The Duchess chats with Nicola Adams MBE - the first woman to win an Olympic boxing title.
An arrival video from Kensington Palace.
The Duke & Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry are meeting #Rio2016 @TeamGB & @ParalympicsGB at the #GBHeroesLDN reception. pic.twitter.com/VRUjHHyebC— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) October 18, 2016
Other royals in attendance included the Princess Royal, who is president of the British Olympic Association, the Duke of York, the Duke of Kent and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester. Princess Eugenie was scheduled to attend but was unable to make it.
Below, Princess Anne introduces Lord Coe to the Queen. Her Majesty looked regal as ever in an Angela Kelly kingfisher and petrol blue dress.
Prime Minister Theresa May curtsies to the Queen.
Ahead of the reception, Kensington Palace tweeted: "The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry are very much looking forward to attending tonight's reception." They added that Kate's patronage SportsAid has supported many successful athletes including Tom Daley and Ellie Simmonds.
Prince William admires Ellie Simmonds' gold medal. Ellie is a British Paralympian swimmer competing in S6 events. She came to national attention when she competed in the 2008 Summer Paralympics in Beijing, winning two gold medals for Great Britain, despite being the youngest member of the team, at the age of 13. In 2012 she was again selected for the Great Britain squad, this time swimming at a home games in London. She won another two golds there, and set a world record in the 400m freestyle. She won another gold medal at the Rio Paralympics in 2016, this time setting a world record for the 200m medley.
Ellie looked delighted to meet the royals, especially Her Majesty.
It's been a very special day for Team GB. The athletes participated in a gilded victory parade today to celebrate their incredible performance at Rio 2016.
Team GB and Paralympic GB brought home a combined 214 medals, coming second in both medal tables. The fantastic results mean Britain is the first ever country to improve on their performance at the games following immediately after one they hosted.
The athletes looking very sharp in their formal wear by Simon Jersey before the reception began.
William and Kate met with Team GB's women's hockey team.
Kate, who has been a keen hockey player since her school days, enjoyed chatting to the ladies about their experiences at Rio.
Discussion with the athletes quickly turned to George and Charlotte. Emily Andrews reported: "Kate said Charlotte is loving learning to ride, while George was using his polo stick as a hockey stick - much to her delight. And although Kate doesn't share Charlotte's passion for horses, she's said she'll champion and encourage it as much as possible."
'Kate spoke as she joined husband William and the Queen honouring Olympians and Paralympians at a Buckingham Palace reception. Equestrian triple-gold medalist Natasha Baker had a good chat with Kate. The Duchess told her: "George is fascinated by fencing but I think that's because of the face shields. "Charlotte would have loved to be here but she'd be running riot!"
Afterwards the Paralympian said: "I asked her how the children were and she said Charlotte is really enjoying her riding which is great to hear and I said we may see her here on a line-up in 20 years time. "She emphasised that Charlotte has this passion about horses and although she doesn't echo it, she'll do her best to champion and encourage it."
The Duchess debuted a new bespoke poppy print Alexander McQueen dress this evening.
Kate's dress appears to be a customised version of the pre-spring 2017 style shown below (with thanks to @katiemidleton). The Silk Floral Midi Dress retails for $3075 at Saks Fifth Avenue. There are several differences between the original style and Kate's dress, most notably the addition of long sleeves and a closed back.
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| Saks |
More from the Telegraph's Bethan Holt:
"The collection was inspired by the intricately beautiful hand painted patterns seen in British folk art, with designer Sarah Burton recreating colourful flowers on dramatically flounced mini dresses and maximalist tiered skirts.
Of course, translating such a richly detailled offering for the needs of a future queen has become a speciality of the Alexander McQueen team; the silk dress worn by the Duchess tonight came with an elegant v-neck, nipped-waist and long, cuffed sleeves.
It's likely that the dress chosen tonight was part of the same order as that worn in Canada as both come from the same collection."
The poppies feature considerably in McQueen's Resort 2017 Collection. In their review of the collection Vogue reported: "The mixtures of carnations, yellow roses, peonies, and poppies, each petal expertly defined with an artist’s paintbrush, were inspired, she said, by British folk art and domestic interiors: 'Wallpaper, patterns you see on canal barges.'"
A look at the print on McQueen's Poppy Print, Drop-Waist Dress.
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| Neiman Marcus |
Kate teamed the dress with her red suede Gianvito Rossi pumps.
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| Net-A-Porter |
The Duchess carried her red Miu Miu Bow Embellished Suede clutch. The £640 bag is described: "Crafted in Italy from plush crimson suede. This ladylike style has a gilded silver chain strap and opens to three spacious compartments - including a secure zipped section. Use the internal mirror to refresh your lip color on the go." It's currently available at Net-A-Porter.
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| Net-A-Porter |
Kate completed the look with her £130 Soru Jewellery Baroque Pearl Double Sided Earrings. The earrings are described: "18ct Yellow gold vermeil on sterling silver earrings. Hand crafted with iridescent baroque pearls edged with multi faceted Swarovski crystals. Length of stones: 2-3cm approx, stone sizes vary slightly as no two pearls are the same making your earrings totally unique to you."
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| Soru Jewellery |
A brief wrap up of the event from Kensington Palace.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry welcome the @TeamGB and @ParalympicsGB medallists to Buckingham Palace! #GBHeroesLDN pic.twitter.com/XFKUlojyRT— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) October 18, 2016
************
In other news, Kate has written the foreword for the GCHQ's (the UK's national intelligence and security agency) new puzzle book. The Duchess' decision to write the foreword was based on two reasons: her grandmother, Valerie Glassborrow, worked at Bletchley Park during the Second World War, and sales of the book will support William and Kate's mental health campaign, Heads Together.
In the foreword Kate speaks of how proud she has always been of her grandmother: "I have always been immensely proud of my grandmother, Valerie Glassborrow, who worked at Bletchley Park during the Second World War. She and her twin sister, Mary, served with thousands of other young women as part of the great Allied effort to break enemy codes. They hardly ever talked about their wartime service, but we know now just how important the men and women of Bletchley were, as they tackled some of the hardest problems facing the country."
The Duchess continued: "In a new century, their successors at GCHQ continue this intellectual tradition. Like their Bletchley predecessors, they have become well known for valuing neurodiversity and understanding the importance of mental well-being. William, Harry and I are very grateful that this book is supporting our Heads Together campaign. I hope it will not only amuse and challenge readers, but help to promote an open discussion of mental health problems, which can affect anyone, regardless of age or background."
The book will feature more than 140 pages of codes, puzzles and challenges created by GCHQ's expert code-breakers in their spare time. These will range 'from easy to mind-bending' and include ciphers and substitution codes, tests of numeracy and literacy, and picture and music challenges. It will be available on Thursday, 20 October.
We'll be back with the remaining tour polls next!
That is one beautiful dress
ReplyDeleteI am very surprised that this is a McQueen dress The tayloring is terrible (for a dress on this price range, of course): the flowers are not matched on the side seam. This of course, would have been perfectly acceptalbe on a cheaper dress, but for a McQueen, it it really bad, which is unfortunate since the fabric is gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteTHAT'S EXACTLY WHAT I WAS THINKING!!!!! I'm so very SHOCKED!! I'm a seamstress and I KNOW that to make anything "LOOK" very professional is to have the seams "MATCH" at the sides. Plus, when I saw that it was a McQueen . . . shame on them. Princess Kate must NOT KNOW THE DIFFERENCE or I don't know what went wrong here. Plus as you said that's how you know a cheaper brand made dress, the side seams do NOT MATCH!! Cleopatra.
DeleteI agree!!
DeleteIt's always great to see alot of the royal team up like this! And it's so great seeing all the reactions of the athletes on twitter and such! Quite the thing, getting to meet the Queen and Royal Family at Buckingham Palace!
ReplyDeleteSomething small I noticed. Harry is bending when talking to Ellie Simmonds. My understanding was that the general "etiquette" when talking to a little person is to not do that. Maybe Ellie has expressed other views, and I'm sure Harry means no disrespect at all by it. It was just something I noticed. But he's charming as always!
On the book foreword. When I saw it I got very happy! What a great way to tie causes together and it was very well written I must say! You can tell how much she cares about her grandparents. And some very clear likeness between them! I was thinking, maybe Charlotte looks a smidge like Valerie!
The pattern is a bit ho-hum but the draping is great! And she carries of this length of dress very well. On me, it would look frumpy and stumpy but on her it looks elegant.
The sleeves are a staple of hers (and Beulah!) and they work well on her. It's a pretty enough dress, the fabric is very nice but not so much the pattern. But I appriciate that she is wearing patterns!
I don't think I would call the dress and altered version. More so a dress made of the same fabric and similar skirt but a totally different top.
