The Duchess made a glamorous arrival.
The appearance marks the first of several events the Duchess will be attending in the coming days with a weekend of celebrations marking Her Majesty's birthday beginning with a service at St Paul's Cathedral tomorrow, and followed by Trooping the Colour on Saturday, The Patron's Lunch on Sunday and the annual Order of the Garter ceremonies Monday.
Before the dinner, Kate met current and former SportsAid athletes outside the Palace.
It's an incredibly exciting year for SportsAid, of which Kate has been patron since 2013. Not only is it the organisation's 40th anniversary year, it is also Olympic and Paralympic year with the Rio Games taking place later this summer. The Duchess plans to play an active role in supporting them throughout this special year: "During 2016, HRH will be supporting SportsAid’s anniversary message with a particular focus on thanking those who have supported the charity’s work so far and inviting others to play their part too."
Kate posed for a photo with athletes in the Sunken Gardens,
SportsAid helps young athletes to overcome the financial challenges they face in their bid to excel at their sport. The support of the organisation has proved invaluable in nurturing and enabling some of our most talented sportsmen and women to pursue their dreams. Almost two-thirds of the British team at London 2012 were former – and in a few cases current – recipients of SportsAid’s support, winning 20 Olympic and 27 Paralympic gold medals between them. It was a similar story at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games where more than 460 SportsAid athletes were in action. Alumni include Sir Chris Hoy, Sir Ben Ainslie and Paula Radcliffe MBE.
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| SportsAid |
The opportunity to host the event at Kensington Palace was met with great excitement:
'Kensington Palace is truly a spectacular venue set in the heart of London offering everything from elegance, intrigue and glamour. Rich in history and home to our Patron the Duchess of Cambridge and family, this palace really is setting not to forget. Following a multi-million pound renovation, Kensington Palace is now a wonderful mix of contemporary and traditional which really sets it apart from other venues allowing our guests to feel the essence of an event within the grounds of British royalty.'
Upon the completion of renovations at Kensington Palace, we are increasingly seeing the Cambridges hosting more events for their charities at their London base. One imagines it's a very special treat for the organisation to host their event at the Palace. SportsAid shared this image from Kensington Palace before the gala began.
Emily Andrews shared a photo from the stunning King's Gallery where dinner was held.
The Duchess delivered a speech praising SportsAid and discussing her love of sport.
The speech in full:
'Good evening ladies and gentlemen. It is an absolute pleasure to be here with you to celebrate SportsAid's 40th anniversary. Some of you may know that I love sport. I love cheering on teams and athletes that I am passionate about. I love the physical challenge sport presents and the mental strength it gives us all. And I love the way it so often brings people together to work as part of a team.
I suspect many of you in this room may feel the same. The brilliance of SportsAid is in really understanding just how much athletic competition gives to our country as a whole. By investing in young sporting talent, they ensure that there is a strong pipeline of inspirational heroes.
These athletes then serve as motivators to everyone in the UK to get involved, get active, and embrace the power of sport to make us happier and healthier.
With little over 50 days to go until the Games begin in Rio; the next Olympiad is almost here. As we did in London in 2012, we will see a new generation of sporting stars emerge into the spotlight.
We cannot wait to meet the next SportsAid champions – the next Chris Hoys and Katherine Graingers who will remind us all of the magic and the power of sport.
So thank you all for supporting the incredible work of SportsAid. I am immensely proud to be their Patron and I can't wait to cheer on our team competing in Rio.
I do hope you enjoy tonight’s very special occasion. Thank you.'
You can watch the speech on YouTube.
The intimate banquet saw 200 guests assemble for the event which the charity said allowed them to "showcase the work SportsAid is doing and to encourage guests to support the next generation of British Athletes. This event will help us raise awareness and funds for SportsAid by inviting a select group of guests and partners to attend this exclusive event within the grounds of royalty."
The Duchess looked beautiful in the floor-length, royal blue Roland Mouret Nansen Gown. From the french designer's Resort 2016 Collection, the gown features the label's signature darts and panels providing a flattering silhouette with a nipped waistline and svelte contours. The cut-out shoulders give the graceful style a modern edge. The gown is available at Roland Mouret reduced from £2,095 to £1,255, and at Saks Fifth Avenue, My Theresa and Harvey Nichols.
