 |
| Vogue |
We were all incredibly surprised when Kensington Palace shared the news Saturday night, along with two images for the shoot. We've all been very much looking forward to seeing the remaining images from the shoot and any quotes the Duchess provided for the spread.
As we already knew, the shoot took place in late January on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk. It followed several months of conversations between the Duchess, the National Portrait Gallery and Vogue. Editor Alexandra Shulman noted: "Like every other editor in the world, to commission a cover shoot with the young woman who is married to our future-king was pretty far up my wishlist for the magazine. And, like many of them, I had approached her and been turned away, politely but firmly." Ms Shulman continued to say it was the connection with Kate's patronage the NPG that clinched the deal.
The article mentions the Duchess was very much the driving force in all aspects of the shoot. It was important to her to give the commission to a British photographer for whom it would provide a new opportunity and thus Josh Olins - who has worked for the magazine for several years - was chosen. The piece continued: "It was very clear from the outset these pictures were to be of the woman herself rather than of a figurehead, and they would be as informal as possible." Kate instantly loved the idea of being photographed in the countryside and wanted the photos to "reflect an element of her private existence". When it came to the sartorial side of the shoot, Kate didn't want to be dressed as a fashion plate, no gowns or tiaras, rather in pieces she would wear every day.
On the morning of the shoot, Kate arrived smiling in a parka and jeans with her hair in rollers. She joked about how she must have looked in the car driving with hair rollers before walking through a small cottage door, where the team had set up, with hairdresser Amanda Cook-Tucker. The mood of the day was described as "low-maintenance" with Shulman adding: "She is not someone who feels entirely comfortable at the end of the lens or as the centre of attention."
Lupo joined the Duchess for part of the shoot.
Kate's lack of vanity and lack of fuss impressed the team immensely. She sifted through the rails of clothes, assembled by Luncinda Chambers, overlooking the three gowns she chose "just in case" and laughed at some of the options. She was equally relaxed when make-up artist Sally Branka did her make-up quite different to how she usually wears it - hardly looking in the mirror. In fact, Kate was the only person there who wasn't regularly checking her phone, she didn't appear to have it with her.
Many had wondered if the shoot would be accompanied by a full interview - it wasn't. There are a couple of very interesting quotes focused on Kate's interest in photography. The Duchess said:
"The process of the shoot was fascinating to see. It was much closer to the process of painting a portrait than I had appreciated before, seeing the layers of the setting, make-up, clothes and light all coming together to form the final image. Seeing everything come together at once made me realise how much work goes into a single image."
Kate also spoke about photographing George and Charlotte:
"From taking photographs of George and Charlotte, I have been struck by the wonderful lack of self-consciousness that you see in photographs of children, without the self-awareness that adults generally feel."
The shoot was a resounding success by all accounts. Kate was described as "cheerful, incredibly patient, constantly asking if the team was happy with what they got". Before leaving, the Duchess made a point of saying goodbye to everyone involved.
What did Kate wear for the shoot? Let's start with this look.
A look at Kate's plaid Burberry shirt. The piece is shown modelled with black jeans, however, it is unavailable.
 |
| Burberry |
A similar style by the brand is the Slim Fit Check Cotton Shirt. The $595 piece features shiny gold-tone metal buttons.
 |
| Burberry |
In a departure from her trademark skinny jeans, the Duchess wore the shirt with the £190 Belted Palazzo Rinse Jeans from 7 for all Mankind. The high-waist jeans have a fitted top block with a relaxed fit over the thigh, leading to an exaggerated palazzo flare. The jeans are currently discounted by 25% in mid-rise fit at Neiman Marcus.
 |
| 7 for all Mankind |
Who would have thought we would see Kate wearing dungarees in Vogue?
The £312 dungarees are by AG - their Lolita Cutie style. They are described: "The Lolita stretch-denim jumpsuit is cut for a sensual vintage-inspired fit, rendered here in a sleek dark wash. A low-cut scooped back makes it the perfect layering piece. Hook-fastening shoulder straps and zipper fastenings along the sides complete this one-piece masterpiece." The belt was the stylist's and the sweater worn underneath is by Claudia Schiffer for TSE; it's unavailable at present.
 |
| AG |
Kate's navy boots are the £140 Dune London Toulon Knee High Block Heel Suede Boots.
 |
| Dune London |
For this look, Kate opted for another pretty plaid shirt and a skirt.
The lovely folks at Cabbages and Roses confirmed the Duchess wore their £189 Green Check Fairbank Shirt. The garment is described as "A comfortable shirt made in a soft, crinkled, cotton tartan. Featuring a deep, wide, front pocket and neat square collar this shirt is perfect for everyday."
 |
| Cabbages and Roses |
Kate's skirt is by Scottish brand Le Kilt. Middleton Maven received confirmation it is the Pleats all Round Skirt. The skirt is available in navy and white at Harvey Nichols.
 |
| Le Kilt |
A quick refresher of the looks we already saw.
Kate wore the $7,500 Burberry Double-Breasted Suede Coat featuring a wide revere collar. The coat was styled with a crisp white shirt and trousers.
 |
| Burberry |
Kate's hat is the £38 Wool Felt Fedora Hat by Beyond Retro Vintage Clothing.
 |
| Beyond Retro Vintage Clothing |
And finally, a recap of my favourite look from the shoot.
The Duchess wore the Women's Striped Tee by Petit Bateau.
And the £695 Burberry Stretch Boot-Cut Trousers.
 |
| Burberry |
With thanks to Emily Andrews, Perth Fashion, Anna, What Kate Wore, Kate Middleton Style, Kate's Closet, Middleton Maven and Food Fash Fit!
What do you think of the shoot? Which shot is your favourite? The Duchess has three engagements tomorrow - we'll see you then!