Kind of fun that the two "leading ladies" present (The Queen and Kate) make up the colours of the Union Jack!
From what I've seen, her hair is very pretty! I like the wavyness of it.
Rebecca I had the same thought when I saw Harry bending down to Ellie Simmonds. Nevertheless I am sure he was charming as always. Some reporters are saying that the pattern is a rose. This would make sense as the rose is the national flower and national sports teams use the rose as their logo. Anyway, while many may not care for the print, I do believe she looks elegant and the Olympians seemed to have enjoyed the evening. Well done to all the athletes on their achievements.
DeleteAnon, the red rose is the national flower of England and is used on some English sports team kits (notably rugby union), but a dress covered in them would not have been appropriate for a British team made up of athletes from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and would have been taken as an insult by athletes from the other nations of our country, all of which have their own national flowers. I believe the print is poppies; Kate will have worn this as we are approaching Remembrance Sunday at the beginning of November.
DeleteThat's a great observation about the Queen and Kate using the colors of the flag. It didn't occur to me until you pointed it out. That combined with the roses representing the national flower, makes perfect sense. Something Kate has become very well known for regarding her diplomatic dressing.
DeleteNo symbolism. Its just a dress.
DeleteLike the style of it, but its badly made for a bespoke piece. It pulls across the back, across the front and the pattern on the seams should match. Ive seen the blouse in the same print, and the pattern matches even across the front (really tricky).
I never concern myself with what things cost as that is her business. But if she paid anywhere near $2500 for this dress, she was conned.
Yep. "Kate things".
DeleteHarry being Harry, I think, is quite likely-- practical and down to earth when meeting people. And if everyone has watched the video, it is very loud in there. I could imagine bending to speak with someone this small, little person or not, to be heard and to hear properly. Whatever the case, Kate looked very beautiful. Seams didn't match on her dress but how often do we see that with high end designers? Seems like often enough and I don't understand it for such a high ticket item. I love these earrings so much and wish they were in my collection! Kate looked just lovely and William looked handsome and animated. I noticed how he was using his hands to express himself when speaking just like Kate. I really love how W & K seem a very good team together. Her Majesty looked lovely and Prince Philip, very tall and elegant even in his 90's.
DeleteLOVED the smile on Princess Anne's face. She should do that more often. It is very becoming on her.
Delete22:56,
DeleteIf you read Angela Kelly's book on dressing the Queen. Yes, there was symbolism. The Queen and Kate have done that more than once. And, Kate has a habit of symbology in dressing. Today was no different.
Rebecca, I had the very same thought about Harry. I'm sure it was NOT his intent, but it was like kneeling down to speak to a child. If Kate or William did it, OMG.
DeleteI like this length on Kate and it's a cheerful print, although I see poppies...not roses.
It seemed like Harry was trying to hear what she was saying. At first I had the same thought as you, Rebecca, but looking at his face I can see concentration on it.
DeleteIs the cost of clothing of other royals usually mentioned in the body of a story about
Deletean event-or in a headline,even? For example, one can read everywhere that Kate's dress cost £3000. What did HM's dress cost? I don't think any of them shop at Good Will.
The Queen has multiple dressers, wardrobe mistresses,as well as a personal
dressmaker or two. She dictates elaborate procedures for the care, cleaning,and
storage of her attire. None of that comes cheap.
As far as I know, Kate is the only one whose expenditures for clothing are
actually flaunted before the public. If she rewears, or fails to wear a new
dress for an occasion that is also remarked upon-not regal enough, shows lack of consideration for the hosts, etc.
Why the difference in coverage?
Royalfan I thought they were poppies too.
DeleteAnon 00:29 it's all about double standards. Example Camilla attends book launching of her sons this week and it's all good. If Kate were to attend a book launch for Pippa it would be reported as cashing in on royal connections. Sophie has no engagements for three weeks, that's fine. The Cambridges are reportedly lazy when this happens. I guess there is a need by the press to put the couple that sells down or the class system is very intact in Britain. While Kate certainly pays for her clothing,I am sure she is not paying retail price especially with her go to designers.
DeleteGood observation by Anon 00:29 . I've always wanted to point this out. It just bugs me for some reason
DeleteShouldn't bug you - Camilla does get criticism for such family connections - both her son and her sister - it's just she is so unpopular, she gets relatively little attention and one might say, has not much to lose.
DeleteThe issue with Kate's clothes comes because she purchases clothes from designers that are easy to price. The queen's clothes are all bespoke as are most of Camilla's, As long as Kate wears outfits from mainstream designers, there will be pricing mentioned. For things like the Walker suit, it is far more of a guess.
Anon 00:29. Wonderful observation. I knew the coverage was different but had not focused on the not mentioning the price:):). Thank you for pointing out what should have been obvious to me and what should be obvious to all readers.
DeleteI agree, 0029. I don't think her clothing costs are anyone's business except Charles'. He pays for her work wardrobe. I think the Foreign office pays for overseas wardrobe. So I guess they need to know. I suppose if her clothes are available off the rack then I can see saying that it's available for x amount of money. Other than that, not really. Plus I imagine they don't pay retail anyway.
DeleteThis McQueen dress is beautiful! And her red shoes are perfect with it :)
ReplyDeleteWould love information on which room interiors are in the photographs - the paintings, furnishings and rugs have caught my eye.
ReplyDeleteWill withhold final judgement until a few more pictures come out, but an initial opinion is " thumbs down". The poppy pattern looks harsh, as if it is just plopped down all over the dress - not pleasing to the eye. I do like the length of the dress...
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely agree...
DeleteLike the dress with the red accessories. Early posts on Twitter were a bit harsh. The high resolution shows this to be a nice ensemble.
ReplyDeleteLove that Princess Anne looks like the Olympic member that she is in her pantsuit.
I adore Catherine but I truly believe it is time for a new stylist. All these covered up and buttoned up looks do not reflect her personality, as I imagine it to be. The earlier Kate Spade dress - same comments apply - makes her look matronly and up-tight. Sorry Catherine; just not your best evening look, by far!
ReplyDeleteI adore Catherine as well but I just cannot with her fashion choices. She dressed so cute before she married William and even for the first two years after their wedding. Since she had the kids she wears the most matronly clothes and her hair-dos are also making her look like a woman in her 50s (referring to most of her updos). I wonder what happened to make her change her style so drastically.
DeleteI completely agree with you ladies. If Kate is trying to win the prize for most matronly 34 year old Royal, she's doing a great job.
DeleteThe tailoring on this McQueen is terrible and the length is strange too. She could have worn one of her nice black cocktail dresses and looked a lot better. Kate needs to hire someone from Vogue or Harvey Nichols to help her out these outfits together. She's young and gorgeous with the fashion world at her feet.
Agree with all of you! The dress looked like something the queen would wear not Kate! She was much more stylish when she didn't have a stylist and made her own choices at the beginning of her marriage
DeleteHire me Kate! I'm tall too and understand the challenges it brings! You will never get a bad comment on your wardrobe ever if you hire me!
Also if I was hired I'd fire your hair stylist lol
A black cocktail dress would have been too formal IMO. And Kate's goal isn't to lead in the fashion stakes. It's about being appropriate without ruffling senior feathers. ;)
DeleteOh Kate, no. No. No. No. Mette-Marit, maybe but this is not the look for you.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your wonderful coverage. Time after time, I return to this blog due to the great reporting and respectful comments of readers.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure seeing Harry down on one knee while chatting with Ellie Simmonds made many guests swoon. He's such a gentleman!
Cheers to Kate for pairing her outfit with such bold-colored shoes and clutch. As far as the dress, I'd rather have the fabric for a duvet cover. Not my taste.
My o my, to me it looks like a night gown. Sorry folks. BUT I highly appreciate the none nude shoes. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteNice to see such a royal turnout for these athletes. And love the fact that they combined the groups. Love her hair, shoes, purse. I like the silhouette but not the print. Prints are very tricky and I don't feel they photograph well. And yes it's not matched well At the seams, especially for a bespoke dress$$$.
ReplyDeleteAs a seamstress it would be next to impossible the "match" this type of pattern.
DeleteEva B thank you for your comment as a seamstress. I focus on matched patterns along seams of clothing (or wall paper, hee hee). But is had not truly focused on the size of this patterns and the angle of the pattern and the cut for the fluidity. It would be very very hard to match. Thank you for speaking up.
DeleteI agree, Ali. Thanks, Eva.
DeleteThe dress is pretty, but the length seems odd to me. It's a couple of inches too long for a midi. She would have looked great in the original.