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| Roland Mouret |
More from the product description:
'A sleek choice for your next event, Roland Mouret's 'Nansen' gown is precisely panelled and darted to sculpt and flatter your figure. It's made from lightly structured stretch-crepe and finished with the brand's signature exposed zip.'
The gown appears to be something of a staple in the designer's current offering; below we see the Nansen in black at Net-A-Porter. It's discounted by 40% at present.
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| Net-A-Porter |
It's a style that works incredibly well in different hues. Below, we see the gown in a pretty pink at Forward by Elyse Walker, and navy at Neiman Marcus.
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| Roland Mouret |
It is the second evening gown we have seen Kate wear by Mr Mouret. In 2012, Kate collaborated with the French designer to create the gorgeous Ella gown. She wore it for a dinner at Claridge's in 2012 and again for the Mandela premiere in 2013. I expect we may very well see tonight's gown again.
I was just thinking the other day, it would be great to see Kate in an off-the-shoulder gown, the 'cold shoulder' style is very fashionable at the moment and the Duchess pulled it off with aplomb. It was a stellar look for her; we've often discussed a desire to see HRH wearing more pieces by Roland Mouret. The designer is a genius when it comes to tailoring exquisite designs and complementing the female figure. This is without question one of my favourite evening looks from Kate, what do you think?
It appears Kate wore her Gianvito Rossi Criss-Cross Ankle Wrap Sandals. The Duchess wore them several times during the recent tour of India and Bhutan.
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| Gianvito Rossi |
Kate debuted a stunning new pair of earrings tonight.
The Royals and I and Athena identified them as the Cartier Diamond Tricolor Gold Trinity Hoop Earrings. They are described as: "Luring your gaze with the everlasting glare of delicate diamonds amounting to 7.35 carats, this exquisite pair of earrings from Cartier leads the eye along its graceful lines, enchanting in its prestigious blend of 18K rose, white and yellow gold." The earrings originally retailed for roughly $49.000
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| 1stdibs |
Royal fans on social media quickly noted similarities between the earrings and Kate's Cartier Trinity Necklace. Kate wore the £49,000 necklace in her role as London 2012 ambassador when she attended an exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery celebrating the road to the games. At the time the Palace said the necklace was "from Her Royal Highness's own wardrobe and she thought it appropriate to wear given the Olympic theme".
It's entirely possible the Duchess received the necklace and the earrings as part of a set. There's quite a nice connection in wearing the pieces; she debuted the necklace for London 2012 and tonight she debuted the earrings with the Rio 2016 Games on the horizon for SportsAid athletes.
Kate completed the look with her black Prada clutch.
We'll see you in the morning. William, Kate and Harry are slated to arrive shortly before 11 a.m. :)
She looks FANTASTIC!!! Great makeup, hair, flattering gown. Love it all!
ReplyDeleteI have to start with, that was a very nice speech! A great way to make it personal etc. Well done and she is clearly developing in this area, even though some people think she's going "too slow".
ReplyDeleteWOW! My first thought and impression of the look was "WOW". Glamourous and regal and great. Sure, there are a few nitpicks here and there (The zipper comes to mind) but the overall feeling is GREAT! Sleek and kind of sexy while being classic and dignified! Great job! I know she wears this color alot, but there is a reason for it. She looks stunning in it! And "royal blue" seems a nice fit, doesn't it?
Also, I like her hair loose with this look. It's not a royal gala kind of event, but rather more of the "dignified red carpet" kind and the sleek dress work nicely with the hair. And the earrings are big enough to hold it's own on the hair. I like the earrings. They are a more "graceful" version of hoops! And funny that she's continuing the "Cartier hoop jewelry" to symbolize the olympic rings!
Love the look also. But something about the zipper was also off for me but can't quiet put my finger on it
DeleteProbably that it's visible. That is the issue for me. But it's such a minor detail so I don't wanna fuss about it :P And I know the visible zipper look is very trendy.
DeleteI wonder if those are Cartier earrings. I hope so.
DeleteThey look beautiful on her and they are different from her other fine Jewelry.
That is the trend.
DeleteI think calling them a more graceful version of hoops is spot on, Rebecca. They're cool and modern but still work for an upscale event like this one.