I LOVE this shoot! Seeing these photos has brightened my entire week. I love the impromptu elements that are conveyed in the photos. She looks totally at ease. Thanks for all of the details!
ReplyDeleteThank you for a Post Charlotte!! I have been waiting for our post :) I like these pictures of Kate, I like the country setting of it.T Country is where she spends most of her time right now, it is a part of her and these pictures reflect that. Mark Cuthbert, is really harsh towards the pictures and the photographer who took them. I follow him all twitter and it seems all he does is bitch.
ReplyDeleteI like that Lupo is in a pictue, I was just thinking about him not that long ago thinking how he was seen in a while. Then we was in the background of Charlotte picture and now these pictures.
I can't for tomorrow, it seems like the tour was so long ago now!
I also like that these are in country nature. I understand that some might be disappointed that there are no gowns and tiaras, but I think this was a great way to do it :) She can do gowns another time :P This feels like a way for her to very controlled let us in into a small version of her private self.
DeleteAfter you mention Mark Cuthbert, I went and checked him out on Twitter and you are totally right. There are w few other people on his page as well that spend a lot of their time trashing W/K. Who has that much time for hate? If you think w/K are a waste of space and time, why don't you just ignore them? Constructive criticism is one thing but everything was so negative.
DeleteIncredibly interesting. "Overalls" are what we call them in the US and no, I didn't expect Kate to wear those for sure but they are purely country to me. Growing up in the south, it is quite usual to see them out in the country. They make her legs look very long and go on for miles.
ReplyDeleteThe pictures are great and her comments are an interesting glimpse into her thought process. The comments from everyone are very much in keeping with the overall theme from most people that meet her. She is definitely a country girl at heart. Quite refreshing from the current culture of celebrity.
I didn't expect to but I LOVE these dugarees! I love how sleek they are, the dark denim etc. Really nice! And the addition of the belt is great ass well!
DeleteI like how the people who has worked with her (hairdresser, vouge etc) always say she's so un-fussy and chill. A great quality to have. She doesn't seem diva-ish and that's great! I love that she drove herself there with curlers in her hair. I bet Niraj Tanna is beating himself up over not getting that on picture!!
Even I was vey surprised with the simplicity of the pictures, without any pizzaz and style, We would call overalls "dungarees" ,and kudos to Kate for bringing it back :-) The pictures are simply lovely and realistic. I wonder if she would hire the same photographer that takes Pippa's pictures for her newspaper editorial. Thankyou Charlotte!!!XOXO
DeleteYou are wonderful Charlotte. I never would have seen these pictures in California so soon. Thank you for always spreading the joy.
ReplyDeleteI just loved the picture of Kate with Lupo, and the one with her bike. She looks so fresh, beautiful, and natural in the country setting. I believe her goodness and sweetness shines through.
I think you described it perfectly Tedi. And Lupo made the Vogue centennial. Perfect.
DeleteDo you think they got his "best side"? :)
DeleteOh Charlotte, thank you - another feast for the eyes! I think my favourite of all the photos is the one with Lupo. She does seem relaxed in these shots and of course that beautiful smile of hers lights up the pages. Like some other posters, I`m not sure I care that much for the heavier eyebrows, but the rest of her makeup looks lovely. I`d love to have seen her arriving in rollers! She seems so down-to-earth. Thank you for adding a couple of quotes from her – this made my day!
ReplyDeleteCall me clueless about hair maintenance but....why would she be wearing rollers if her hair stylist was awaiting her at the shoot? From experience, putting hair in rollers is a pain and pretty difficult if you are impatient and generally not 'high-maintenance' when it comes to beautifying oneself.
DeleteOkay, I love Kate! I don't care that she is not a fashionista. She is a down-to-earth nice girl and she is definitely William's girl. So refreshing.
ReplyDeleteUnusual choice of clothes. I like the dungarees and the sitting pic best.
ReplyDeleteI feel sorry for not having an interview with her, a proper one! Her personality, thoughts on her role etc. remain a mystery.It could have been a wonderful opportunity to show a bit more of herself. We got a lot of pictures but the substance is missing. Hilary Mantel words are food for thought at this point.
ReplyDeleteProbably spending more time at this shoot than at charities usually, moreover not creating expectations does not help to shed more positive light on the young royals.At least for me!
Thanks for the incredible WORK, Charlotte!!
Yet this was for her charity and would not have happened if she was not involved in that charity.
DeleteWith respect to those yellow-journalism writers in the press,
Delete"The stone is heavy, and the sand weighty, but who can stand in the way of envy?"
And, as Anon 21:13 pointed out, it was for charity. I respect your right to express your opinion Anett, but I couldn't disagree with you more.
DeleteAnett, when I was standing in line at Walmart here in Arizona there were four magazines that featured Kate on the front cover. This was without her giving an interview. Contrasting those mags with the others in the rack--which splattered people's divorces, deaths, arguments all over the cover--they featured gorgeous full-cover photos of Kate as "Kate the future Queen." Personally, I think that her mystery is her greatest strength in our over-exposed celebrity world. People who think positively love her because she gives every appearance of being humble, a loving mother, a loving spouse and a loving daughter. People with her characteristics do NOT seek the limelight, they protect their children and urge protecting other people's children and they do not subtly overshadow the spouse who is the reason for their celebrity in the first place. People who think negatively can only speculate on what she may or may not do behind closed doors--because she doesn't give them fodder, they have to make it up. Which negative people will always do.
DeleteI so agree Anett. This was a great chance to show substance and not just her looks. Sadly, that is all this shows. They were taken supposedly for the NPG, but I think that was just an cover for Kate to appear in Vogue. Had she given an interview about the NPG in the magazine, I might have felt differently. Sadly, I just feel like this was for her vanity and really makes me start feeling differently about her.