ReplyDeleteIt appears to me that Kate has started to choose outfits that will boldly stand out in a crowd. This is a good thing! Her last three ensembles, the powder blue suit, the plaid coat, and now this print dress, all are profoundly different from what everybody else is wearing. Perhaps she surmised that she is the center of attention, so she may as well dress accordingly. Michelle Obama (my fashion hero) has followed this trend from the day she entered the spotlight. Although Kates choices don't have the pizzazz that Michelle consistently exhibits, at least she is trying. As far as this dress is concerned, I like the print and length, but am very dismayed at the unmatched seams. The shoes really up the wattage of the whole outfit!
ReplyDeleteOn another note, what little I have seen of Theresa May, her business attire is very very stylish. I like her!
I agree. Kate is playing. People wanted her to try fashion. These kind of "uptight 70s nightgowns" are in. They wanted her to dress "more royal". She wore a skirt suit and updo. Etc. She can never win, but at least she's playing. Her "uniform" and comfort clothing is a good base, and I don't complain because her job is not about fashion. But I do find it fun when she tries different things, even when I might not like it!
DeleteAmen, Rebecca. Let's give the girl some mercy.
DeleteBarbara U.S.: Very astute observations with regards to the some of the Duchess' wardrobe color choice of late. Let me say this, I think you are right on the money in that regard. Further, I have always felt that the Duchess takes much in terms of how she dresses for an event from the senior royals especially the Queen. The Queen more often than not pays homage to her host/hostess using her wardrobe and wears bright colors so that she can stand out in a crowd or chose colors that is symbolic of a cause, region or country. Perhaps, like the Queen, the Duchess has perhaps built a team of seamstress to help build her wardrobe to conform to those tenets that has worked so well for her majesty. One has to just read the book "Dressing the Queen" by Angela Kelly to learn all about what is behind the Queen's wardrobe choices--none of which is happenstance. I see the Duchess continuing to emulate the Queen's formula as regards wardrobe for official duties which has worked for her, for decades.
DeleteRegards,
RW
Royalwatcher, thanks for the recommendation of the book. Quickly googled Angela Kelly and the following link gave a quick synopsis of her story on how she became the Queen's dressmaker. http://royalcentral.co.uk/blogs/insight/the-queens-dressmaker-angela-kelly-52052 Can't wait to get the book.
DeleteHave never known, but always believed that the Queen's wardrobe choices have meaning. She is always impeccable and utterly appropriate on all occasions. I agree with you about perhaps Kate is emulating some form of the Queen's formula. Love this dress, the shoes, the earrings, everything. This was not a LBD cocktail event and think she choose wisely. Kudos to Kate for being brave enough to find her own way. cc
Anon 00:44: You are so very welcomed. I know you will enjoy the book. If you are interested in history of royalty, be it fashion or other wise there is another book about fashion and it is about Norman Hartnell: he was a famous designer who dressed the Queen's Mom and many aristocrats in his day. It is called "Be Dazzled :Norman Hartnell, Sixty Years of Glamour and Fashion" The reason I recommend it is because I also wanted to delved deeper in to the history of fashion as it pertained to royals esp. the BRF and this book gives quite the incite (only if you are interested though).
DeleteI am impressed with the Duchess fashion sense as it pertains to her official duties. I love that she is using the Queen's formula and personally, I think it is working for her. I think with the BRF in terms of fashion and how it fits into their royal duties, it is about how can one interpret fashion to acknowledge, appreciate ones host. It is not easy, it takes a lot of planning, recon, a smart and skilled mind that can bring it all together and thus far the Duchess is doing great. That is why I said in my previous post that I think the Duchess has a team dedicated to helping her with her fashion choices for events.
Cheers,
RW.
I agree with you ladies...it's really nice to see Kate venture out into various prints and styles instead of becoming stuck in a rut for the next 15 years. Good for her for stepping out of some sort of "comfort zone" even it it's a miss on occasion. However, with Kate being Kate, can anything TRULY look horrible on her? I don't think so. She'd make a potato sack look gorgeous. =)
DeleteRW, thanks again!! I am very interested in history of royals, fashion and otherwise!! I have ordered the book by Angela Kelly, Norman Hartwell and another one by Jane Eastoe called "Elizabeth: Reigning in Style". (Will share/lend with other book enthusiasts!). What better teacher than the Queen. Agree that Kate has a "smart and skilled mind" and has shown that in many of her sartorical choices and don't believe she truly gets the credit she deserves in that regard (except maybe from her fans on this blog!). Not minding her "uniform" or go to styles/designers that work for her, but enjoying her "stepping out" styles as well. Even the Queen had one or two misses along the way :P.
DeleteAgree Denise, not all are hits, but 95% of the time she always looks effortlessly elegant. She never, ever looks horribly bad, EVER...and you are right she could definitely make burlap work for her! cc
Anon:18:19, You are welcome! As I have been delving into the history of fashion as it pertains to royalty esp. the BRF, I have acquired a few books but I missed Jane Eastoe's "Elizabeth: Reigning in Style". Of course, I think I will add it to my collection. Speaking of collection, there is another book I would like to recommend that pertains to royal dress, well this one did a really deep dive into history and looked at the importance of clothing to the image of kings, queens, courtiers etc. It starts out in the 1500s through the present which is of course Queen Elizabeth II. This book obviously is more in depth also I am not sure that it is still in print but you can definitely find it at a bookstore specializing in out of print books. Oops, I almost did not give you the name and title of the book which is "Royal Dress" by Valerie Cumming. Of course I could go on and on about other books on royal fashion but to be fair this blog is about Duchess Catherine. Well, it all ties in, doesn't it?.
DeleteDenise: So true, most cannot deny that Catherine ever looks anything other than fabulous!
Take care and happy reading!
Regards,
RW
I know its Kate blog But I love the color of the Queens dress she looks wonderful. Like others im happy with the non nude shoes but the dress is on the bottom of my list. You'd have to pay me to pick that one lol.
ReplyDeleteI love the color of the Queen'size dress also!
DeleteI noticed if you look at the pattern on the skirt of the dress, even though the print doesn't match up at the seams, it does have a diagonal pattern that goes from front to back. Maybe that was the reason they purposely didn't match up the seams. I love the dress.
ReplyDeleteThe poppies on the dress are patriotic. "Kate thing". The dress goes with the room. "Kate thing". I think she looks very feminine, pretty and elegant.
ReplyDeleteI don't think I would want the flowers to meet perfectly at the seams. I think it mixes it up more by not doing that and adds more interest.
Nice that Charlotte is learning to ride. Funny they are seemingly being taught every sport, polo, hockey, fencing, riding, and no doubt tennis, swimming and soon, snow skiing.
I agree with your comments on Kate's dress completely! I'm almost a bit surprised it is so disliked. Maybe if she wore it to another event people would approve more. At least she's mixing things up and I love the non-nude shoes!
DeleteI really think much of the dislike is the odd combination of design and fabric. As many have said the designs shown in that fabric look great for resort wear or early spring. Her dress style, at least to me, does not really work with the fabric, and at best would work as a spring design. It may really be that the fabric just does not work with her shirtdress/wrap style dress and the designers at McQueen should have told her this:):):)
DeleteI think so 21:44. And it works. In addition, like Rebecca from Sweden said, the drape of the dress is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteNot a fan of the dress. Just too much.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely beautiful dress. Trust me ladies, McQueen knows what he's doing.
ReplyDeleteAnon 22:05, Alexander McQueen is dead, and has been for years. The brand name remains but this is not something he would have sent down the runway.
DeleteNot crazy at all about this dress. The poppys look clumped together. It also doesn't suit the event. It reminds me of something that would be worn on a remembrance day service.(of course not the Sunday when everyone wears black) or maybe a wreath laying. I don't like this length. Midi looks stubby to me even if you're tall. Just not a win. The dress looks odd to me, Although I'm glad she didn't wear lace! I like her shoes.
ReplyDeleteI agree, the dress din't work for me either. It looked like wallpaper or an overdone flowerpot. I was hoping for something more elegant but this was more daywear for a somber occasion. Thank You Charlotte!!!XOXO
DeleteGlad to see such a warm reception for the athletes of the Olympics. This dress isn't my taste but can appreciate that Kate looks great.
ReplyDeleteI love how much wear she is getting out of her red suede shoes! I wouldn't have expected to see them so frequently, 3rd repeat for these and a smaller heel version in Canada so 4 red suede shoe appearances.
Very nice engagement and glad to see so much support for the medal winners. I hope that the other participants in the games were able to experience some of the excitement as well.
Little did Valerie Glassboroe know when that photo of her was taken, that it would be in the world headlines in 2016. neat. Kate does resemble her paternal grandmother and grandfather the most in my opinion.
ReplyDeleteNice that the family legacy of being involved with code breaking is still ongoing.
22:16, little did she know is right, lol. amazing really.
DeleteValerie Glassborow apparently passed away in 2006. William and Kate had been together as friends, roommates, a couple for five years by then.
