Following a busy day in Stockholm with Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge spent their last evening in Sweden at a glamorous event at Fotografiska Gallery.
William and Kate travelled to Fotografiska by boat, allowing the couple to take in the beautiful views of Stockholm by night as they pass around the harbour.
The event was a celebration of contemporary culture with guests representing the worlds of music, film, television, theatre, tech, dance, art and sport, with live music, drinks and canapés.
An arrival video from Richard Palmer.
Royals reunited tonight at a reception for stars of Swedish film, music, the arts, and sport. pic.twitter.com/3QyrVnls3v— Richard Palmer (@RoyalReporter) January 31, 2018
When Kate saw Victoria she laughed and said "That was a quick change".
Located in the heart of Stockholm, the museum has an exhibition space of 2,500 square metres, and features four major exhibitions per year and approximately fifteen to twenty minor exhibitions. The museum's exhibitions are among the city’s most popular attractions. Contemporary photography is celebrated with photographers from all over the world showcasing their work. Since the grand opening in 2010, they have shown legends like Annie Leibovitz and David LaChapelle, as well as new photographers like Nick Brandt, Helena Blomqvist, Klara Kallstrom and Johan Wik.
Located in the heart of Stockholm, the museum has an exhibition space of 2,500 square metres, and features four major exhibitions per year and approximately fifteen to twenty minor exhibitions. The museum's exhibitions are among the city’s most popular attractions. Contemporary photography is celebrated with photographers from all over the world showcasing their work. Since the grand opening in 2010, they have shown legends like Annie Leibovitz and David LaChapelle, as well as new photographers like Nick Brandt, Helena Blomqvist, Klara Kallstrom and Johan Wik.
William, Kate, Victoria and Daniel posed for a photo.
At night, the gallery boasts glittering views over Stockholm.
Before the reception, the Duke and Duchess enjoyed a short tour of the gallery's latest exhibition by UK photographer Nick Veasey.
The exhibition titled 'Inside Out' is described by the gallery: "Seeing Beneath the Surface with Nick Veasey’s X-Ray Vision. Everything is stripped down to the bare bone, the raw metal or whichever components are included in the objects that are subjected to Nick Veasey’s X-rays. He captures everything from the beauty of Victorian clothes to the fragility of a flower, or, why not, the humorous fact that a host of well-known personalities share the same skeleton? Embark on an exciting journey..."
The exhibition titled 'Inside Out' is described by the gallery: "Seeing Beneath the Surface with Nick Veasey’s X-Ray Vision. Everything is stripped down to the bare bone, the raw metal or whichever components are included in the objects that are subjected to Nick Veasey’s X-rays. He captures everything from the beauty of Victorian clothes to the fragility of a flower, or, why not, the humorous fact that a host of well-known personalities share the same skeleton? Embark on an exciting journey..."
British photographer Veasey is primarily known for creating his work using X-ray imaging. Speaking about 'Inside Out' he said:
"I want my images to make people sit up and take notice. I want to reach out to the viewer. My starting point is that we are all essentially the same from the inside out, which X-ray photography demonstrates. I’m convinced that there is more that unites us than divides us. That’s why every human body in my photographs is represented by the same skeleton, regardless of what attributes I add to the image."
According to Veasey, we should question our obsession with superficiality. His X-ray images are a way of posing this question.
We know Kate enjoys photography immensely and takes beautiful photos of her children. It turns out Kate takes photos of George and Charlotte every day, as William revealed whilst talking to Nick Veasey.
More from the Mail:
The Duchess meeting guests.
'Nick said later: 'We had a conversation about ultrasound, because she has been having scans while she is pregnant, and I told her that I'm inspired by the work of radiographers. She was really interested and she's a passionate photographer. William said that she takes pictures of her children every day.'
Meanwhile William admired tattoo artist Jesper Lagergren's inkings, joking that he might even get one himself. He said "they are cool tattoos" and he asked how many I have, but I wasn't able to answer because I don't know,' said Jasper, whose head is covered in ink. 'I said if he was interested I could fit him in tomorrow and he joked that he might get a tattoo of the Swedish flag.'
William and Victoria chatting with guests.