DeleteIt is also bad that she can do a photo shoot in January, but not visit any charities in January or even a few hours for the Irish Guard? Come on Kate.
Hmmm...CK, when did you feel differently about her? :)
DeleteThe setting and wardrobe here do not spell vanity to me. Far from it. And with all due respect, the suggestion that the NPG was just a cover is a stretch.
I am saddened, but not surprised that everything this young woman does has to be twisted into a negative.
Envy is alive and well. IMO, of course. :)
RF of course your go to response when anyone criticizes Kate is to say they are envious. And putting a smiley face after your comments doesn't make them any less snarky. Have you thought maybe people are jealous, but actually are starting to see how little Kate does? You are allowed your opinion but don't belittle mine just because you don't agree. And I have said plenty of positive things in the past about Kate. I just stopped commenting her because you tend to bully. And I can see you are still at it. I used to really like Kate and there are moments I still do. But to me, this does nothing for her charities and is only for herself.
DeleteUnheathly worhshiping and idolizing is alive and well. IMO, of course :)
Anett, I really do think this shoot and the facts stated in the article accompaning DO "help shed more positive light on the young royals". Everything they said about her was POSITIVE.
DeleteCurious Kat, the article did show us "substance". It reiterated things we already know about Kate's personality. Things that most people see as positive. "Vanity", anything but in these very down to earth clothes, really! The fact that she did the shoot in January actually shows us that she was working for her charities and patronage during the time so many of the naysayers were up in arms about her not doing anything. As many have said there are a lot of things that go on behind the scene. Not everything needs to be immediately evident. In you own words "come on" Curious Kat please look at the positive instead of trying to find something to critize.
Anett, I agree about the lack of substance; however, I don't think we're ever going to get any. I think William and Kate are both closed up and will not divulge anything they feel is private. This was a carefully cultivated shoot, and her comments weren't anything remarkable. We all know children have childlike innocence, wonder, and let their feelings show more than adults do. I think most of us also know that a fashion shoot is a lot more than taking a few shots and going home.
DeleteKate is living a fairy tale. Imagine what a great layout that would have been.
Yes! Valerie Yes! You Nailed it & I could Not have said it Better! She is an amazing young woman to stand strong & graceful, with style & grace not letting people succeed in picking her apart! I believe She is Nurturing her young Family, as they all (4) prepare for & grow into their roles! A True English Rose!
DeleteRoyalfan.... Sadly I feel the same way!:( It's so very sad:(
DeleteTedi
DeleteThank you!
CuriousKat
I think every woman is vain, the level is different though. She herself said about rollers and what might people have thought who have seen her. I don't think this shoot did do her any good, not to the image that KP trying to sell us. A pretty woman, who loves her clothes, has tons of pictures in the media, work as she wishes, but there is nothing about her you really know.
When she speaks, she sometimes says silly or unfortunate sentences,instead of seeing her growing to her role, she is stuck where she was 5 years ago, okay more experienced but still. With their anniversary, I thought it would have been ideal to reflect on these years with an interview, she could have minced her words, known the qs beforehand, and be herself, no cameras, no pesky reporters. She doesn't want to give speeches but no interviews are published either. So what is so interesting about her then? Because I am searching every day, still not finding, please help me out English speakers because not a better word comes to my mind other than, substance.
Bonnie
DeleteCould you please stop with the naysayers, please please please! Give us valid arguments IF you can, no need for name calling. Otherwise, one might think you are only here to stir the pot:-D
CuriousKat
I can "bully" you too, if you come and post!:-DDD
Given the history of royal women giving interviews, I'm not sure why there is an expectation and demand that Kate gives an interview. Check into the archives and see how many interviews have been given by QM, Queen, Camilla, Anne? Sophie only recently gave an interview after more than a decade of marriage and she also dated Edward for many years. Diana gave interviews as a means to an end and we all saw what that led to!
DeleteCK, I sincerely doubt that my comments, or anyone else's, would stop you from commenting.
DeleteIt's okay to accuse Kate of lacking substance, being vain, and using her patronage as a cover for it, yet someone calling you or others out on it is bullying? Right. The *occasional* references here to envy are a mere drop in the bucket compared to the avalanche of criticism directed at Kate on a *daily* basis.
Kate HAS been doing more, but sadly a handful of posters are determined to be negative regardless of the facts. This is *not* a reflection of Kate.
Charlotte delivers a quality product and it's a pity that this element has to taint it. Common sense would suggest moving on if a subject is so distasteful. And in the *few and specific* cases I am referring to, the veil of critical thinking and remaining optimistic about the future is a very thin one.
Bluhare, I do agree with your synopsis on Kate.
DeleteAnd I don't think that synopsis will ever change.
They've decided what they will and will not do and they will never deviate from that.
RF you can think what you like. But the truth IS, I did stop commenting because of you. There was a particularly rude comment you made about a year ago that made me stop. You are bullying to anyone who doesn't blindly worship Kate like you do. I never sought out your comments, I just ignored them unless they were in response to mine. However, when you did respond to my posts, you never just disagreed with them and stated why, but rather you personally attacked me and made super snarky comments. You always turn things personal towards the poster, like above calling me envious, which is just laughable. You are a bully since you can't just defend your opinion without attacking the poster. And I got tired of it. I think you need to know how you come across and I am sure I am not the only one you turn off from this site and thankfully I found a more welcoming site. But you doubting you stopped me from commenting doesn't make it any less true. This isn't your site and while you may not like some opinions, why don't you just ignore them instead of acting like it is your personal job to defend Kate? You might not think Kate's criticisms are fair anymore, but others look at you and think your whorship is not right. People will always disagree, but you make it clear that only opinions you like are welcome on this site. I think you need to know and so does Charlotte since this is her site. Instead of bullying people into your opinion or pushing them off the site, why don't you just trying igorning comments? This site is supposed to be fun and you once had a sense of humour. Sadly, not anymore.