I hope Valerie got an opportunity to meet and maybe even get to know William during those years. Wouldn't that have been lovely.
I believe that happened for Valerie's husband, Peter,
Michael's father, if for no other reason than Peter and William would have perhaps have loved to talk aviation since Peter was a pilot and had even flown with Prince Phillip. I have read that there was a small funeral for Peter and have even thought that Prince Phillip might even have attended. He and Peter did have a friendship. The community around Peter's home apparently was very protective of the Middleton's privacy so it could have happened I suppose. From what I have read, Kate was close to Peter. He taught her to sail. That had become a favorite pastime of his when he was no longer able to fly. So Kate probably saw her grandfather Peter a lot during those five years. At the very least, I think Peter and William had time to become friends. And wouldn't that have been lovely also.
The two pictures of Kate taken from the side look so much like her grandmother! And for those who think Kate has had nose surgery, those pictures prove she hasn't! Her exotic eyes are like her mother's, but she has Valerie's lovely nose and mouth.
DeleteI am puzzled by the dress. Her majesty looks so classy and Kate is anything but... like others above, I wonder why she makes such bizarre choices. What was she thinking?
ReplyDeleteHer Canadian wardrobe was so well thought out. Seems she should visit us more often, that inspires her (and/or her team). And then rewear till the next visit ... :)
Royal fan in Northern Ontario
Since Her Majesty and the DoE were the hosts, would seem understood Kate would not want to outshine or seem in competition with QEII. She always looks lovely, appropriate, and happy. England is lucky to have her!
Delete22:19,
DeleteKate??? "anything but classy"???????
There goes that parallel universe thing again. We certainly can't be referring to the same Kate. Kate is the epitome of classy, and in the best way, always. That's who she is. She doesn't even have to try.
I think the dress is stunning on Kate. She definitely could have rocked the dress shown on the model also, albeit for another occasion.
ReplyDelete* The one with the ruffly back. Not the others.
DeleteI like the print of Kate's dress, but I don't think that length is doing her any favors. It'd have looked great knee length, or midi, but that weird ankle length I just do not like. Do love the red shoes though!
ReplyDeleteI also enjoy the color of the Queen's dress. She looks lovely.
What a lovely looking reception room. Queen Elizabeth looked beautiful. She is just amazing. Fun shot of Princess Anne, with her drink in hand. Wonder what was going through her mind. Very nice reception, and I thought everyone looked wonderful. The Duchess was elegant in the McQueen, loved her shoes, clutch, and hair. She is always very beautiful. And, she looked at ease. William and Harry were great too. All in all wish I could have been there. Ha!
ReplyDeleteWonderful to read about Kate's grandmother, and her work at Bletchley Park. Without her, and her twin, plus all the other people working to crack the codes, the war could have gone on far longer than it did. They saved thousands of lives.
DeleteI would like to see this dress from a full-front and full-back view, but from the shots posted so far, I love it! It's bold and beautiful. The length is lovely on Kate. The ted shoes and purse are great accessories. I agree with Barbara that if you are going to be the center of attention, like Michelle Obama (I am eager to see her last ((SOB!)) state dinner gown in a few hours), then go for bold. Unlike Barbara, I think this dress works that way. The unmatched seams don't bother me, but I understand the point that for that price and level of tailoring, maybe they should. Still, with that large of a print, it would take a lot of fabric to get it matched. It sounds like Charlotte is taking after her great-granny in more than looks if she is going to be a horsewoman :).
ReplyDeleteIt is on the diagonal. That is why the seams don't match. That is why it drapes so beautifully and has such graceful movement to it,
DeleteHave to say this is my favourite McQueen dress for some time on Kate. There was a time when bespoke McQueen outfits were stylish, simple and appropriate (the navy military coatdress, the blush pink lace shift dress, the pale pink maternity coat), but recently most of Kate's pieces from this brand have been edgier - it seems like she is being pushed to become a fashionista, when, for me, that is not her role. She needs to be smart, demure, stand out from the crowds in photos and try to avoid anything that might give her a wardrobe malfunction. Other than that, the focus should very much be on the causes she's helping. I'm afraid I loathed the red and white McQueen dress in Canada - I thought it was way too young for her and took far too much attention away from the engagements she was undertaking - and I didn't like the skulls dress at Wimbledon either. I guess I just feel that Kate is not a natural McQueen customer - she doesn't strike me as the kind of woman who would choose to wear skull prints or edgy styles if she had a free choice. Jenny Packham and Catherine Walker seem to be much more her natural style.
ReplyDeleteThis piece is at least getting back to something a bit more classical. I like the print very much and I like the dress much better than the fussier pinky purple one on Mental Health Day. I totally agree with other posters, though, that for this sort of money, the seams should be matched!
I'm not a fan of this dress at all on Kate. But I do absolutely agree with you a million percent that Kate doesn't make a good wearer of McQueen, apart from her wedding dress. The dresses that Sarah Burton designs have GOT to be styled appropriately - not styled as if they're being worn by a 60-year-old grandmother with matching court shoes and clutch and sedate pearls.
DeleteThe McQueen dresses absolutely overpower Kate, they wear her and she's lost against the design, pattern, etc.
Kate isn't an edgy dresser and it takes someone who is edgy, who's going to do a bit of a wild hairstyle or a funky shoe or a gigantic poppy earring, a bright red nail and pedicure, in order to stand up to the funky, powerful styles of McQueen.
I too see Kate as a natural Ralph Lauren, Michael Kors, Catherine Walker and Jenny Packham customer. She'd look great in the spare, slim, androgynous styles of Calvin Klein too.
Yes, so basically the "McQueen" style we love isn't really McQueen style. It's bespoke--stuff that just happened to be made by McQueen. Her previous (like maybe 2012?) era dresses were gorgeous! These later ones--dreadful. I do soooo appreciate her trying patterns though. However, there are better choices in her closet (repeats!!). I do appreciate the poppy pattern though. She always dresses for the events and I love that! I really don't like this dress at all though.
DeleteI love this dress on Kate and the occasion is perfect for it. It looks so bright and cheerful against all the plain navy of the athletes. All the tweets and reports I've seen from those who were there say that she looked amazing - even the Daily Mail said she was stunning. Sometimes photos don't do the subject justice.
ReplyDeleteLove the dress and the shoes. I think the length is lovely and I bet it has a very floaty movement. It seems a perfect choice for the event; not sure why people are commenting that it's not.
ReplyDelete23:33,
DeleteI think it is totally appropriate for the event also. I think she looks beautiful.
I agree! Totally appropriate, love the length, love her hair and most of all love those shoes!! It seems some folks want her to dress flashier, like a trashy kardashian or something. Kate is classic and beautiful and will withstand the test of time.
DeleteI love that fact that Kate is experimenting with new clothes and new style of clothes. Those red shoes are to die for. With the Holiday season coming up they would look perfect with a festive outfit. One question though, does Kate use Cambridge for her last name or does she use Windsor? I have always wanted to know. Also God Bless to those in North Carolina that was affected by the hurricane. You all are in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteIt depends, they have no proper last names so they choose what they want :P On french court documents she used Middleton (but since the woman keeps her maiden name in french law that is a bit off topic), she has been reported to put a product in a store down with the name "Mrs Cambridge", when going to a wedding their names have been "Mr & Mrs Wales" at times etc.
DeleteShe doesn't really have to use a last name. When they sign guest books and such it's just Catherine and William. William won't even need a passport when he is King.
DeleteThe family name for those without a title is Mountbatten-Windsor. William was William of Wales before he got his own title in the same way the children are of Cambridge. I think William probably chose to use Wales as surname in the armed forces to avoid both his title and M-W.
DeleteWhen he entered the military, Prince William was not yet Duke of Cambridge. Because he is in the direct line of succession, his official surname is Windsor. He and Harry both used Wales in the military, but I hink they were simply identifying their immediate family rather than avoiding anything. York and Wessex are used similarly.
Deleteoh i love the dress these a happy color for me I love the rose thing her majesty looks nice too what a stunning woman
ReplyDeleteI like the length and the drape of the dress; however, I'm never a huge fan of floral prints. However, this one is much edgier than Catherine's usual choices. If you look carefully, the three flowers are clustered in such a way as to suggest a skull. Nice!
ReplyDeleteOooohhh! Philly, I hadn't noticed that about the flower placement. Nice! Thank you for pointing that out.
DeleteOh dear - I think this dress is dreadful!
ReplyDeleteI love reading incite from William or Kate into the personalities of their little ones. I have always seen Prince George as measured and serious--a thinker. Having seen more of Princess Charlotte on the last tour and now hearing about her from her mother, I think she is fiery and more of a risk-taker --perhaps, we can chalk this up to her age--children are fearless! But, maybe not--she likes what she likes and that is it.