'In the past two days, Catherine and I have also explored some of the many scientific partnerships between the UK and Sweden that make our lives longer, healthier and more productive. It was a privilege to learn more about how the legacy of Alfred Nobel is used to celebrate the very best of humanity in science and the arts. Our visit to the Karolinska Institute was a particular highlight – a world-class centre of learning, which has developed extraordinary insight into the science underpinning our mental health.
We have learned about the extraordinary contribution Swedish design and fashion has made to the world. I am very pleased we were able to launch a programme that links young architects and designers from our two countries to develop creative ideas for affordable, sustainable, safe housing.
Tomorrow, we are looking forward to meeting representatives of Sweden’s armed forces. There is a Swedish saying that I won't attempt to say in Swedish but which translates in English something like, "It matters to you, too, when a neighbour's wall is on fire." Your security concerns are ours, and it is hugely important that we continue to work ever more closely together to reduce threats.
Great things happen when we work together. Indeed this very special place where we are this evening will bring a great new addition to the London arts scene when it opens a sister museum there later this year.
We have encountered a wonderfully warm welcome. We are particularly grateful for the hospitality of Their Majesties The King and Queen, and of Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel. We have been very fortunate to have spent much of the past two days in their welcoming company, including at their home in Haga. Thank you for making us feel so welcome. We very much hope we will have the opportunity to repay your generosity in the United Kingdom soon.
Tonight is a celebration of energy, creativity, innovation and engagement in the world – all words we associate with both Britain and Sweden. Above all, tonight is a celebration of friendship. Thank you, all, for joining us.'
For the second night in a row, the Duchess selected a dress by Erdem. I'm predicting it's going to be more popular than last night's choice :)
Kate wore the Christina Devore Velvet Midi Dress (with thanks to the talented HeavenQRF for her lightning fast ID). The 'petrol blue' dress features a mock neckline, long sleeves with flared cuffs, banded waist, A-line silhouette, flounced hem and nude silk crepe de chine lining.
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| Erdem |
Browns Fashion described the dress:
'This blue Erdem 'Christina' silk and velvet dress is giving us all the Victorian feels – but apart from corsets and crinolines to portray your affluent stature, it's our friend Mr Moralioglu's luxury design and fabrics that suggest you live a high-flying lifestyle. Each style has been crafted in the UK from a mid-weight cotton-blend velvet-devoré fabric and boasts a floral print design and features a high neck, long sleeves with flared cuffs, fluted waistline with fitted bodice, fluted godet hemline inserts and a centre-back concealed zip and two button fastening.'
The Christina is from the AW17 Collection.
A closer look at the floral print.
The Duchess wore a black coat by well-known Swedish designer Ida Sjöstedt. Ida graduated from London’s University of Westminster in the year 2000, and set up her own label in Stockholm the following year. Since then she has become one of Sweden’s most popular designers, combining ready to wear collections with couture dresses. The Swedish royal ladies adore her designs and are regularly photographed wearing them. Yesterday, Victoria wore a floral print dress and coat by the designer. Middleton Maven noted it appears Kate's coat is from the A/W 2018 Collection.
Kate accessorised the coat with her Troy London faux fur collar and faux fur cuffs from yesterday.
Kate wore her Gianvito Rossi Ankle Strap Suede D'orsay Pumps. The pumps are described: "These Gianvito Rossi pumps demonstrate traditional Italian craftsmanship and designs in a d’Orsay silhouette. Softly structured from black suede, pointed-toe pair is finished with a buckle ankle strap for a slender sculpt."
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| Gianvito Rossi |
Madhu identified Kate's new earrings as the Robinson Pelham Aspen earrings from the Oxygen collection. The £4,000 earrings are set with white diamonds in 18ct gold.
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| Robinson Pelham |
A closer look at the earrings on Kate.
Tomorrow the tour moves to Norway. A look at the itinerary:
Thursday, 1 February, Oslo -
- William and Kate will depart Sweden for Norway from Uppsala Airbase. Prior to their departure, The Duke and Duchess will receive a short briefing on the Swedish Armed Forces' operational capabilities, before viewing some of the Gripen aircraft of the type deployed by Sweden as its commitment to the Joint Expeditionary Force.