DeleteAnd Anette-thank you :). Sadly I will probably go back to not commenting. I don't like arguing with strangers. I am glad you are sticking to your guns-don't be bullied :).
CuriousKat, I have liked seeing your name here again!! So please let me echo Anett and say don't stay away. I would love it if more people with a sense of humor would come play in the sandbox with me. We never did get katHare Couture off the ground.
DeleteFor what its worth, I think this layout in Vogue was very carefully designed to project the image Kate wants to project. Whether that is who she really is, or what she wants to project, is up for debate. IMO, of course. :)
CuriousKat
DeletePlease give this a 2nd thought, your opinion is as valid as others. Pop in when you feel like. :-)
ahh thanks bluhare! I always enjoyed playing in the sandbox with you :). Maybe I will try commenting a little more again as long as I can keep someone off my back. I was actually thinking of you today when I saw Kate's 3 outfits (I thought of you too on the tour). I liked her outfits today, expect for the shoes! That is why she needs katHare, lol. She needed our help accessorizing on the tour as well. :) She could have so much fun with the money she has!
DeletecKat, I might be cheating on Erika's Catherine by talking about catHare Couture with you. :) I would never cheat on Catherine, Erika!!!
DeletecKat: Awesome! We can put buckets on our heads like that adorable little tyke did today! I thought that was so, so cute.
DeleteI totally agree with the shoe mojo. This is where I might be confusing you with Erika's Catherine. She's got amazing taste in shoes for someone her age. I think some nice closed toe ankle or t-straps or D'Orsays would be great. She doesn't have to get all fussy with them; but she could find some amazing shoes that are to die for and totally appropriate for day wear.
CK, I stand by my comments, and I'm relieved that you had nothing personal to say to me.
DeleteFor the record, I was not the first or last poster in this thread to refer to envy, nor have I been alone in expressing the views I did regarding some of the negativity. Kate fans have even left this blog, which is truly ironic given the disappointed followers who can't pass on it.
If it's okay to bash Kate, the responses shouldn't shock you. And, frankly, I am tired of the cries of worshipping or positive-only comments when the naysayers ARE called on it.
It *is* Charlotte's blog, as you stated. I comment as RF (and only RF) and all of my comments are posted.
Put your cloaking device on (bucket on head), cKat, and come play with me. It even echos in here. :)
DeleteCK
DeleteIgnore the blablabla and come and play with Bluhare. She knows how to play a fair game!!!
Lol, okay bluhare and Anett, I will try and come by more often :). And I love that kid with the bucket on his head. He stole the show!
DeleteYa the Erika's Catherine was a bit confusing :). Even if Kate just choose a shoe with color it would make such a difference. Like the pale pink outfit with the nude heels would not have washout as much with some kind of colorful shoe or as you said something different from the basic pump. I actually think a red/dark burgundy heel would have looked great with blue/grey outfit from yesterday. Oh well, we can dream
Very nice post! :)
ReplyDeleteMy favorite is the dungarees look! that photo shows of her slender frame perfectly and Lupo is cute! Color palette would look much better in August or September issue.. New make up looks different & fresh.
ReplyDeleteIMO these pictures convey the understated attributes of Catherine. She strikes me as someone who does not seek the limelight and prefers less fuss around her. I think that is what the photographer wanted to capture and has been successful in achieving it. Obviously they won't be to everyone's taste, but that is the substance of human nature. Critique can be expressed without malice, which some professional royal photographers seem unable to do.
ReplyDeleteWell put Anon 20:38! I very much agree!
DeleteLove the photos and Kate's down-to-earth nature coming through. Love the shirts, love the suede coat (the buttons in the back and how it gathers!!), but am not a fan of the bell bottom pants. Also I like her lighter eyeliner. All in all, it's beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI'm not a fan of the bell bottoms either (except for the dungarees) but they make sense for vouge. Vouge is about fashion, and bell bottoms are fashion right now, just like big eyebrows :) I think they managed to hit a nice balance of taking her everyday look (jeans and brenton shirt and checkered shirt) and vogueifying it :P
DeleteGreat new term Rebecca "Vogueifying". Love It. ;-)
DeleteRebecca, I almost never disagree with you. However, I don't think being in style is excuse enough for those eyebrows. I don't mind the bell bottoms, which are perhaps a reaction to skinny jeans being around for too long. But the bell bottoms do remind me of another era, one in which I did wear a pair or two. :-)
DeleteIf she didn't do an interview, what did all the text say?
ReplyDeleteThe photographer and editor were talking about her. How she was, acted, said etc. So you get kind of an insight into her. Like she arrived with curlers in her hair, driving herslef. And that she came over to check on the clothes the night before and brought both the kids etc :) And that it was super cold january and the photographer etc were in jackets but she didn't complain even though she was in thin shirts :) stuff like that :)
Deletei didn't read that she brought the kids with her the night before but the letters were very small haha
DeleteI didn't read that about checking the clothes the night before and bringing the children, either. I read the article in a shop today and browsed the photos.
DeleteI don't have the article myself yet, so I was just going on what other people has shared. Maybe the photographer has talked to other media and said it there.
DeleteGood God, I am in love with her! These shots are just exquisite, and just so British and simple and stunning. And... Wow. Well... That is as far as my articulate thoughts are going today.
ReplyDeleteMarija, You did quite well!:) & I totally agree!:)
DeleteI love that Kate is staying true to herself in these photos. I believe that HM is a true country girl, also, and stays true to that side of herself, too. She's probably very proud of Kate. Soon enough, when William becomes next in line to the throne and eventually, King, there will be plenty of "glamorous" photo ops. She looks beautiful in all of these. My favorite is the one with Lupo. Those dungarees (overalls) are very fashionable and she looks great in them!