DeleteGreat review, Rebecca! 100% agree with every word. What a gorgeous look!
DeleteThis is flawless! Young! Bold! Chic! This is the Kate I want ... She only needs to stop wearing only National dlag colore, but I suppose noone is Perfect. Great look, one of her best in years!!;;
ReplyDeleteBest choice in years, I agree Lella.
DeleteShe made a speech! The hair looks fab! LOVE the big earrings! Beautiful dress; almost the same shade as the SportsAid logo! Sports and young people! #winning
ReplyDeleteCara, Australia
She does love her blue, doesn't she! Still, she looks splendid and oh, so slim, and the gown works perfectly for the occasion which included her being photographed with the athletes - a fussy gown wouldn't have done so well. Very glamourous. The off shoulder look is very good on her and I remember being told an interesting bodice is the best choice if you must speak in public. And thank you, Charlotte for being so prompt.
ReplyDeleteIt is "Royal" blue after all, and it photographs beautifully. It just so happens that that color also is a home run with Kate's coloring.
DeleteGood to see you back Julia. I hope your work project went well.
DeleteHow can you possibly identify her shoes ?there is no propper pic ofthem. Could also be her Prada Suede sandals worn withe blue gown in Bombay.
ReplyDeleteThe Prada shoes have a wavy strap at the toes. These do not.
DeleteI know but when I asked the strap at the toes could not be seen. New pics have been added
DeleteI love the whole look - elegant and spectacular - I especially love her hair and those earrings. Beautiful look!
ReplyDeleteLove this gown, but it really could have used a bracelet to jazz it up a bit - you can barely see the earrings.
ReplyDeleteYes she does seem to take the "less is more" mantra to the extreme..
DeleteBarbara and Melissa,
DeleteI do not think this dress needed a bracelet at all, no offense. I think the earrings were perfect and plenty. Sometimes she does under accessorize a little but not this time.
regarding the bracelet,
Deleteonly if she was going to a fancier event, and it would have to be a nice diamond bracelet to match the earrings. The one they say Charles gave her would be nice.
Great post! She looked fantastic!
ReplyDeleteI just love Roland Mouret!
BTW, is he going to Rio then judging on what she said at the end of the speech?:D
I wouldn't read to much into it. The "in Rio" probably refers to the "team" that is before. Not "I--In Rio" but rather "team--in rio". :)
DeleteI agree with what Rebecca said. That is also what I took from what she said.
DeleteA home run! Elegant and hip looking.
ReplyDeleteWOW.
DeleteI agree! Exquisite color and super flattering silhouette. This is how she looks her best. - youthful, elegant and au courant. Her hair is especially beautiful
Deletetonight and, of course, the earrings are
to die for. Excited for the rest of the
week.
Perfection! A modern, incredibly flattering look - I was afraid we'd never see sexy Kate again, but she really pulled it off tonight!
ReplyDeleteYes!!!
DeleteI had the same thought, Rebecca. It's good to see Kate embrace her sexy side. Take advantage of these prime years ladies, even if it's difficult to find your inner goddess amongst the kiddie chaos.
DeleteYou put that so cutely Kim. :)
DeleteAnd poor William had to watch her leave the house looking down right stunning. Poor guy.
DeleteSo funny Kim, love that line! I agree, and would love to see her do a sexier, glossier lip for evening events as well.
DeleteLOL, 23:43. :))) True, but look at the bright side....he's the lucky man who welcomed her when she returned... ;)
DeleteHaha Kim so true...work it while you've got it!
Deletegood point, RF.
DeleteRoyalfan, very true! These comments made me laugh! Don't you know how proud William must be of Kate?!?! I bet it was a sweet welcome home after the evening. :)
DeleteCharlotte,
ReplyDeleteTHIS is my FAVORITE gown of Kate's ABSOLUTELY.
It is beautiful, perfect and a 10++++++++++
It makes sense, and has NO wonkiness to it at all.
THIS is how it is supposed to be done. What a spectulatly perfect gown. She got it right on this one just as she did with his off-white gown she wore, except when she confused the beautiful design with that necklace the second time she wore that. This time she got it right, even with the earrings. Is Kate taking the reins of her wardrobe again? Let's hope so.
