family has a political history, and Michelle is living and working in Washington, D.C.,” Wang said. “[The dress] had to have a certain dignity and a certain classicism, and I think it was a lot about a new way of looking at tradition.”

“The fact that it’s got an inordinate amount of handwork in terms of lace is really a tribute to the art of hand-piecing lace,” Wang added. “There is a princess-slash-queenly level of sophistication and quiet without sacrificing a lot of detail.”

Kwan also had Wang design a second dress for her reception.

“I’m really very honored and very thrilled that a, Michelle has found the love of her life and b, that I am the one to dress her for that special day just as I did for world championships, national championships, and Olympics,” the designer said. “It’s just the ongoing saga of our friendship.”

Beautiful dress for a beautiful woman. Congratulations, Michelle!

[image: People]