ReplyDeleteTotally agree, Theresa! HM probably really enjoys getting to know Kate.
DeleteWell said Theresa! Many have said that Kate reminds many of The Queen's Mother. I think there are many things the Queen & Kate have in common & that they have a mutual appreciation of each other. Bravo to Kate for giving us an authentic insight into who she is & that she agreed to it all, to support her Patronage!
DeleteI really like the pictures, except for the ones with the hat. My favourite shot is the one where she is sitting on the chair and smiling/laughing - so lively! Number 2 would be the one with Lupo. I also like her comment about taking photographs of children. Looking forward to tomorrow!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite is the one of her in the striped top. There's a quiet strength there....
DeleteLove the shoot, I will probably go hunting for British Vogue now. The Burberry suede coat is very 70's looking to me, I had a similar style in dove gray way back then. I happen to love her in a bell bottom style and they make her legs long miles long. The settings and clothing choices all seem so perfectly natural for her, the real Kate. Lovely.
ReplyDeleteI guess time will tell, but I find these photos and their timing confusing. Is she wanting to be more public? Is this just a one off? I feel like if Kate doesn't want to be seen as a clothes-horse, a bit more of an interview with some substance would have gone a long way. Maybe they just want to keep people guessing? I don't know.
ReplyDeleteI am not sure as I don't usually read Vogue, but do they really do "interviews". I thought they were just basically photographs and articles. Not necessarily interviews. There was an article about how she interacted and how the shoot went, but I don't think they interview their models.
DeleteTo be honest I love the pictures but not for Vogue. When you are in the spotlight aright now for your lack of work this is not the smartest move imo. I would have invited Queen Elizabeth, after all this is her 90th birthday (she would probably would have said no but anyway). What I like about this is the lack of jewels and super fab gowns (even if I think she doesn't wear her engagement ring at home)
ReplyDeleteI really love the pictures and the theme and the makeup (and seein Lupo again) but these pictures are not for Vogue but aanyway, there will be plenty of time to get different pics :D
But vogue ask her to do it, choose the clothes, make-up artist, chose the site and the photographer. This is a prime example of why the media and commenters should not be so quick to judge as to what is happening behind the scene or her so called "work ethic". They and we don't know and are quick to jump to the negative.
DeleteWhat an interesting comment Anon 2:05.
DeleteAre you suggesting Kate worked hard to give us images of her not working hard?
Oh Moxie, I have missed you.
DeleteNice sound-bite, MM 18:38. What does it mean? Also good example of some of the creative interpretation that is evident here.
DeleteJust checking in to see if anything's new.
Apparently not.
Vogue invited Kate because they wanted Kate.
Delete00:49, you come here with out of the box expectations.
I absolutely love Kate the more I read about her! Relaxed, patient, unassuming, natural, calm, caring, sincere, driving herself to "work" in curlers, and determined to carve her own path.
ReplyDeleteWith their wedding being in the news lately I was reminded of something her hairdresser described about being in her hotel room the morning of the wedding. He said there were no tvs on, no radio, and everyone was nervous except Kate. Kate was actually a calming presence for everyone else.
Well, UK, looks like you have another strong, sincere, intelligent, admirable woman to help lead your country. :) (She insisted on a British photographer before finally agreeing to do this - very nice.)
The comments about her on this shoot are more notable to me than her clothing but I really liked seeing her in duch different styles than usual. And her with her dog, Lupo, perfect!
Thx Florida Girl, I was getting discouraged by the negativity:( She does something nice to help her Charity & allows the shoot to give us a peak into who she authentically is & yet some nit pick & look for negative motives..... Thx for your words! :)
DeleteHaving William's faith, and being able to be the "down-to-earth" foil to William, I think is a big source of her confidence.
DeleteI've heard the rumors about Kate being one of the wanna-be "princesses" who flocked to St. Andrews during his enrollment year. Nobody can ever know the truth and all of its gray areas, but I would like to think she was then and is now one of those cool girls who is non fussy, has a private and naughty sense of humor, and is in general not snobby and down to earth. Feeling an "imposter" in the spotlight and in the royal/official world, and feeling public and royal pressure to enact her role, I would think would account for any stiffness of body language or hesitation to warmth when carrying out engagements. I wonder if it is lonely being Kate - she is lucky to have a close and supportive family, and William, but girls always need girlfriends and whether she has some or many I bet a lot of naturally human awkwardnesses might arise sometimes with other women/peers who are not in her position. I wonder if her relationship with Pippa has suffered at all? Pippa has probably not had an easy time with her spotlight-by-proxy, with none of the protections or comforts and validations.
Interesting thoughts "A in Boston":) My sense is that they have a very loyal & protective group of friends, going back to Eton & University days. I believe many in their group married within the group & that Kate has become good friends on her own grounds with the wives of William's closest friends. Funny, I too have wondered about The Middletons of late. It seems we don't see or hear as much from or about them as we did before. I also caught an interview James did over here in the states & he did reference that being part of the extended family had its challenges.
DeleteKate has three rings: Diana's engagement ring, Kate's wedding ring, and one other...what is the third ring from? Or what was it for?
ReplyDeleteThe third ring was a push gift from William when she gave birth to George. It is an enterinty ring.
DeleteThat's not true @anonymous. The fans assumed it was a push present because it appeared in January after G's birty. The Jeweller who sold her the ring (i forget the name, but she's one of her favourite jewellers) said that Kate went into the shop as she usually does, by herself (with bodyguard of course) and bought that ring for herself. In Britain, we don't have such things as push presents. That's an americanism. Not to say it's wrong, just sonething we do not do. We shall never know why Kate bought herself another ring, but it difinitely wasn't william unless she used his credit card!!!
DeleteKate bought the third ring, a diamond eternity ring, herself. It was not a present from William.