- The Duke and Duchess will land in Norway at Oslo Gardermoen Airport in the late morning, where they will be met by Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit. From there, Their Royal Highnesses will travel directly to the Royal Palace, where The Duke and Duchess will stay at the invitation of King Harald and Queen Sonja.
- On arrival at the Royal Palace, The Duke and Duchess will be officially welcomed to Norway by The King and Queen by way of a luncheon, which will also be attended by other members of The Royal Family. Following this, The Cambridges will visit the Princess Ingrid Alexandra Sculpture Park within the Palace Gardens, which opened last year in the name of Princess Ingrid Alexandra to mark the 25th anniversary of The King's reign. The sculptures, of which there are now four, are designed by and for children, through cartoon competitions in schools across the country. During this visit, The Duke and Duchess will have the opportunity to meet members of the public gathered in the park.
- Later that afternoon, The Duke and Duchess, accompanied by Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit, will attend an event held at MESH, a co-working space for entrepreneurs and start-up companies to grow their businesses and thrive in a creative environment. Encouraging entrepreneurship and innovation are high priorities for Norway and the UK, with plenty of exciting collaboration across the North Sea. Their Royal Highnesses will meet a number of Norwegian and UK companies based at MESH showcasing their work, and will see how some start-ups are tackling issues such as the environment, and mental health and wellbeing, in new and engaging ways.
- That evening, The Duke and Duchess have been invited by Their Majesties to an official dinner in their honour at the Royal Palace. The dinner will be attended by members of government, leaders in business and those from the Norwegian creative industries. There will also be serving members and veterans from the Norwegian Armed Forces, who will be introduced to Their Royal Highnesses. Both King Harald and The Duke will speak at the dinner.
Earlier today William and Kate carried out several engagements in Stockholm before joining Victoria, Daniel and their children for tea at Haga Palace. Click here to view the post!
Did you enjoy William and Kate's two-day visit to Sweden? What were the highlights for you?
So fun to see the royals together so much! They seem to have a splendid time!
ReplyDeleteI like the dress. It seems so comfortable and cozy but still dressy and the hair is nice. Works well with the bump as well! The fabric looks luscious and velvet is a trend that I can get very much behind! I like how Kate and Victorias looks kind of "mimic" eachother with the high neck and bun but still very much are within their own different styles!
Looking forward to better pictures!
Kate’s hair and make-up are lovely. But the dress....another high-neck Edwardian bedspread fabric. I like the color, but that’s about it. The coat she arrived in is fantastic! Hoping for better views of that.
DeleteI suppose that Kate and I share a liking for that kind of high neck. I cannot wear it because it doesn't fit my face shape or body type but I'm often drawn to the pieces and Kate looks very nice in it, I think :)
DeleteI like it too. Comfortable and cosy works well for someone 6 months pregnant. She looks elegant with the hair and accessories as well.
DeleteThe coat is lovely. The dress hmmm...I didn't much care for the shoes the first time around. I continue to be confused by what message Kate is saying in her evening choices. Disappointed once again this evening.
DeleteJust from the video I can tell this fares much better than last night's gold dress! Unsure about the high neckline and intrigued about the pattern/overlay, but we can count on a shade of blue to flatter her hair and eyes. Her hair looks particularly gorgeous - and I think I spy a sparkly silver barette in the back? She has thin dangly earrings on - perhaps the Queen's diamond chandelier earrings?
ReplyDeleteVictoria looks beautiful too; red really works with her dark hair. I'm guessing she's wearing a pencil skirt and - hopefully - some snappy shoes.
Looking forward to reading your full report. Thank you for all your hard work :)
Thank you so very much for fantastic tour coverage!
ReplyDeleteMuch better than last night!
ReplyDeleteAnything would be better than last night’s, lol.
DeleteBut not this. (sorry)
DeleteI predict this will be another dress lost in the closet never to be seen again.