She looks fantastic, elegant - absolutely spot on - Linda
ReplyDeleteLooks very nice but am not a fan that flops around and the face especially when she is speaking. Just saying.
ReplyDeleteA question for those more knowledgeable about fashion than I am. Why is a dress like that several thousand dollars? I can see how some of the intricate beaded dresses Kate has worn (by JP for example) or even some lace dresses take a lot of time and effort to make, but what is it about this dress that justifies the price point? Don't get me wrong, she looked elegant and lovely and the dress is attractive. But why is it so expensive?
ReplyDeleteDesigner name, mostly. And quality of fabric and construction.
DeleteMy guess? A combination of the level of tailoring, the fabric and the brand name.
DeleteHeather, The very thing that has everyone going, "wow", is the reason for the cost. The tailoring, the design, the fabric, like others have mentioned.
DeleteDesigners like Roland Mouret don't mass produce, so this garment was likely made by hand by his team.
DeleteBrand name = design. The designer designed a winner with this one.
DeleteQuick Question. Was the Duchess speaking in generalities when she expressed how much she can't wait to cheer on the athletes in Rio or does this suggests that she will be in Rio for the games?
ReplyDeleteI loved the construction of the dress--it is really well tailored. Of course, the Duchess looked smashing in her favorite royal blue.
Regards,
RW.
Smash hit. Just took over as one of my favorite gowns on her ever! It's my favorite color too! It looks good on everyone. I just cannot say enough how much I love this dress!
ReplyDeleteA beautifully understated look. Two thumbs up!
ReplyDeleteI am gasping at the awesomeness of Kate's dress!!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous, elegant, the whole works. Kate looks sensational. What a great event. She is becoming more relaxed when giving speeches as well. I loved her hair and makeup, and the gown was beautiful. She just knocked it out of the park!
ReplyDeleteLove love the dress! This is such a good look on her!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the speedy post, Charlotte!
ReplyDeleteI love this dress. I love Roland Mouret on Kate. His gowns really seem to suit her.
Something about this look (or maybe it's just the similar weather in the outdoor photos) reminds me of Princess Diana when she stunned everyone in the short, black, off-the-shoulder gown.
I feel sorry for Kate as she is not a natural at public speaking. She's improving but the only way to become better is to speak in public much more frequently. She puts her head down and won't look up from her text so she just gets lost in her hair.
I suppose it's more important for her to take a fantastic photo as so many are snapped of her. She certainly can do that in spades!
I don't think Kate or William will be going anywhere near Rio as long as there is even a remote plan of having more children. The Zika virus is just too big a risk. Not enough is known about it for them to risk the health of any future children by attending the Olympics.
all i can say is WOW! i love this color on her, finely she is not covered up to the neck. she just looks stunning. love the earings hope we get a better look at them i always did like these shoes. the hall the tables and oh those flowers so very elegent what a special a vent for her. can't wait for all the fun to come this weekend. thanks for the fast post charlotte.
ReplyDeleteI love everything about this look. Kate looks great. I like the big hoop earrings, which is a nice change from her usual selections. The shoulder cutouts, slim fit, and exposed gold zipper give this dress a classy sex appeal.
ReplyDeleteI think this may be one of my favourite gala looks ever. Stunning colour and design. As always, I do wish she had put her hair up!
ReplyDeleteAwesome!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI too love everything about her look EXCEPT for her hair covering her face as she spoke. This has long been a pet peeve of mine ad I wish she'd at least clip the sides back. At least inside she isn't having to push the wind blown strands out of the way.
ReplyDeleteI love, love, love the earrings and the fact Kate is indeed a fan of sports.
I agree, great gown, hair has now grown into floppy school girl stage. Brows seem a bit heavy again. But all in all, a fantastic success. Tonight.
DeleteSimply stunning! Has to be one of the Duchess' best looks. She looks happy, relaxed, and just radiant!
ReplyDeleteI agree. It is one of her very best looks.
DeleteAs others have already said Kate looks absolutely stunning. This evening she is at her best now looks far more confident than in her earlier days but thankfully is this evening at least back to wearing the classic type of dress that she wore before she had children. It was also good that she made a speech unfortunately for some reason I am not able to play back the video so have only read the speech which I think was very good. We know she is not a good public speaker but saying a few words has far more impact than writing a foreword in a programme which she tends to do most of the time. I hope she continues to make a speeches at future events.