DeleteWell I bought my own wedding ring, hubby wasn't there in person to buy it but it was still a 'gift'. My father 'buys' gifts for my mother - she goes out and buys something and then tells him what he's bought her lol. Eternity rings are traditionally given to mark a special milestone or anniversary. I'd agree that we in the UK wouldn't call it a 'push present', but it is very common for women to receive an eternity ring to mark the welcoming of a new child into the family. Whether William bought it for her or not the fact she wears it on her wedding finger suggests that its purpose is to mark a special occasion in their marriage.
DeleteI agree that choosing a piece of jewelry for ones self does not rule out it being a gift! Speaking from experience:)
DeleteOh my - the overalls and the high rise-wide self-belted jeans look like my closet in the 70s! Not a good look at all now. The hat and coat I would have wore in the late 60s. I am aghast at what they did with her eyebrows. They are far too thick and heavy.
ReplyDelete"Not a good look at all now". Well, you can personally not like it but 70s look is VERY in right now :) Same with the eyebrows :P
DeleteFashion trends do recycle. This is Vogue. She would not be dressed and made-up like this were these looks not high fashion.
DeleteExaclty, Liz. Vogue isn't doing a 70's flashback. :)
DeleteHey all, UK Vogue brought the clothes..... She only picked off "Their" rack, Ergo.... Everything Is Fashionable & Of The Moment! Ok? Attack her taste.... Attack UK Vogue's Stylists!
DeleteSo funny because I think her eyebrows look fantastic, as someone with thinner eyebrows I am envying them! I also think she looks amazing in the overalls (or dungarees for you Brits :) Wish I had the long proportions for such a look!
DeleteI think she is looking really beautiful lately. Gone is the fake tan and the involved makeup. It leaves her looking elegant and rather pretty in a very striking way.
The photos have been received with mixed reviews but, together with Kate's thoughts behind it, it does make complete sense.
ReplyDeleteAs someone here stated, Kate is not diva-ish and that's a lovely quality in today's increasingly "me, me, me" world. As she has demonstrated before, and once again given the text from Vogue, Kate is a kind and drama-free young woman with the grace and manners to consider the thoughts and needs of others.
Kate is HRH The Duchess of Cambridge, but she does not feel the need to prove it in a photo shoot. Kate is as beautiful in a casual outfit and setting as she is in a beaded gown at BP. But her true beauty, IMO, in on the inside and it shines through in each of her roles...wife, mother, Duchess, daughter, sister, etc.
For a woman who has been accused of being too quiet and willing to go with the flow, I think this photo shoot speaks volumes about her. I truly do.
There's plenty of substance to be seen if one wishes to look, and can recognize it.
Beautifully said :)
DeleteAmen!
DeleteThank you, ladies. This is the Kate *I* see. :)
DeletePress spoke of 8 pics plus cover in advance. I only count 5. so they were wrong?
ReplyDeleteShe shouldn't have worn the belt with those palazzo pants...doesn't look right. .. Thank you so much for posting these pics for us
ReplyDeleteShe is the best!!
The more I get a flavor for the day, the beauty of the countryside, her home turf, her dog with her, her family hairdresser, her casual attire choices, the more I like the spread. I still do not like that silly too small hat or the bushy brows, but Kate's inner beauty makes it all work a little better in spite of those choices. Driving herself there with rollers in her hair made the biggest statement to me and it was a good one.
DeleteI agree, 01:04
DeleteDoes anyone else think that Kate and Jennifer Connelly look similar? I think it's the attention drawn to the eyebrows without the black eyeliner. I love this fresh look!
ReplyDeleteFeel slightly disappointed with the photos. Would have been nice to have a very clear close up of Kate's face, in good sunlight, not shadow etc. In the photo with the bike she looks like a schoolgirl with her hat pushed high on her head, her eyebrows jump out of the picture in the black & white photo in which she is wearing the checked shirt (Kate is looking up).
ReplyDeleteI live in the US and would love to get a copy of the magazine! Do we know if it will be available here??
ReplyDeleteBarnes and noble
Deletecall first, Taylor, as availability may be contingent. upon your stores locale continentally, but they could possibly get one for you from one of their other stores.
DeleteTry http://www.magazinecafestore.com/vogue-uk-magazine.html
DeleteOr you can get the digital version from iTunes
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/british-vogue/id434360554?mt=8
British Vogue is available at Barnes & Noble
DeleteTaylor - Barnes & Noble has Vogue UK, but is typically a month behind. If The June issue is not available now, it will be by July.
DeleteI went to Barnes & Noble today, and they still have the May issue. The assistant said to call back on Friday as they will get a large shipment of books/mags then. If you call, they should put the mag on hold for you. While there, take a look at some of the new, beautiful & informative mags on HM, The Queen; a new mag on Catherine and her life now, an awesome mag on the history of Britain with pics of everyone from beginning of the Empire to today; and one including the largest pic of the family at Diana’s wedding that I’ve ever seen, with much detail. These other mags were placed on “end caps” at the back of the mag sections. I almost missed them, so be sure and look on both sides of the mag racks. I found a Majesty mag with great stories, including on the Sweden Royal family too.
Deletep.s. My take on the Vogue issue is that Catherine is already a glamorous Duchess. We see her in lovely gowns, as well as pretty dresses. There wasn’t a need to show more glamour, but this issue shows the girl Catherine really is, i.e., down to earth, extremely beautiful, a Family First-Princess in a new look with the jeans, etc. I recall pics of HM The Queen when she is dressed down, and my thought is that Catherine likes to dress that way too, with her special twist of up-to-date bell bottoms, etc., which are coming back in style. The Duchess shines, in a tiara and gown or in overalls. This is the woman Prince William truly loves and protects, their marriage is strong. In a way, they are a younger model of TRH The Queen and the Duke, in love, happiest when in the country, a perfect team. I realize everyone has different opinions.