DeleteOoooh, I like Kate's dress. When I first read Erdem, I admit to cringing..... but I like this pattern (again reminding me of Swedish Folk Art & Pottery) & I really like the flow at the bottom of the dress. Thank goodness no dust ruffle! :) I love the reaction when Kate turned around surprised & joked as she warmly greeted their new friends Victoria & Daniel. :)
ReplyDeleteI think she looks stunning again... but waiting for that avalanche of "Erdem" comments... LOL
ReplyDeleteShe does! Another fantastic dress
DeleteHa! :)
DeleteI really like the dress. The material (I've always loved velvet), colour, pattern... Kate looks beautiful in it - blue really suits her! (as if we hadn't known... :) )
DeleteLove the interaction between the Cambridges and the Swedish royal couple.
I just noticed that my "Ha" above seems a bit random? I was reacting to Mr. D. awaiting for the avalanche of "Erdem" comments & I do not disappoint. lol :)
DeleteGosh, when you posted "Erdem" I was scared of another controversial fashion. However I see that this dress will be well liked....I think. Lol
ReplyDeleteAnnette, just like me!
DeleteI think anything would be considered well-liked after last night's gown haha
DeleteThe color of this dress looks great on Kate, as does the fabric, but that's where the positives end for me.
This dress looks lovely, even in the dim video. Far better than last night's!
ReplyDeleteYes this dress is simply lovely!! I love the print and the color of this dress,,its a very royal blue.Yes this dress is far better than last night's dress!
DeleteI adore Kate and always will. I never comment on her fashion choices because I firmly believe she is entitled to wear what she likes and thinks is appropriate for each occasion. But, since I'm only human, I cannot help myself this time: Erdem, again? I simply cannot fathom what is the attraction Kate and other ladies have toward the fashion of Erdem Moralioglu. To me, it's a total mystery. But, even wearing Erdem, I think Kate is enchanting.
ReplyDeleteHaha, I have to agree. As you said, their choice. And while Erdem has made some stunning stuff I cannot myself understand the amount of people buying so much of their stuff. Maybe they have great staff? Or (the more likely explanation) people have different taste than me.
DeleteI disagree as Kate's tour clothes are indirectly subsidised by the public through the Duchy of Cornwall - not to get into an argument over the public/private aspect of that but just to say the prince is allowed tax relief for 'public' expenses such as Kate's tour clothes. Further, she is on tour to represent her nation and to encourage trade, including in fashion.
DeleteSo we are relying on Kate's good taste and diplomatic choices for her representation. We have no say except in our comments but it's not a completely private wear-and-spend what you like choice either.
I too am not overall a fan of Erdam even though I have liked some of their designs for Kate.
This dress is better because the blue colour is flattering but it is very of the moment and won't hold as a classic, a bit ironic when viewing an exhibit on superficiality! I do love her black coat - especially minus the fake fur - that is a look that will last and give much use.
This pattern is very pretty. I am just not a fan of Erdem. The structure of the dresses are not pretty.
ReplyDeleteFirst look tells me it's not as bad as last night, but I don't think that would be possible. Looks like Kate is again wearing a belt (?). Yesterday's commenters who said she needs to stop belting things during pregnancy are correct. I really feel like Kate has lost her touch with fashion. I'm very disappointed.
ReplyDeleteReally? I was so happy to see that this was "belted" (It's not a belt, it's part of the dress) because it accentuates the bump and I find that very pretty and while I like the A-line looks she favours when pregnant I was glad to see a look that accentuate more.
DeleteI don't mind this type of "belt" because it just add much needed definition. Without that definition it would look like the maternity frocks my mum wore when she was pregnant with me. She used to joke she go them from a tent maker. I can do without the looks where she adds a random belt that isn't cohesive with the look or pieces at all though.
DeleteI would love to hear their full conversations. Does anyone know of any book that covers the art of conversation (including how to maneuver through rude questions and comments)? One could benefit from it in any social situation, particularly in environments in which we deal with coarse manners from other people. I have some canned, diplomatic replies I’ve been taught, but it would be helpful to see the topic fully covered somewhere.
ReplyDelete:)
DeleteWell it's an improvement on last night's (which wouldn't be too difficult!), but from the still pictures I've seen from tonight I'm afraid this is another huge miss for me.