ReplyDeleteThank you Charlotte for always keeping us up to speed on the Cambridges.
Thanks, Charlotte, for your outstanding coverage.
ReplyDeleteI'm not fond of this dress. I'm not sure what is wrong exactly but a few guesses: it's too long; everything interesting about the original dress from the collection has been "bespoked" out of Kate's version; it seems to swallow her up with the long sleeves, high neck and long skirt.
I like her clutch and shoes very much. I think Kate is tall enough to make a dress like this look quite stunning but with her hair down and the floaty fabric, the look seems to eat her up.
Also-her posture is just terrible. It's very obvious here. If she feels too tall when meeting groups of people, why not wear lower heels? It makes sense when her dress is long anyway and showing off her legs (I mean that as a compliment) is not a factor in the overall look.
Pippa is a ringer for Kate's grandmother. It's quite remarkable. It's nice to hear that Charlotte loves horses-I imagine the Queen is just thrilled. I think Charlotte looks remarkably like her Grandma, Carole Middleton, even her colouring is the same.
Nice to see them as I don't believe much is planned now-except for Remembrance Day.
Not a fan of this dress but a fan of all these royals together! Thanks again Charlotte!
ReplyDeleteI like the fabric but not the style of dress. I much prefer the original sleeveless version. Also, I note that Princess Anne is in trousers. Why doesn't Catherine avail herself of that option when the occasion allows?
ReplyDeleteI think that Anne dressed like the athletes, and not with the intention of dressing informally.
DeleteI thought it looked like a dressing gown.
ReplyDeleteKate reminds me of Amal Clooney in this outfit and all/ her face some what the daring/the slimness/Amal is a skinnier than Kate and w/o the sportive toned structure. I like the queen's blue, she also looks stylish. Old and new world PA stands on her own no matter what she dresses/may be I favor her since she reminds me of some people and times and the fact that she dares those horses, what she chose for her children and her work ethics She was pretty and humorous when she was young.
ReplyDeleteIn the 15th photo down, above where it says "More from the Mirror", William and Kate have their heads tilted at the same angle with the same expression, same smiles. They, as a married couple, are already starting to look like each other. lol
ReplyDeleteThat is a good thing, not bad, btw.
Yes, Anon 01:43, I thought the same thing :). I really think it shows their mutual affection and closeness. And I believe it's a great thing.
DeleteI'm going to be in the minority and I'm sure I'll get attacked for saying it but - not a fan of this frock.
ReplyDeleteI love the original dress. This prim and properified bespoke number is dull and dowdy and the print absolutely overpowers Kate, especially as she has it styled with the day shoes and matching clutch, hair hanging down, formal earrings.
I've also noticed - and I think several people have commented -that in different situations, especially when she's at engagements with the senior royals and the queen, Kate's posture is absolutely awful. She's slumping and rounding her shoulders in this, almost hunched over, she looks like she's just received a scolding from the headmistress!! It's like she's almost trying to shrink down or not be noticed or something. It's not every engagement that it happens but it does speak to a certain sense of insecurity on her part that's really a shame.
But as far as this dress goes, just not a fan.
McQueen's designs and fabrics are so funky and so powerful that they have to be styled to stand up to the design and the fabric and that styling NEVER happens with Kate, so they just look overpowering and awkward.
She's much more conservative and Packham, Lauren, Kors, Walker are so much more her style.
As far as the engagement itself goes, I love that Harry got down on his knees to admire the one Paralympian's gold medal. THAT is his mother, through and through and her wonderful common touch and connection with people!!
Love to see the queen wearing that blue number, she looks so stylish!
Guess you didnt read the other comments, you are not in the minority of putting this dress or kate down.
DeleteHer posture is fantastic. But, she is 5' 9". How can she talk to individuals with disabilities and shake their hands without dipping her head.
DeleteI think it is hard to judge the dress without seeing it from the front and back and how it might flow with her exquisite figure while walking.
Looking at Kate in photos next to others - the Obamas for instance and Prince Charles - when she was wearing lower heels - I don't think she is 5'9 despite press to that extent (if so, very strange because I'm 5'9 and next to my father the same height as William when I was wearing flats = I came up much higher. But she does wear very high heels and they look good with this dress. I love the red.
DeleteI like the dress but it is far too festive to have anything to do with Remembrance. Fine for a celebratory event like this. I think it might have made a wonderful sundress without the ruffles on the back and the high neck but it works with this design - but those seams don't seem right to me.
You'd think for what this dress cost, that they would at least match the pattern on the seam! I'm not loving the pattern in general though. She looks gorgeous as always, but the dress is a miss for me.
ReplyDeleteWhile the reviews on the blog here are mixed, I like this dress. It seems very Kate to me. I would prefer black accessories to make the print pop- I am thinking her strappy black sandals that she wore in India would look nice here. She likes flowy dresses for cocktail wear- look at her past in Issa. I would like to see the front- looks like a deep v neck from what I can see. Also reminds me of the dress (at least the silhouette) that she wore to meet the Obamas. I like the black and red versions of this print too- hope she ordered it in all colors!!!
ReplyDeleteI like this dress also. She looks great in this silhouette and the fabric moves beautifully with her. The dress has a certain hippie chic flavor about it. I agree about that black sandals and purse would have made the poppies pop :-) (sorry).
DeleteI actually love this dress.
DeleteThe Duchess of Cambridge is beautiful in those colors. She looks so happy and healthy! Her shoes and purse remind me of the Princess of Wales. Very feminine.
ReplyDeleteA bespoke designer dress with such sloppy tailoring and a weird length? She's not getting her money's worth!
ReplyDeleteI may be in the minority here. I love this dress, including the length, on Kate, and it is lovely to see the Queen in teal. She looks wonderful.
ReplyDeleteI think the flowers are poppies, and I understand their significance, but I wish they had remained on the wallpaper whence they came. This dress is beautifully designed and tailored. The print just doesn't look appropriate with the teams' dress and the Queen's elegant blue cocktail gown, even if she and Kate do tend to share patriotic colors. (Think the Chinese banquet.) The diagonal march of the poppies seems to have been more important to the designer than matching the seams, and yet none of that would matter if Kate's gown had been designed in a solid color. I love the sleeves and those red suede heels, and the style and length of the dress are perfect. Her hair is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteQuestion, did Teresa May need to pull her skirt above her knees to curtsy? Couldn't she have done a moderate curtsy with it at knee length? I do admire her shoes.
I am surprised by the questioning of Harry's going down on one knee to talk to the brilliant swimmer. She looked utterly delighted, and he seemed so very gallant.
I wondered that too about harry getting down to talk to her, I thought she did indeed look delighted and in the photo before that it looked like her neck would start to really hurt with all that tipping back and looking up. I didnt think it was that inappropriate, and agree with someone else who said it probably was quite loud in there and better to hear and have a conversation.
DeleteI didn't think it inappropriate. Actually, my first instinct would aalso have been to bend down. But I have been taught (and the general guidlines and etiquette) is to NOT bend down when talking to a little person because that is how you do when talking to children and it can be demeaning/infantalizing to the person. But I was not complaining, and the woman in question was delighted and got a hug from him. So I'm not putting down Harry. Just something that popped into my mind because I have been taught that it was a no-no.
DeleteRebecca, my view is that people stoop or bend with children to get at eye level to better communicate. I can't imagine that there is any demeaning or disrespect
Deleteinvolved. I'd be willing to bet that Harry was thinking, "I'm too big," not "She's too little." I don't doubt W&C would have been taken to task for it. It must be that double standard someone mentioned above.
Harry is a delight. He does seem spontaneous. There is, however, a fine line
between spontaneous and impulsive-which may be a reason why it would not set
well with British subjects for their future king to demonstrate impulsivity.
They may prefer a monarch who considers the implications.
Harry might have asked," Do you mind if I get in position to better hear you?"
He may have done. Ellie seemed fine with it.
2249, do you know why the British public would not accept a monarch with "impulsivity"? Not sure I would use the word to describe Harry's behavior in public; spontaneous is much better. As his mother could be quite spontaneous in public, and was very beloved, I'm not sure why you'd say that.
DeleteYou need to re-read my comment, this time the actual words I wrote.
Delete"Harry is a delight. He does seem spontaneous." I was referring to the heir, William's behavior-why he is expected to be more reserved.
I keep re-reading my comment. and your response....I'm not sure why you would
say that.
anon 22:49
My thought about this dress: it's really unflattering, I don't like it, maybe she chose it because Eugenie had to be at the event. Avoiding bad comparisons (bad for Eugenie).
ReplyDeleteI've been reading historical novels set in 1930s London and here comes Kate in a dress that could have fit any of the characters in the books! Love the elegance of this look though it could have been cut to allow the poppies to match at the seams better.