A huge thank you to Charlotte for making this post an extra special one for those in the U.S. because we don’t have the mag yet, as well as Miss Charlotte’s superb way of placing the pics with info on the clothing, etc. On another note, Happy Mother’s Day to all moms, as the U.S. Mother’s Day is this weekend. We know that Catherine is a wonderful mother. My heart was so touched when, with a gentle hand, she coaxed Prince George into riding the wooden horse in Kensington Palace.
Thanks again, Miss Charlotte, and as always, God Save The Queen.
Alix Felicity Romanov ~ of Dallas, Texas
Great tips & info Alix! I will Definitely Check B&N out! :)
DeleteJulia, where are you? Will be interested to read your comments.
ReplyDeleteJulia said she would be MIA for a little bit, but we do miss her
DeleteJulia said she would be having alot to do with work (I think it was) so she's probably out there reading the posts and working her behind off :P
DeleteAww I've been missing her comments as well!
DeleteDo you run an Instagram account by chance? If not I think someone may be using your stuff....to put it nicely. Check out katemidleton. I'm seeing way too many similarities between your blog and the account. At first I thought I was you but I then I realized it wasn't you. I've been following since the royal wedding so I know how passionate you are about this page! Just letting you know!
ReplyDeleteI would love to know where that little cottage or whatever it was is located in relation to Amner Hall.
ReplyDeleteThe Sandringham Estate is huge so it could have been close or it could have been a substantial ways away. They don't really give enough clues.
Hi, thanks a million for the post. Kate looks wonderful in all of the pictures. I hope the shoot will inspire her to wear more Burberry in the future. Some of the criticism leveled at Kate for not attending the Irish Guards Shamrock ceremony is rather sexist. Why was it necessary for Kate to attend when William, as the Regiment's Colonel, performed all that was royally necessary on the day? In 2016, irrespective of tradition, the assignment of royal duties should not be gender based.
ReplyDeleteThe young woman who lives next door to me here in San Diego, she and her husband are what are called millennials, so I am told. They are in their late 20's or early 30's and guess what? She is tall and thin (and very sweet and beautiful) and she just left the house yesterday to go to a presidential political rally. She had on dark denim wide leg jeans, chunky heeled shoes and a silly little round hat similar to Kate's. They could have been twins. Long straight hair, fresh face and turquoise and silver jewelry (which she designs). So the style is "happening".
ReplyDeleteI personally like Kate better in the leather hat she wore in 2005 to the Gatcombe Park Horse Festival. She wore the tassled boots, a little corduroy Jacket, pastel green sweater with the beautiful pastel green long heart necklace. I know, I know, that is so five decades ago, lol, but I like it. I always thought Kate was giving Jecca a run for her money by wearing that outfit. She looked stunning. There are so many lovely photos of Kate during those two festival days.
What a Delightful Post Anon 1:45!:) I remember that festival so well & that look you described has been one of my all time favs from the Dating Days!:) I often peak back at old pics to see the difference. She is more regal & refined, but clearly the beautiful English Countryside is near & dear to her heart! With that being something she & William share, I'm glad they are keeping that part of themselves alive & well!:) I believe this was a beautiful & authentic look into who she is at heart!:)
DeleteI intend sourcing the magazine. After how busy April has been, with the benefit of hindsight, it does look like they were keeping somewhat busy with behind the scenes work in January.
ReplyDeleteLove the Caadian contribution to the FLOTUS/Prince Harry twitter battle!
Erininnyc
I like the photos. I think Kate is one in a million and a Godsend to William and the Royal Family. I honestly believe after following media coverage about her since her college days that Kate doesn't have one mean bone in her body. She isn't perfect of course, but she definitely is....the real deal. She has blended seamlessly into her destiny.
ReplyDeleteI think Kate is a welcome addition to the Royal family and I mostly agree with you Anonymous at 2.08, but I worry a bit about all the adulation as well as the over the top criticism. I think some people do expect her to be perfect and I think it is putting a lot of pressure on her. She is noticeably thinner than her engagement photos and her face sometimes shows it. Then we comment about her looking older. I think we should be prepared to accept that she is in her 3oies now and I hope she will feel that it is ok to put on a bit more weight. My best friend had a very similar physique when young and she has developed severe osteoporosis. William is quite thin too so they probably eat quite sparingly (if healthily) at home. What is worrying about the blog lately is how a few people are starting to get really annoyed with each other . Everyone is entitled to their point of view. We should just be careful not to make mean remarks, not only about the D of C, but about each other as well.
DeleteAgreed!
DeleteI love the jeans and the over alls and the striped shirt so much! Great shoot and great to hear the little insights on how down to earth she is! Motivation to turn off my phone more!
ReplyDeleteI like it. Do I like overalls? Not really, but they are very high fashion right now and styled to reflect that. It's all low-key, relaxed but also very in keeping with Vogue fashion. People may get cranky about doing a fashion/photo shoot rather than doing charity work but( from what I have read here) January is a quiet month normally for royals so she didn't take time away from regular visit. She also seems to have been approached at least once previously(more likely multiple times) and only agreed when it was a benefit to a patronage and made sure it was in favor of British artists(fashion, photographer, stylist). It comes at the end of a high month for her but does not overshadow the Queen next month. Overall, I would say this was a definite win.
ReplyDeletehmm I love the British vogue slaying true to herself and I love she down to earth hmm did she agree to the interview love the photo shoot does not involved the tiaras and gown casual look for everything
ReplyDeleteI liked the photo shoot and can imagine that it will be used in other ways for the NPG, aside from the Vogue spread and two of the actual portraits appearing in that gallery, which surely will attract a degree of attention from the public. I know that if I were going to be in London in the near future, I would schedule a trip to the gallery to see those portraits.