ReplyDeleteI don't know how any designer can take a dreamy fabric like blue velvet, which should look stunning on someone as beautiful as Kate, and make it into something so frumpy. Something about the midi length of this dress paired with the ankle strap of the shoes is just cutting her shape in all the wrong places for me. When I think back to the gorgeous blue velvet evening gowns worn by Diana back in the day and compare them to this I could weep. I'm rapidly beginning to concur with some other posters - I wish she would stop wearing Erdem (at least off-the-peg pieces - some of the bespoke stuff has been quite nice over the years).
On a positive note, I adored the coat by the Swedish designer she was wearing - incredibly chic! This is one occasion when I very much wish she'd kept the coat on indoors!
I think the sleeves are one of the problems with both dresses. They are so loose that they just add more volume on top of the flouncy, ruffled, high necked styles. I never would have liked the dresses, but with fitted sleeves I think I would have hated them 20% less and tonight's dress might have made it into neutral territory for me.
DeleteHihi, anon 20:49, when I read your comment I got this odd "phrase" in my head. Kind of like a commercial.
DeleteSlimmed Sleeves - Now 20% less hate!
Too funny, Rebecca!
Delete-Anon 20:49
So refreshing to see how any valid critique is now referred to as "hate".
DeleteNOT.
Uh-oh, more controversy! In the first pictures, Kate looks beautiful. Is she wearing a messy bun? At any rate the color of blue is lovely.
ReplyDeleteI agree Tedi, Kate looks beautiful and the color of blue is perfect for her. I personally like the dress and can't wait to see it with the coat, looks perfect for a midnight Swedish boat ride in the harbor. Loved that she picked a Swedish designer and accented it with her faux fur pieces. I like her hair and it looks like new earrings?? cc
DeleteThe earrings are beautiful CeCe, and I don't remember seeing them before. Kate looks gorgeous in the pictures, and while I am not a fan of midi length dresses, the fabric and color are lovely.
DeleteI noticed the messy bun as well! Not my favorite dress, but it's not that bad.
DeleteAgreed! I still think the patterns of both of the evening dresses seem like a nod to Scandinavian Folk Art. I had a Swedish friend growing up & I remember her mother had the whole house, including the kitchen & pottery all versions of Blue & White. It was stunning & her Mom said it was a nod to her home country. That's my hunch behind the 2 evening choices. Just my hunch.
DeleteThanks, Charlotte. Saving my opinion of the dress until I can see more detail. Looking forward to more pictures.
ReplyDeleteLove the coverage Charlotte. Do not love this dress either. I loved the 70’s as it was my teen years, and these styles are reminiscent, but something about Erdem is off for me.
ReplyDeleteThis dress is luxuriously gorgeous. Nice choice of shoes as well, and her hair is beautiful tonight! I didn't dislike last night's Erdem as passionately as many other readers, I simply thought it didn't look well as maternity wear. Perhaps at another time it would've fared better. Oh well, she took a fashion risk that didn't work.
ReplyDeleteI don't see why Kate likes Erdem. The clothes are so frumpy. I am actually surprised anyone buys their clothes. I wish Kate had worn some lovely maternity evening dresses. I don't get her aversion to maternity wear. Every time she wears maternity they look better
ReplyDelete-CuriousKat
Kate looks lovely tonight. The velvet fabric is soft, warm and the color is rich. As Becca said, if there's a tie here to Swedish folk art it's even lovelier.
ReplyDeleteHer hair up with the modern earrings - has she worn them before? - is striking. And I would love to see photos of her in that beautiful black coat I love it. Kate, please wear it again before you go on maternity leave.
Can't wait to see more and read more comments.
Elle, I agree with everything you said. I don't want to ask more of Charlotte, but I'm so curious to see her in the black coat. I'm curious about the earrings too. :)
DeleteBecca, the coat didn't disappoint! It's lovely, isn't it?
DeleteOoooh! Now that I see the fabric, the lines & flow of the design, I love it! Absolutely Beautiful! I especially like the solid band at the bottom & the lines of the sleeves. Lovely! I really like the coat as well! I wonder if that's also in velvet? What a lovely evening coat! I can't believe their visit to Sweden & time spent with Victoria & Daniel is almost coming to an close! :( Hopefully there will be many more visits in the not too distant future for the 2 couples, either public or private! :)
ReplyDeleteBecca, thankfully someone else is enjoying her look tonight. And I am excited to see the coat - it's lovely. IMHO - she is chic from head to toe (Kate wears ankle strap shoes better than most).