ReplyDeleteShe has started off this busy weekend with a WOW let us hope it continues
Honestly, even though the necklace is a $100,000 Cartier necklace and symbolic and all that, I didn't like it at all. I have seen much more beautiful necklaces along that theme. I do though, think the earrings are beautiful. I hope she wears them often.
DeleteThey must have been a gift. I cannot picture Kate spending $200,000 for a Jewelry set, can you?
Does anyone know how much the earrings cost?
DeleteI 100 percent agree with you Mary. Kate's style was always on point before she had children. I don't know why she thought she had to change her style because she had children. This dress is something the pre 2013 Kate would wear and it is perfect! The hair is looking much better too!
Delete23:49,
DeleteThe earrings cost $49,000. Kate will enjoy them for years in all her official capacities. Earrings for a future Queen.
I agree that this is back to the classic Kate. It reminds of the simple, striking Issa evening gowns she wore. LOVE this.
DeleteI was very curious to see what Kate would wear tonight as I have a military ball to attend on Saturday and I'm putting the finishing touches on my own look. After the cobalt dress in India that was pretty but too matronly, we finally have an absolutely modern and perfect cobalt evening look!! I LOVE it and would wear it myself. I was amused to see her look because I, too, was going to wear a structured cobalt dress this weekend with black accessories and my hair down, but my husband convinced me to wear a flowy pale blue dress reminiscent of Kate's JP Spectre dress (minus the whole sleeved overlay on top) with my hair up instead. He said it was stunning...something not often heard out of his mouth. Who was I to argue?!
ReplyDeleteThat's great! It is hard to argue with stunning!
Deletecute, Musing. Have fun. Be sure to get some photos. You will be glad you did.
DeleteOh THANK YOU for posting so quickly Charlotte! Kate looked beautiful tonight. You know, some people ooh and ahhh over Mary of Denmark's choice of clothing but personally I think that Mary has as many "misses" in the clothes department as Kate does. No one can be spot on all of the time.
ReplyDeleteBut anyway I thought Kate was lovely, I like her hair down because the gown was very tailored; I just like flowing hair with a tailored gown. Do agree that the hair curtains her when she is speaking but I believe she is really working hard on that. In Toastmasters we often tell newbies to pause instead of umming and ahhing so perhaps her speech coach is getting her to pause. Time to move on from that now though--too many pauses (said gently and with great understanding of the fear of public speaking.)
I love the mission of this charity. And Kate's remarks focusing on why she loves sports.
ReplyDeleteThe overall look and dress are spectacular. Well done! My only quibble is, as always, that I wish her hair were longer. This is emphasized by the contrast with the photos of the earlier Roland dress and from the Olympics. And in thinking about the shorter length over time, I think for me it's that the longer length delivered more of a unique personality; more character. The shorter length is just standard. In Kate's own comments "it's mumsy". Well life brings changes and I find Kate beautiful at any hair length and in any style of her choosing. You go girl!
While the Duchess looked lovely, it seems to me she is getting painfully thin. Keeping up with two small children is quite the workout, I'm sure. Am I the only one who wonders what she carries in those small clutch bags? Being at KP, technically she is at home, and I did not expect to see a clutch. I do not care for them personally because I am always putting them down somewhere.
ReplyDeleteI carry them frequently because it's nice to have something to do with one's hands. Perhaps that's part of the reason.
DeleteI think they can be very sexy. Like the silver one she carried with the long white gown in the photo on the left on this page.
DeleteI thought the same thing. While I love the look, the dress and the color on her, I, too, felt she looked like she was becoming a bit too thin. This is not from a place of criticism but of concern.I was actually taken aback at how thin she appeared in some of the photographs, especially since photographs are supposed to add weight to those in them.
DeleteWow is right...she makes it look effortless!
ReplyDeleteWow, wow wow. I love her look and am happy she is doing speeches. Looking forward to the next few days too. Thanks Charlotte
ReplyDeleteWow. All your photos that you include are always so perfect for the days blog, Charlotte, but the third photo on the page at the moment is one for the history books. What a beautiful Duchess and Princess.