ReplyDeleteIt looks as if the sports teams had a wonderful time being honored by the royals.
My first thought on seeing the dress was: "dowdy". This just did not seem like the right thing to wear to an evening reception. A big flowered print. Maybe to an afternoon tea. And not even that attractive a print. Some commenters here have said "nightgown" McQueen itself said these prints are patterned after wallpaper. Who wants to wear wallpaper?! Kate is so beautiful, and yet so often she seems to have a miss on her outfits.
ReplyDeleteyo make me lauch eelady, that's right , who wants to wear wallpaper, and besides, oldy fruggy wall paper prints ? Kate seems to favorize '50 vintage prints and tailoring, I am not sure this matches with her rather classical look ....
DeleteCan someone explain the different looks to me: the Queen in a more blingy material, Princess Anne in a pantsuit, the Duchess in white and the PM in a business suit?
ReplyDeleteI believe Princess Anne wore her Olympics uniform. Otherwise, I have no idea why the various styles.
Delete@Victoria from North Carolina 23:33
ReplyDeleteI heard she uses Cambridge for the most part. As in if someone asked "hello may I have your first and last name" not that anyone would but you get my point lol. Same as I heard Sophie uses Wessex, Eugenie is York etc. Harry is wales but when he becomes a duke upon marriage I imagine he would use that as a lady name as well. They use whatever the place of title as their last name, But officially and technically all of their last names would be Mountbatten-Windsor. Which is Phillips, That's what I heard anyway but who knows if it's true, Maybe that's what they would do to differentiate they're last names. That's just my two cents anyway. lol
Hey everyone, who knows how or what this process is. Choosing a gown or attire for a particular event. We all certainly have commented and shared "thoughts" about the process. Is it a "Kate" thing, is it a "stylist", is it even "strategic". There has to be a mix in here right?
ReplyDeleteBottom line, isn't this about what Kate has chosen to wear and how well she has worn it? Example, I agree with many of the commenters, some sexy black strappy sandals would have been lovely with the Preen Red Dress in Canada.
I don't believe there's anything wrong with the dress. Noted, we haven't seen it from the front or the back - which would be nice. Regarding the tailoring on the side seams...how would that be possible when pieces are cut from size zero to 10 or 12? Do the sleeves line up - yes!
It's Alexander McQueen. I also feel that there is a difference in commenting on Kate's choice versus the designer's frock. If you don't don't like the McQueen style than direct your focus there.
I think Kate is buying from designers she chooses to support - i.e.: build relationships with - and uses them at the events she feels are most fitting.
But who knows. We're not in the inner circle - just admiring from the outside. And isn't she lovely - overall - in what she choses? Also, just because I'm frugal in my choices - yes, I own Jimmy Choos and Stuart Weitzman - there must also be an element of "I'll wear this again" into her choices. Thoughts?
Well said Elle.
DeleteMichelle Obama has gone couture and daring in her State Dinner gowns. They were all different and all very beautiful and dramatic. I hope we get to see a lot of that with Kate in the future, with someone helping her who KNOWS what they are doing. Kate is such a stunning beauty, if given the help that Michelle had Kate would make fashion history. She has the position and the role. Maximize it Kate and have FUN. Optimize fashion art and make history. Art history.
ReplyDeleteIm sorry, I feel that comparing The Future Queen of England with Michelle Obama's "daring" gowns is quite Ridiculous.
DeleteYES YES YES to every word Anon! And Michelle was an absolute GODDESS last night at a White House state dinner. The Italian presidents wife looked very nice too.
DeleteMichelle wore gold Versace for the last Obama State dinner, in honor of Italy.
DeleteStunning.
that's true, Michele and the italian lady looked like two glittering beautifull mermaids !
Delete16:35,
DeleteYou would not be happy at all then with Queen Elizabeth. In her younger years, she rocked MANY, MANY couture gowns just like Michelle. And no one thought it "ridiculous" at all. She was (is) beautiful.
Some of the current Queen of England's gowns were every bit as glamorous as Michelle Obama's. Queen Elizabeth was definitely high fashion when she was younger. So Kate can easily go high fashion also.
DeleteMichelle is the wife of a head of state, who was entertaining another head of state and his wife at a state dinner. She looked stunning, and the comment is not ridiculous at all. Michelle's position is similar to that of Letizia or Maxima. The difference is that her husband is also head of government. Obama and Renzi handled their governmental business during the day, and enjoyed the state event in the evening. Renzi made a very kind speech. It was the Obamas' last state dinner, and it was beautiful, as was Michelle.
DeleteTotally agree! Michelle has made phenomenal fashion choices and wears couture beautifully despite not being model sized like Kate is. Kate is quite beautiful and could benefit from being a bit more fashion forward and taking risks. Mrs. Obama is also well spoken, an excellent public speaker, and very smart and hard-working woman. Kate should look to her as an example beyond fashion as well.
DeleteOh dear God please don't Kate.
DeleteI actually did not like Michelle's dress at all. I also think she is very hit and miss on her fashion choices.I do not believe in comparing fashion choices. You have two women of very different ages and very very different positions and very different personalities.
Delete16:35
DeleteSaying Queen of England indicates that you are not British. Your characterization of the comparison as ridiculous therefore appears to be either anti-American or possibly an implied racial comment. Your comment has been disagreed with, but it goes beyond a fashion statement, and therefore it is inappropriate here.
21:00,
DeleteKate could emulate many of Michelle's attributes.
Michelle is definitely a good role model in many
ways. Good point.
03:53,
Deletehuh??? WHAT?????????
I am Canadian and I think Michelle Obama is fabulous! I like her dress sense and I so admire her strong but also gentle personality , her intelligence, her compassion and her wonderful public speaking skills. That said, it is not fair to say that Kate should look to Michelle for dress sense. They are different in age and body type. The writer above, who said Michelle's position is similar to Letizia or Maxima is so wrong. Both of those women are Queens in their countries. They hold that position until they die. Michelle, as lovely and gracious as she is, is the First Lady for eight years. After that, she is a private citizen, albeit a celebrated and famous one. I think many in the USA would love to have a royal family, but they are not a monarchy so that is not possible.
DeleteBonnie 05:38-gentle, thoughtful critique. Perhaps anon 14:33's thought was that Letizia and Maxima have husbands who have no say in government,although the women serve as
Deletefigureheads and national representatives. So during the time Michelle serves as First Lady, which is the time we are talking about, she does have a similar position, despite the difference in power of their husbands. If you agree that a Democratic republic is equivalent to a monarchy in import, you will consider the wives of the heads of State equal. If you feel a monarchy is somehow superior, then you might feel that the
spouses of their monarchs are more significant than the spouses of presidents.
Well, I thought MO's dress was more Hollywood red carpet than First Lady.
DeleteI've seen Letizia and Charlene in similar outfits.
DeleteIt was her last State dinner.
I think we can forgive her a bit of a fling. :)
Besides, she can carry it off. I agree-we're not likely to see Teresa May or
HM in such, although,in her early days, I think I remember a snazzy gold l'âme
gown on the Queen.
I am not a big fan of the dress. I'm not very keen on the print. Also, I believe strappy sandals would have worked better with the dress. Though lately, the Duchess has been experimenting with new styles and brands.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great event! The sportsmen and sportswomen must have been so excited... especially Ellie :) ! I love HM's dress, and the fact that there were so many members of the RF. I think it's really good that Kate is trying new styles although I didn't like the dress so much at first sight. How sweet to hear about Charlotte's loving riding :)
ReplyDeleteI don't care for the pattern on this dress and the mismatched seams just make it worse. Very surprising to see that from such a high end designer. I can remember an episode of Project Runway where a designer got chewed out by the judges for the same thing. I much prefer the pink flowers on the red background, not the style of that dress itself, but the fabric. I would have preferred a dress in that fabric, in a simple silhouette, with matched seams!
ReplyDeleteThis dress is wearing Kate, not the other way around - Great dress for a garden party since it is a spring/summer dress, not a fall/winter. For $3,000 I would expect the seams to match and the length to be correct - would look much better at knee length. Being that this is a spring dress, the red suede shoes and clutch are way too heavy for this. I realize Kate doesn't want to out shine the queen, but she has plenty of other cocktail dresses that would have looked better than this. Sophie is, by far, turning out to be the most stylish Royal. She takes chances, but she always looks elegant and put together.
ReplyDeleteHello Charlotte! I have posted in a while, I am always wanting to but never seem to find the time when I'm not working. I think if people would have saw a full front of the dress first, they would have liked it better. I saw a pic of it on WKW FB page, on the visitors side, and I though she looked very lovely in the dress. Someone mention if she wore strappy red heels, it would of looked better. Maybe, hey at least she is not wearing the beige shoes again!
