Yahoo Lifestyle Here's What Olivia Culpo Said In Response To Backlash For Her Controversial Traditional Wedding Gown
Olivia Culpo has formally addressed the criticism surrounding her traditional wedding gown, which divided the internet.
On June 29, Olivia married San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey. When she shared images of her dress online and explained her decision to choose that dress, not everyone was a fan.
"I didn't want it to exude sex in any way, shape, or form," Olivia said. "I wanted it to feel effortless and as if it's complimenting me, not overpowering me. There's so much beauty and simplicity."
Earlier this month, the former Miss Universe responded to social media backlash over her wedding gown, glam, and comments, most notably from Kennedy Bingham, aka gowneyedgirl, a Los Angeles-based stylist.
Kennedy said the "way that she was talking about this went beyond just wanting something modest for herself and pushing this idea of what she thinks all brides should look like," and the newlywed couple went into defense mode.
In an interview with People, Olivia officially addressed the backlash, saying that for her wedding, she "wanted to feel like myself in every sense of the word," that's why she decided to be "more pared down."
"I was definitely very surprised," Olivia said. "I feel like I personally like to give people the benefit of the doubt. And unfortunately, I feel like the words I said were spun out of context to fit an agenda that I did not have."
"I loved every part of my wedding because I love my husband and the people we got to celebrate that day with," Olivia continued. "The choices that I made are because I wanted to feel like they're choices I could be proud of in 50 years. And that's it."
Daniele Venturelli / WireImage, Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Olivia wore a white Dolce & Gabbana v-neck crepe ball gown with long sleeves and buttons down the arms and back at her wedding. The veil was 16 feet long, and Vogue noted that she wore minimal makeup, which was also criticized. (See photos here and here.)
"Stylistically, I had a vision. Stylistically, I felt like I was making a decision that was going to stand the test of time, and that's it," Olivia explained. "I felt very comfortable in it, for what it's worth. I was on the water, and there was a very nice breeze."
Olivia wore three dresses on the day of her wedding. According to Olivia, she wanted to tell "a story that reflects each part of the person that I am."
She said, "The first one felt so special to me — the simplicity of everything made it feel timeless and classic and traditional. The second dress I felt was ethereal and romantic, and the last dress was fun and playful. I liked the way that the three balanced each other."
While Olivia's dress and initial explanation weren't well received by some, it appears that she's ultimately not fazed by the critics, as her next endeavors include helping other brides with their special day.
Read the full interview here.