ReplyDeleteThat photo is portrait worthy. (The third one on this page.)
Delete02:09,
DeleteI would love for someone who knows how to do a large oil portrait of the third photo on this page and to ask the National portrait museum, the one Kate is patron of, in London, to put that there. That needs to be there. Does anyone agree?
I do so very much agree that an oil portrait should be done of that photo. That would be exquisite. It almost seems like what that photo was taken for.
Deleteserendipity or destiny or something, to be an oil portrait in the National Portrait Gallery, or even Amber Hall or their apartment in Kensington Palace. A very alluring and simply beautiful photo.
Why don't they provide her with a taller podium? Or she could hold her speech in her hands at a good level for reading and glancing up.
ReplyDeleteThat would have helped a lot.
DeleteI agree. This speech just looked clumsy and not royal or professional at all. You could see she was making an effort to look up from the text but she was looking down most of the time. Should have been the other way around. She doesnt engage with the public! Big miss as a host.
DeleteThe gown and color were perfect for this event. Regal, but not too frilly. And the earrings are stunning; the color and size is perfect with the gown and her long hair. (I, too, thought of her necklace as soon as I saw them.)
ReplyDeleteAre there portraits of all the kings in the King's Gallery? Is that why it is called that (no doubt)?
ReplyDeleteAnybody got any history on that? (Becca?)
What a beautiful setting and the table decor enhanced that.
Must have been a special moment for Kate knowing she is hosting another event at a palace, a palace that is also her home. Hosting an event in the King's Gallery is very humbling to her I am sure. She is living history.
DeleteShe is living history, 02:09.
DeleteI think tonites look is way to tailored. Also the top shoulder strap looks like it was widened compared to the one the designer's model shows. Except for the length it doesn't look evening enough.
ReplyDeleteWell, I think the gown struck the right note if you consider the way others were dressed. A more "evening" gown would have been over the top for the occasion.
DeleteI absolutely love this look. I love the earrings. I would love to see her wear this dress in the future with her sapphire earrings and this choker that Princess Diana used to wear: http://www.stylori.com/img/diana-inside.jpg I wonder if she has access to this choker?
ReplyDeleteAccording to the awesome Order of Splendor blog that piece was Diana's http://orderofsplendor.blogspot.com/2012/08/flashback-friday-few-of-dianas-sapphires.html. So it stands to reason it passed to Will and Harry and that Kate would have access to it. I would be beyond thrilled to see it again - great suggestion!!
DeleteI'm with the people who find this look stunning. I also think that the exposed zipper is one of the things which rocks this dress rather than detracting from it. Perhaps it's like visible bra straps--a look some don't consider a "look" but a lapse.
ReplyDeleteAgreed, Philly! I think the exposed zipper in this context keeps the look current.
DeleteThis will be one of my favorites...classy. Love the neck line. I adore the fact she continues to wear little or no jewelry especially in this sport type event. Thank you for an excellent post.
ReplyDeleteI am agreeement with all you ladies. This is aplomb (to paraphrase Charlotte). I'm not sure if I'm more stunned with the dress or the earrings - both are stunning. The dress matches the color of the logo for Sports Aid. And she is just glowing.
ReplyDeleteI probably would have gone with a silver clutch and shoes but the black is very Kate. She's entitled to wear whatever she's comfortable in IMHO.
Given I'm sure she'll wear this gown again, I look forward to seeing how she'll change it up. I wonder if little PG gazes at his mommy and tells her she's beautiful. This is definitely one of my favorite looks for the year. Is it anyone else's favorite new look of the year?
Yes Elle, it definitely ranks as one of my favorites. Kate just dazzles.
DeleteNice gown but I sure don't like the exposed zipper in the back.
ReplyDeleteGreat job again This is the best blog ever. Thank you for getting everything up so quick for us.
ReplyDeleteI really loved this look tonight, However since you posted the dress in so many colors I kinda wish she picked a different color as we had 2 new long blue dress for the India tour (one was pre tour but still) however out of all 3 blue dresses this is my favorite one lol
The gown is absolutely perfect!The earrings are a stunning bling to the gown,, a 10/10 in my books!!XOXO
ReplyDeleteI'm not usually a huge fan of earrings but those hoops are incredible. Wow!! And I love the shoulder cutouts on her gown! Kate's always so classy.