ReplyDeleteI wish there was a picture of the Royal Family all together from the event, it would be even better if they all got a group picture with everyone there.
When I 1st saw Harry kneeling, I almost though it was William bc I swear I see a balding patch but oh well, I thought he was speaking with a child. IS it bad form to bend down to speak with a Little Person? Someone mentioned it was on a comment up top.
I hope Kate get some new dates added to her schedule soon...hopefully something with no William.
Melissa, I second that!!!
ReplyDeleteI had not noticed the flowers grouped as skulls until someone here mentioned it. Now I cannot stop seeing skulls. Bizarre! I agree that the dress is beautifully cut and draped on the bias. It is ankle length rather than midi. The silk fabric looks lovely. If only it were a solid fabric.
ReplyDeleteI don't agree that Kate's stance is a slump. She stands like a model. I love those red shoes! So much nicer than sandals with bare feet.
Ok, I must admit my strongest reaction today (apart from seeing HM which kinda always makes me BEAM instantly ;-)) )was to the photo with Harry going down on one knee to talk to Ellie Simmonds. My immediate reaction was "Wow, Harry, how COOL!", DIRECTLY followed by "Ooops, maybe not???". Harry is very tall and I´m sure he didn´t want to let Ellie feel he was literally "talking down" to her, plus, he obviously wanted to see her medals. But quite honestly, what is "the right thing to do" in this situation, especially for someone very tall? If there are any very small people here I would love to hear their opinion and how they feel in the presence of very tall people. Was he "doing the right thing" or rather "committing a "faux pas" "?
ReplyDeleteI did wonder too .... the way he is rather seems right for speaking to a child, but ... he is a very well manered man, and very thoughtfull too, he is used to the contact with handicaped and /or wounded persons, he did what he thught the best, from the heart !
DeleteI had the same thought. Harry was lovely not to look down on her and kneel. The thought that he made a mistake by that never crossed my mind. I am biased true and he is a great guy.
DeleteI am not a little person but I've worked with one. Generally, they don't want to be viewed any different, so the ideal behaviour is NOT to kneel, stoop or treat them like little children. That is the courtesy they prefer. Of course I'm sure Harry didn't mean to offend.
DeleteMelissa,
ReplyDeleteNo offense, but I do not like the way Sophie dresses. Between she and Anne, their outfits are usually frumpy and often weird. Although I like both ladies, particularly Anne, and think they do many good things for many people. That is what counts the most anyway.
I quite agree , Sophie does not choose her outfits properly regarding her body shape, but she does try to do good ! regarding Anne, she makes me laugh as she does not really seem to bother beeing elegant ! and that makes her very sympathetic, once for all she has decided to be like that, that makes her self confident . regarding Sophie I have been amazed byt her achievelment for the DoE award, she has been great !
DeleteWhy were the athletes not bowing and curtsying to William, Kate and Harry and the Queen?
ReplyDeleteNo one has to bow or curtsy if they don't want to. I saw a few small curtsies and bobs.
DeleteThey curtsied to the queen. But William, Kate and Harry have said they do not what a bunch of fan fare. If you noticed that many time neither of the three are curtsied to.
Deleteyeh. why didn't they curtsy or bow?
DeleteBecause they don't have to.
DeleteI LOVE LOVE LOVE the ruffly back version of this dress.
ReplyDeleteI didn't like the Kate Spade and I don't care for this one either. The seams don't match well and the print is cheap looking.....very odd choice. Everything else is great!
ReplyDeleteThe Duchess' hair looks so fantastic in these photos. The fabric of the dress looks divine, and I quite like the length. Not a very flattering print I would say. Someone else commented, it should stay on the wallpaper. While some have commented dowdy, I would say rather daring, but not quite pulled off, just simply because the print is so odd.
ReplyDeleteAs far as Kate's choices versus the designer's, the shoes don't really go with the flow of the dress. Cream or white sandals might have been better.
Thank you Charlotte for yet another great post. Always an enjoyable place to come to. It looked like the event was enjoyable for all, which is the most important thing. There is always a dichotomy as to what is the most important - event or fashion. It is the event first for me.
ReplyDeleteI will reserve comment on the McQueen until some more photos emerge of front and back views. I don't think the current photos do either Kate or the dress any favours, but they are tremendous photos giving the vibe of the event. There is an awful photo of Michelle Obama currently on the BBC and I am sure there are photos where she looks good in her gown. So how a photo is taken can alter opinion.
I have been interested in the comments on fall colours on the last few posts. The temperature in Spring and Autumn is similar so weight and colour should be the same. It made me think how much diurnal rhythm, earth rotation and light, passage of time and life and death feed into the comments on what is appropriate to wear at any time and how little ambient temperature is a factor and how little we actually think of the symbolism. We just think autumn clothes should be heavy darker colours and suede shoes.
On Princess Anne's choice of clothes. I presume, as befits her position as Patron, she was as the athletes were in her uniform.
I have always been annoyed with the "this is to springlike" comments (not just here. Generally, my whole life). For me, when it get's darker and everyone start dressing darker, I usually start dressing brighter. Because why make the world look even more depressing. But maybe that is because I get happy by colour. I cannot stand "seasonal rules" in clothing. Suede in summer, go for it. Florals in winter, go for it. Who cares? As long as you're cold/warm enough, I cannot fathom all this "pale blue is not an autumn colour".
DeleteI think she looks, her best, in Catherine Walker and Jenny Packman. I agree with most of the comments that this dress does nothing for her and also the nude pumps would have been a better choice.
ReplyDeleteOh please, the red pumps go so well with the dress. Enough with the nude. They are nice with some dresses, but not this one.
DeleteI agree, 03:38. The shoes made the dress.
DeleteI'm not a fan of the dress either. Too long and not youthful enough.
ReplyDeleteTotally agree either navy or red background with pink poppies would make me like it much better, I just don't like the print in those colors
ReplyDeleteWhat I think Kate cares about most is dressing in a pretty and feminine way for William. She connects that goal to the events they attend in color and pattern when she can. I think she dressed feminine and flirty for him with little sundresses at polo, etc. William's opionin is her first consideration. Yes, I know she "missed" it with the yellow dress.
ReplyDeleteVery busy here but glad to get a chance to finally comment. A lovely engagement - I enjoyed seeing so many members of the family together honouring these hard-working athletes. Harry does have a lovely spontaneous way with him - I don't think anyone would take offense. I like the queen in blue with one of my favourite brooches and it was wonderful seeing Philip looking so healthy - the same with Anne after she was recently ill - and looking so happy.
ReplyDeleteI don't really mind Kate's dress in theory - she can wear that length so well and it does make her look wonderfully slim. I will do her credit to say the poppies are simply a choice of the designer and don't represent anything more. Poppies are to honour the dead and this dress is far too bold for that. It is rather early for Poppy Day although people do start earlier and earlier. I believe Kate chose this dress because it looks well against the red carpet.
I agree with those who say Packham and Walker are much more consistent for Kate - Sarah Burton has done some fine things - especially for gowns but especially of late has been rather hit or miss. But I do have a grumble. I've been thrilled to see new things worn at home - I do feel that is very important and so often new things appeared mostly at tours - but there have been some strange issues with some of these clothes as to fit. The Kate Spade (which I thought very pretty and had a lovely flow) wanted a belt but it's off the peg so I don't really count it.
But there seemed no excuse for the issues on that otherwise lovely and appropriate blue suit that should have been a major win. I'm putting most of the blame on the people at Walker. I recall reading in the queen's dresser's (Angela Kelly) book that there are ways to tell if a fabric will crease by squeezing it and that was not done here for a suit they must have known would be worn on a plane. But strangest is that bunching in the back. Walker clothes always used to be lined with heavy silk and it would be difficult for anything to show through. That suit should have looked perfectly polished.
Macqueen never had that sort of reputation for perfection but there seems no excuse for those seams. (punning here) Yes, matching patterns is difficult but on a bespoke expensive dress it could have been matched much better. I once had a bespoke tartan dress done up and the seamstress took huge pains, using a toile (as Kate's designers surely do) to make sure the seams looks as matched as possible.
So I hope technical issues are addressed in the future amongst Kate's designers. I put far less blame on her although as a art history student, she should have an eye for these things. (Kelly claims the queen taught her that bit about squeezing fabric.) In the meantime, my recent favourite of these outfits is the Erdam coat which fit perfectly and was so appropriate to the occasion - I thought Kate looked fabulous that day and fabulous in it.
My mother taught me to squeeze fabric and then let it go to see if wrinkles remain. My mother was only a few years younger than the Queen Mother. This is not a new or novel trick. Therefore the Queen remembers it.
DeleteI agree that famous designers need to be more careful. The sleeve of Kate's blue suit shows a lining of substance. Why doesn't the back of the jacket?