DeleteShe doesn't have the coat buttoned so maybe she'll be able to wear it sans-pregnancy? I just hate to not see repeats of the style I love seeing.
Thx Elle, it's nice to know I'm not flying solo tonight! :) I too hope & think we might be able to see this new black coat sans pregnancy! It really is a beauty. :)
DeleteI usually like Kate's style very much, but not during this tour. Yesterday I thought the golden dress is the worst I've ever saw. Well... I was wrong. This one is even worse!
ReplyDeleteI agree with you..
DeleteI agree
DeleteI like the dress. I think it's a nice choice for wintery Sweden. I love the Ida Sjöstedt coat - I looked up her website after seeing Victoria's coat yesterday and I absolutely love her designs! I don't like Kate's added fur collar and cuffs here though, I think the coat looks much better on it's own.
ReplyDeleteJaime.😊 not pretty to say the least. LOL
ReplyDeleteThe model shown in Kate’s dress sums up my feelings about this dress perfectly. Very austere hair, pale face, glum expression and militant scrappy heels.
School marm gone bad.
Surfer girl, I used to be a school marm. When I went bad it most certainly wasn't in this direction. There are much better ways to be bad. I dare say there are better ways to be bad even when royal and pregnant (which I wouldn't know about though I could make the effort.)
DeleteNow that would be an interesting Style the Duchess post: royal, pregnant and bad (in an audacious, creative or outre ways) that would suit her perfectly.
Our frustrated stylists might love that challenge. Are you game, Charlotte? For fun, in a slack season.
SMH
Ugh, Erdem! This is hideous! Almost as bad at the gold dress from yesterday! I wish I could say I liked the brand but I have not liked a single Erdem dress that she has worn. She looks so frumpy and matronly lately, What is happening Kate?!?!
ReplyDeleteWhat is going on with the Wardrobe on this trip?! Let's ditch the Erdem collection and move back to what works on the Dutchess. The agenda seems to be perfect for the Royal couple and I'm glad to see they're having such a lovely time. But we need to get the Dutchess into a wardrobe that is befitting her status.
ReplyDeleteHow is this not befitting her status? Like it or not, that is totally fair enough. We all have different tastes and it would be terribly boring otherwise. But surely there is nothing "Unbefitting her status" with this?
DeleteI just don't think that she looks elegant in the evening clothes on this trip. She doesn't look like a Dutchess. I find the clothes make her look frumpy. But, like you say, my opinion and not necessarily shared by all.
DeleteI agree with you Rebecca. I think she has dressed befitting her status...no matter what we might think. It seems so many think she is not capable of dressing herself and that her stylists just put her in any old thing. I think Catherine dresses like Catherine wants to dress and maybe this pregnancy she is all about feminine, flowing, and different than her normal "uniform". I think if she did not like something she would not wear it.
DeleteWhat is the fascination with Erdem? His clothing is frumpy, gaudy, busy. I just do not understand the upper class, privileged women that love to wear his designs. Meghan Markle has been wearing his clothes for several years also.
DeleteI would say 80% agree with Vicky, but just a guess.
DeleteGreat daytime choices. No comments For the evening gowns.
ReplyDeleteI don't like this Erdem either, I have no idea why she just can't wear maternity wear. With the amount of money she spent on these Erdem monstrosities, she could easily buy a proper dress and if she does not want to wear it again, she could give it to one of the charities for auction.
ReplyDeleteAnd I am not digging Victoria's style either. She is usually so put together and well dressed. She left me unimpressed during these 2 days.
I actually like Victoria's look tonight, but I agree with you about the Erdem choices. They've been altogether too fussy and frumpy.
DeleteI agree Anett about Victoria, and her hair just look the same to me, day and night. I was hhopin for something more. Anyway the ladies are both beautiful as usual.
DeleteSilvia
This is better than yesterday, but the pattern is still rather...busy...and that flounce at the bottom is certainly interesting. I guess Kate likes this style! I do love her hair and jewelry with the velvet texture.