ReplyDeleteI've enjoyed sharing Catherine's beautiful and proud moment with each of you.
ReplyDeleteThere were criticisms, but they were kindly and gently offered, for the most part, and did not spoil
this moment for me.
I think the suggestion of a higher podium was an excellent one.It would have eased the
hair falling forward and looking down situations. Doesn't the Queen sometimes hold
her speech in her hands?
Also, was the backview of the gown on Kate actually shown? In my mind, I have erased
the zipper and replaced it with a smooth line.
I'll be so glad when zippers return to their discreetly placed and functional, non-decorative status.
nice gown and I really love the colour and her speech is speak from the heart im looking forward tomorrow event
ReplyDeleteWonderful! I have never much liked the other Mouret gown, but this one suits, and fits, Kate perfectly. I love that first picture of her looking into the distance, her hair curling around the neckline of the gown, her eye makeup perfect, the earring gleaming. As someone said when she was in India, Kate knows when she looks perfectly beautiful, and it shows in her radiant smile. Substantively, her speech was nicely written and nicely presented. Kate's delivery has improved markedly. All in all, a stunning performance.
ReplyDeleteWow great look & awesome charity.
ReplyDeleteI'm dying to know who gave her that necklace she wore in 2012 and the earrings she wore today. They seem like a set and together they would be over $100,000
ReplyDeleteHow much are the earrings? I have been wondering because I know the necklace is very expensive, but our Duchess deserves it.
Delete$49,000.
DeleteYou suggested Roland Mouret in your former post, Charlotte: you nailed it! It's a very beautiful outfit for Kate, I love this dress, one of her best attire.
ReplyDeleteThere is nothing like dressing for a formal occasion when you are usually in "mom" mode. When your days revolve around diapers and sippy cups or homework and skinned knees it is nice to feel like a "woman" again. Whenever there is a military ball for my husband's unit we usually attend. It is a good networking opportunity for him but for me it is heavenly. I get to pamper myself and get all dolled up. Then we get to eat dinner, a warm dinner that I didn't prepare, and enjoy adult conversation. We get to do that all whilst looking very put together, glamorous and adult. Catherine obviously has more opportunities to dress to the nines. Many of those occasions call for a more sedate or serious look. She is quite often trying to blend in because she isn't the biggest name, or highest ranking person, there so she dresses accordingly. Tonight, though, she was in the spotlight. She dressed very accordingly for the occasion tonight. It was young, modern with a little twist of flirty which worked for this occasion.
ReplyDeleteDress - I absolutely love this dress on her. The color is spectacular with her coloring and complexion. She tends to choose a lot of blue clothing and it always works well for her but this is just above the rest. Again the bright color and sassiness of the dress worked for the event. Charlotte is totally right about Mouret tailoring gowns beautifully. The fit was perfect and the fabric and cut just flowed. I don't love the exposed zipper because to me it appears clunky almost. For formal gowns I prefer buttons to zippers anyway. Zippers detract from the look but the right buttons enhance a gown.
Everything else - Her hair looks great tonight. It looks a little bit shorter and a lot lighter. Not color wise, although it does look a bit lighter as well, but volume wise. I love her long hair but sometimes it looks like the hair is wearing Catherine. This hair style works for her. It is still long but not as bulky or out of control. I think this is the best hair she has had since the wedding. Her makeup is also done really well tonight. Her eye makeup is appropriately dark for an evening look without closing off her eyes and making them appear smaller. The shade of lipstick also works well and she looks beautiful.
The earrings are amazing. I covet those earrings and the necklace. They are versatile pieces and could work for day or night. I love the three colors together. I think that the earrings add enough to this look for the event tonight. In my opinion, it wasn't a fancy enough occasion to warrant a necklace or bracelet. Especially with statement earrings such as these.
This look is one of her best in the last few years. Hopefully this Catherine sticks around and she wows us tomorrow as well!
I agree with you, Courtney, especially about the hair, so pretty. As for the zipper, I first saw one like it fastening a dress my daughter wore to a daytime wedding several years ago. It surprised me at first, but I came to think it was interesting. I can imagine how that longer zipper moved on Kate, who actually walks much like Pippa when you see her from the back!