At dinner we were discussing the failure of today's good restaurants to match soup spoons to the size of soup bowls - not to mention to what kind of soup is served. These practical old traditions seem to be disappearing!
I have to confess I'm bewildered by the negative reaction to this dress. Everyone is entitled to their opinions and I don't mind anyone stating it..I am just try to describe my own reaction of amazement and that I just keep looking back at these pictures to see if I am missing something? While its not something I'd ordinarily choose I think she looks ethereal in it and stunning. The colors suit her so well, at least in this lighting and I thought she looked great. I thought it an example of something that would look like "meh" on a hanger, but when you put it on (if you are lucky enough to have her figure and coloring) you'd go "wow!" Anyway...those are my comments. I also thought all of them looked very engaged and it seemed the athletes had a great time meeting them. So, that's great.
ReplyDeleteI agree!
DeleteAriagurl,
DeleteI had the same thoughts as you did about all of that and I also revisited the dress more than once to see what all the fuss was about and couldn't really find anything to complain about. I like the dress.
The scrutinizing of clothing, when did it begin and is it mainly a British thing?
ReplyDeleteI noticed in today's news here in the US that there was almost no mention of what Hillary Clinton wore in the debate last night or who designed it - or Donald Trump for that matter. Lol. I rarely ever read or hear about Ms Obama's clothing/designers and never hear about Mr Obama's. Does the UK only scrutinize what their future Queen's wear to this degree (Diana and Kate) or was this the case with Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, Queen Mary and Queen Alexandra or does it apply to the Prime Ministers too and if so, men and women equally?
As I write this I'm thinking of one possible response is that this is a blog that is half way dedicated to the style of Kate so maybe that's the only answer I need. :)
But, historically speaking, and with an innocent heart (lol) when did the intense scrutinization of famous British women's clothing begin? With Diana or before?
It's a London thing. London is one of the fashion capitals of the world and Londoners are incredibly stylish.
DeleteYes when the queen was younger, her clothes were much looked at but she was never seen as terribly fashionable. Her sister Margaret was the one who was watched enormously. I believe Queen Alexandra was thought of as very fashion influential - I'm not quite so sure about Mary but she certainly had a look. All royal ladies tend to have their looks examined - there are many blogs from hats to jewels that cover these.
DeleteDiana was able to move in a way beyond fashion although everyone continued to look at her clothes because of her work. Kate does not as yet have that kind of close and intense involvement with her work - in time, possibly that is what she will be known for more than her clothes - I hope so, but it's too soon to tell. That kind of work related attention comes from doing multiple engagements a week. Anne is now more known for her work but in her youth people looked at her style choices far more.
florida girl, I read an interview yesterday on http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2016/10/21/kate-middleton-princess-diana_n_12591536.html where one of Vogue's editors, Alexandra Shulman, said that Diana loved the 'celebrity' aspect of her "job" as a Royal whereas Kate is not that interested in clothes but does her bit--professional was the word that Shulman used. Shulman said that Kate is very likable, very easy--she didn't comment about what Diana was like except that somewhat cryptic comment about "high voltage celebrity."
DeleteWhen Michele Obama wore "that" dress to the State Dinner for the Italian President the other night, it was certainly publicized as have been several other of her outfits. I don't know if there is a blog out there that picks her fashion apart though--in the case of the Versace dress, whether her derriere was too prominent, whether the color too showy, etc., etc.... And I haven't a clue what she was wearing when she made her impassioned speech about women and this year's election--no one focused on her clothing, they focused on what she said.
No, scrutinizing of clothing doesn't apply equally to men and women except in the case of Maggie Thatcher--I can't remember ever seeing a description of Maggie "stunning everyone" in an outfit. It was more what she said, as is the case of Hillary and the Donald ;)
Maybe, as we see Kate attend events and HEAR more from Kate about her causes and hear from people describing their conversations with her, fashion may fade into the background ;) As it did with Diana in the last year of her life.
good question florida girl.
DeletePossibly it seems we saw less of Diana's high fashion her final years because the iconic
Deletephotos of the years after Charles remain of Diana in plain slacks outfit wearing
protective gear during a landmine project and Diana clad very simply holding a
sick baby.Even in those photos of Diana with Dodie in the hotel vestibule shortly before she was killed, she is
wearing a simple pant outfit, as I recall. I don't immediately recall any private conversations she had reported in the news during the final years. Since her death,
it seems many have remembered extensive conversations.
That Shulman story is recycled news and has been very loosley interpreted, according to a site's political leanings. In trying to run that story down I
stumbled upon a site that gave a quote from the DM about the story and presented it to appear as though the British Vogue head was being quoted. The comment section
proceeded with a feeding frenzy with Kate the main course. I was surprised to
see DK and another blog ridiculed in its support of Kate. That is the underside of the internet and demonstrates the attitudes that bring out the worst of human nature.
Catherine obviously does have a "close and intense involvement" with her children, however, who she and William have indicated are her main focus at this time. It isn't a matter of her accepting her royal role; she is already doing it.
DeleteInteresting points. Especially about how the clothing tends to become less of a focus as the person's work becomes more central to who they are.
DeleteI have to keep reminding myself that a) I am on a blog that is half dedicated to style and b) London is a fashion focused city.
I read a biography of Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire and her fashion was very much talked about and that was back in the 18th century!
I just thank god I'm not in their positions! While it might occasionally be fun to be photographed in a fabulous, bespoke outfit with sparkly jewelry and fantastic hairstyle while the whole world watches me shine, I would only want that once or twice a year and everyone to leave me be the rest of the time! But, that isn't the way it works! Lol
I think I enjoy the psychology and history behind people's reactions to fashion more than the fashion itself.
Plus, no matter how much any British royal in the past has ever been scrutinized, no one, in my opinion, has been more of a focus and target than Kate simply because of social media/internet. It has changed nearly every aspect of being a high profile royal lady. God help them in raising George and Charlotte in this climate. Especially Charlotte because she is a girl! Can you imagine the fashion-focused scrutiny a teenaged girl who's 4th in line to the British throne will have in today's internet world?!
Interesting and insightful remarks, florida girl @ 18:30.
DeleteI think the Cambridges must be very aware of what their children could face. That may be why they seem protective now and are doing what they can within the
confines of their roles to change that climate.
It will take all of us, working within our respective roles. Hate, envy, and
the headiness of being noticed on social media are powerful drugs and are quite
addictive. It may be easier to combat heroin addiction.
clarifying Kate's surname,
ReplyDeleteAccording to Wikipedia, "Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge", "as a titled royal, Catherine need not use a surname, but when one is used, it is Mountbatten-Windsor."
That is probably not accurate (no surprise coming from Wikipedia). As I understand it, Mountbatten-Windsor is allowed for royals descended from Prince Philip who are not in the direct line of succession. William is. He used William Wales in the military, and I believe he still does as a flier. But his official surname, and therefore Kate's, is Windsor. King George V so decreed during WWI, and the present Queen has confirmed it, except for the allowance of her husband's assumed surname, hyphenated with Windsor, for some of their descendants.
DeleteAlso, Kate's title is The Duchess of Cambridge.
DeleteHow lovely is this: it seems prior to the engagement at BP, Catherine and William presented awards, and met the BBC1 Teen Heroes at KP. Check out this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HmpGTvQSJck
ReplyDeleteCara, Australia
Thank you for posting that link Cara!! I almost missed that extra event; the video link shows how much W & K's support meant to those teens who are doing so much.
DeleteEven a mediocre seamstress would do a better side seam match of the print flowers, the flowers should be perfectly matched so that the design flow is imperceptible at the side seams and moves like one seamless beautiful skirt. For 3000+ $$$$. It is unforgivable to not cut the pattern using more fabric to match the seams. LENDA SUTTEN MSW. USA
ReplyDeleteMe too. Love the dress as presented by the designer, Kate's bespoke version, not so much. She'd look good in anything but this dress looks a bit mumsy and not terribly flattering to her figure. It overwhelms her.
ReplyDeleteAstonishing how much Kate resembles Valerie.
ReplyDeleteHi, This type of dress dress is high fashion and if worn and styled by a fashionable blogger it would look great. These long floral printed dresses are everywhere at the moment but they are usually styled with a caged strapped shoe or boots. I think Kate is trying to be on trend but she is just not that kind of dresser and she suits a more classic look. I'm personally not a fan of the white background on this dress, I think it might look well in the summer but for now it looks a bit cheap. I am fascinated by Kate , sometimes I think she looks amazing and then she chooses such strange random pieces. Her style is very inconsistent.Im sorry to compare her to Mary and Laeticia but they seem to be able to carry off whatever style they choose whereas Kate doesn't manage to do this.
ReplyDelete