ReplyDeleteVictoria looks just lovely, Kate a bit tired. But I love the Erdem dress! It looks very comfy and cuddly. Perhaps just what is needed for Kate right now.
ReplyDeleteIt's interesting that Kate & Victoria both chose a high mock neckline. You really notice it in the photo of them standing together in the gallery, listening to someone speaking to them. Kate in Navy Blue & Victoria in Bright Red. Also the juxtaposition of their sleeves. Kate's slender up top & ending up in a bell opening. Victoria's start Wide on top abruptly brought down to a slender sleeve. Intriguing. Both look lovely. :)
ReplyDeleteI don't like the pattern at all, or the midi length, I don't like midi dresses on anyone though! The bottom is odd, But I love the color! It is a million times better than last night, in my opinion so it's a win for me lol. I wish we could see pictures of her coat and cuffs, I think that would look beautiful together! Like the color of Victoria's top but I don't love how it fits her, the sleeves I think are throwing me off! Wish we could see Victoria's shoes, I don't like the shoes Kate chose for tonight, not because of the outfit, just don't like the shoes themselves. Plus with a midi length, I dont think you should chose shoes with straps, since it's sort of already cutting you mid length, if that makes sense haha
ReplyDeleteHaha, I'm the opposite. I do like these shoes but not with this outfit :P
DeleteHaha how funny, hey? Different tastes! :) I do love her earrings, earlier when I commented there weren't any close ups! Love them! They remind me of crown princess Mary's yellow gold ones, that have a similar shape! I also like those haha :)
DeleteNow she looks like a duchess! Well done!!
ReplyDelete+1 :)
DeleteI agree. She looks beautiful and comfortable...in clothes she likes. Too bad so many want her to dress as they think she should dress. She likes these types of dresses, does not necessarily need to wear maternity clothes, and definitely does not wear pant suits like other royals. We have been watching her for lots of years now and we know this and still it seems to revert to the same comments. It is a shame because she is getting very good at representing the UK no matter what she wears.
DeleteAs I mentioned above, Kate is representing her nation and her clothes for tours are treated as such for tax purposes, so it's not a case of wearing what she wants. Ideally, her clothes should encourage the fashion industry. All of us who work or have worked have fashion restrictions placed on us and Kate is the same - she is there as a working woman, not on a jolly holiday - so I feel comments are completely appropriate if we feel she is making poor choices because it is not just about what she likes or doesn't like - she is creating a public image.
DeleteI don't think comments are the same because each tour has been different - and some more successful than others from a fashion point of view. I don't think this tour so far will rank as an overall success fashion-wise.
As for wearing maternity clothes - I'm fine if she doesn't want to, but that first Erdem dress did nothing for someone who's pregnant.
Personally, I'm not wild about this blue dress although it is better than the predecessor, both in colour and fit - I'm not wild about Victoria's look either - the red top and the boots - her looks have been all over the place. I suppose she was trying to be outre.
Definitely better than the yesterday one! But...why select the same designer (and a similar type of dress) two days in a row? However, like that she chose, as she usually does on tours a Swedish designer for the coat.
ReplyDeleteCould it be easier with fittings and contacts to keep the number of different sources to a minimum? Especially when pregnant and final alterations might be needed close to the tour. No clue if this is true, but just a thought that popped in to my mind.
DeleteThat's odd to me too. She usually mixes it up on tours. Surely there is a Swedish evening gown designer she could have worn.
DeleteClothes are harder to pick when you're pregnant. Many of them require to be altered. My guess is for convenience, her team stuck to a few designers who altered the clothes to fit her current measurements. Makes perfect sense to me. Comfort and convenience are so much more important for a woman this late into her pregnancy.
DeleteSuzie that does make sense but I have assumed that at this point Kate has an excellent seamstress on call for her final fittings. But who knows.
DeleteBoth women look beautiful tonight! I've enjoyed watching Kate and Victoria interact with each other. It will be fun to watch the four of them at royal visits in the coming years.
ReplyDeleteI have felt the same way & look forward to the couples interactions in years to come. :)
DeleteJust as awful as last night’s Erdem. What a disappointment.