DeleteI was a little disappointed in the beginning that she didn't wear a necklace or bracelet, but I think you are right, Courtney. It was not a fancy enough event and on second thought, I think her look was perfect for it.
DeleteI agree Claudia. About the zipper. Men seem to like them a lot. :)
Deleteher hair is lovely and the perfect length like this and the royal blue dress is stunning love the whole look. Thank you Charlotte for posting this.
ReplyDeleteI think she looks terrific!! I see a new style, a new Kate. So young and fresh
ReplyDeleteI give her applaud for making a speech! While I think it is her area to support, I don't get why she last visited this charity 19 months ago.
ReplyDeletePrincess Charlotte, Anett, Princess Charlotte.
DeleteA good mark for her speech: no touching hair, no moving head to pull hair back, and first of all a strong and personal content. Well done! I am sure that she will become a very good orator.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful and elegant! Kate looks gorgeous! The color and design of the dress are beautiful and "very Kate". I think she looks very classy for a lovely evening. The jewelry is stunning and a lovely fit with the dress. Perfect look in my opinion!
ReplyDeleteThe King's Gallery is decorated beautifully. It is such a majestic and beautiful part of KP. It's definitely one of my favorite rooms. The pictures really don't do it justice. It looks as though the evening was a success and I'm sure Kate enjoyed hosting at KP. Beautiful evening and wonderful charity!
Beautiful look....the gown looks like it was never hemmed! I'm not fond of the long gowns, you can fall very easily!
ReplyDeleteAlso I mostly like her looks mostly... this one wasn't one of my favorites - I like the dress but not her siluette in it - she's much to skinny for that one in my opinion.
ReplyDeleteFabulous look! The gown's cut and color are perfect for Kate, as is the softness of her hair to complement the geometrics of the gown. Earrings are dazzling - overall, wow!
ReplyDeleteI really like the dress. I really like the earrings. What I don't like is her hair. This is a hip dress, one that calls for a hip hairstyle, not her "mom hair." A trendy up-do would have made the look a "10" for me, whereas the hair puts it solidly at a "7"
ReplyDeleteYour comment makes me smile, Amy. From my point of view, the updo at the St. Paul's service looks like my mother many years ago, and the downdo at KP looks modern! Chalk it up to age and changing norms!
DeleteAmy,
DeleteMaybe an updo for a more glitzy event and a diamond bracelet. For a sports event her hair down was more appropriate and so was no bracelet.
The Pearl of the United Kingdom! Beautiful duchess Catherine!
ReplyDeleteThanks for making my day Charlotte!
Monica, France
I scrolled down to comment including the annoyingly exposed zipper and found 03:06's post. You put it correctly about the zipper.
ReplyDeleteKate looked very good in the cut of the dress with the earrings. I like everything from the the waist up. From the waist down, the dress looks very elongated, and not much to balance that space for the eyes ( which makes the waist down look like a dress on a hunger all on its own). That is one of the reasons, if not a bracelet, may be even a watch could have filled the elongated space from the waist down.
I love this look. The color and style of the dress is fantastic, stunning is really the only word that comes to mind. I love that she basically repeated the same theme of the outfit she wore as the London 2012 ambassador when she attended an exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery.
ReplyDeleteA dress in a similar color, earrings that IMO match the necklace from that event, but kicked up a notch for evening. Such a great look for her. Was very pleasantly surprised with the engagement overall. A wonderful way to represent the charity, great photos, lovely and elegant duchess, great speech, and a teaser about the Olympics.
Thanks for another fabulous post. I really like Kate's earrings. I just don't understand her fashion choices lately. But her earrings are beautiful.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful dress, perfect earrings - I think her jewellery choices are usually excellent - not overdone. But why dull down such a beautiful colour dress with black accessories? Surely silver, navy, pale blue, lilac, or even a pale green would make the royal blue even better?
ReplyDeleteOh, that gorgeous dress, the earrings, the makeup, the hair - all perfection! Her hair style may be the best I've ever seen it. The long loose waves and a bit of height in the back are lovely and I love the longer side length which I feel is much more complementary than when it was shorter.
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