SOPHIE'S DESIGNS

03/22/1999 at 12:00 AM EST

Sophie Rhys-Jones has chosen a little-known designer to make the dress for her wedding to Prince Edward, reports PEOPLE's Simon Perry. The design by Samantha Shaw, who set up her own salon only four years ago, will remain a secret until the June 19 ceremony at St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle, Shaw's publicist has confirmed. Working mainly for titled and wealthy clients (including Elizabeth Hurley), Shaw, 30, never advertises and operates out of a basement salon in London's chic Chelsea. She has held a benefit show at Tiffany's British branch (to raise money for WellBeing, a health research charity for women and babies) and has designed dresses for the film "Aspidistra," starring Helena Bonham Carter. Now her name is likely to be as synonymous with royal weddings as that of Emanuel.

• Both Princess Diana and the Duchess of York, the former Sarah Ferguson, chose unsung designers to make their wedding dresses.