ReplyDeleteAs an amateur photographer, I found the comments about the process of setting up a professional portrait shoot very interesting. I think we might see Kate using some of what she learned that day in photographing her children. Perhaps she already used some of the tricks in those photographs of Charlotte. They were certainly extremely well done.
Meanwhile, I enjoyed the look at the most modern of high fashion. It comes with a lot of nostalgia for me. I loved jumpsuits in the late 1970s, with the wide legs in the trousers and my ever-present platform shoes. Ha ha. Kate wears every look very well. I am most impressed with the news that the shoot was done on a very cold day and yet she never LOOKS as if she's freezing.
Casual look and the make up looks very nice. But something is missing??
ReplyDeleteThanks Charlotte
ReplyDeleteI love the shoot and relaxed look and feel thanks for the post and detailed info I look forward to getting a copy!
Jolly good for Vogue, steering her out of skinny jeans. I wonder if their influence will last.
ReplyDeleteThe photos are just a bit too country for my liking. Of course Kate looks beautiful, and we know that she's very casual considering her position. But did the photos really have to be *that* country? It's almost like she was trying too hard to appear "normal". And we hardly ever see Kate in trousers, so why choose them for the shoot? Maybe do one with trousers and one with a nice day dress.
ReplyDeleteGosh, I practically "ran" to ebay this morning to buy a copy!! Nearly 16EUR, but I think it´s worth it - as I´m not only interested in the "Kate-pics" but also the centenary issue itself.
ReplyDeleteGiving an interview to one magazine means having to give interviews to other magazines as well. That would be like opening "pandora´s box"! Quite honestly, I was REALLY surprised she agreed to do the shoot!!! I obviously would have liked to read an interview as well, but I think that´s never going to happen - at least not in a magazine. I´m pretty sure, though, that she agreed to other people commenting about the shoot and thus giving the readers some kind of insight...
Anyway, THANKS SO MUCH, dear Charlotte, for another post in RECORD time!!!! You rock!!! :-)))
Like San Diego said above, her neighbor (Kate's age) was wearing an identical outfit to Kate's Vogue one with the flared denim pants, chunky heels, same hat and less make-up. It is already in every day use. So it seems that Vogue is so five minutes ago on that one.
Delete16:46,
DeleteI see that style a lot in my area now. At the farmer's markets, malls here, etc. When I first saw the flared pants and chunky heels here, I thought un-uh, not doing that again. :)
But now I really like it again.
I do like that the photos are so casual, but I don't particularly care for the styling. Even in her private life - when she's been spotted out and about on personal matters - we have never seen Kate wearing items anywhere close to those shown in the shoot. It's hard for me to believe it is a true reflection of her personal style. I am also very underwhelmed by her hairdresser, Amanda Cook Tucker. Perhaps it is a change in hair texture from her pregnancies, but I think her hair saw its glory days during her time with James Pryce. Kate's style has always seemed very timeless and the pieces selected for this shoot seem very trendy.
ReplyDeletelol, seems many of us here wore the long suede coats, flared pants, chunky heels and boho hats before. How funny is that? One pair of my flared pants was navy blue wool with pinstripes and my chunky heels were covered in a green floral fabric. No, thankfully I never wore the two together. Long denim Jean skirts were popular also worn with chunky wedge sandals. My "millennial" neighbors were so surprised to see photos of me from those days, surprised that I used to be a "hippie".
ReplyDeleteThis is the pics in HQ's.
ReplyDeletehttp://forums.thefashionspot.com/showpost.php?p=13597051&postcount=107
Don't valid my message please.
Hi all,
ReplyDeleteI am a forever reader, but I rarely comment. But I interact with Charlotte on Twitter, which is faster to use! :) But Twitter allows 140 character, and this is going to be a LONG post so...let's start.
I followed the discussions after the Vogue affair emerged. I read carefully both sides of the conversation and I have to give my two cents.
First of all I want you to know this about myself, I am 36, not a young girl dreaming to be a princess (almost, LOL!) and I never followed royals or fashion before Kate. Just after the engagement and marriage I discovered this woman and I was eager to know more of her. I found her style very similar to the style I like but, despite being in Italy, I didn't have any clue of where to buy similar stuff, and especially at an affordable price. And this was the beginning. Later I investigate more about her personality and, I don't want to be pretentious but I found a lot in common with her. That being said, I think that, like it or not, with this Vogue cover she made a HUGE statement. Let's talk about this: for what I know, fashion magazines always proposed a kind of woman that never changed: the fashion changed but not the women. Always that kind of woman that one can dream to be, but 99% of the times will never be. How many times we heard stories of anorexia, bulimia, and any sort of mental health problems due to this dream of achieve a prefect body (Kate is thin, but she is fit and she promotes sports with her patronages). Mental health. This is the area Kate is focusing on, especially for children and youngsters. She knows there are millions of people who see her, and I see that I'm just the older on Twitter. So...I don't think I'm reading too much into that if I say that mental health issues Kate is keen on focusing on and this Vogue shooting are connected. Not only she is telling us that real life is jeans and t-shirts even for a princess, but she is telling it from the centenary issue of the most important fashion magazine in the world. This is powerful, much more than a million engagements on mental health (which are indeed needed). So please, let's not make it a dress thing, let's try to read between the lines.
Sorry if this is too long :)
Thank you for the space you are giving us Charlotte, and thank you for your brilliant work!
Sara
Sara that was Amazing! Wow! You took us to a place that I hadn't heard mentioned & I know I missed it entirely! Bravo for your insights & your Courage to dive in & give us all a "Talking To"! This Vogue shoot will now take on another meaning for me as I view it! Thank you for shining a light on important subjects & bring more positive viewpoints to a discussion that may have needed it! Thank you & I hope you post again!:)
DeleteBecca USA:)