ReplyDeleteOh my, Erdem again. I just don't get it. The only Erdem dress I have seen that I didn't consider completely hideous was the one Meghan wore to the wedding in Jamaica with Harry. Other than that--no!
ReplyDeleteBut we never saw it closeup, like these photos.
DeleteThere were lots of closeup shots and from different views, too.
DeleteAbsolutely none of the photos were closeup and focused like Kate's have all been. But I do agree the yellow dress was rather hideous. The blue was better but not flattering. Too much pattern for a pregnant body. If Kate can't look good in it noone can. The model wearing it on the runway is super thin and I can see why Kate/Natasha selected the dress, but with a pregnant belly it looks bad.
DeleteNot a fan of Erdem at all. This is better than last night, but....
ReplyDeleteWhat I don't understand at all is why Kate is not embracing maternity wear. There are some really beautiful things that you can wear while pregnant. They would have to be more comfortable than some of the things she's been wearing. Her body shape while pregnant is just beautiful, but she doesn't embrace it. It's almost like she wants to detract from it - shorter skirts, larger sizes that swamp her, etc. It must be hard to be in the public life and have everyone staring at your belly all the time, but good Lord the woman is beautiful and can just about wear anything - why not beautiful maternity wear? Very frustrating to watch.
Another interesting dress.I love her hair -simply but stunning.Coat and sandals are perfect.
ReplyDeleteKate shines in Sweden.
This dress I adore! But why not choose a Swedish designer, instead of Erdem? Still, I’m not sure that Kate does pregnancy fashion very well. Otherwise, they all look happy!
ReplyDeleteRoyal 👑 Watcher
Again Erdem and his curtain/lampshade aging dresses ..... and Kate had the dress shortened, and that's the top,of the miss !!!! I did like the coat and dress she wore this,morning, shoes and bag, it seemed to me quite a good matching , easy going and well,adapted to the situation .
ReplyDeleteBut for the evening ... it is said to be a glittering evening ... where is the glitter ? Remembering clothes Kate wore two or three years ago ..... what a pity ..... and definitely she would gain to wear maternity clothes now, that little blue dress she wore some days ago was perfect, not matronely at all, really interesting !
You know the old saying, if you don't have anything good to say, don't say anything at all? (silence) LOL
ReplyDeleteYes, that's why I've been keeping quiet the past two days (I was even quieter last night!).
DeleteGood idea Lonette vis a vis fashion but I have loved the tour events and the camaraderie that has been shown.
DeleteHmm...I do believe this web site and comments is so popular because people are interested in beautiful Kate, history and lots of fashion. If every comment repeated itself all saying the same thing there would be absolutely no point. We are all different, and it is okay not to like something. If we all had the same taste life would be very boring to say the least!. Thats why there is chocolate and vanilla!
DeleteMe too Jo. I always enjoy the events. Nice to see a fellow Arizonan in the group!
DeleteThat saying is a bad saying, Lonette. :-)
DeleteSometimes things need to be told.
Cannot say Im over the moon on this choice. Love the colour but its just not right. It reminds me a bit of a bedspread in a way. High neck, long sleeve and midi length just look a bit too dated. Love that Kate is trying different things but this is a fail for me.
ReplyDeleteAny idea of the earrings Kate has chosen?
Robinsion Pellham the earrings are.
DeleteNo clue on the earrings but I think I like them. They are large and substantial but so airy that they don't feel heavy. A good choice with this very heavy dress.
DeleteOh lord, Kate, what is your penchant for busy patterns, bell sleeves, high necks, midi length cuts, and dust ruffles all crammed together in one dress?? The color is much more suited to Kate's skin tone than that awful Erdem from last night, but I can't think that this flatters her much, either. I like velvet dresses but think this one is too fussy. Still, better than last night's. At least the blue softens her and her hair isn't so strictly pulled back.
ReplyDeleteVictoria, on the other hand, looks bomb! Fashion forward and chic! I love those shoulders.
I wonder how much more Erdem we'll be seeing. I honestly haven't ever liked anything from that designer.
I silently groaned when I saw it was Erdem again. I love the modest style Kate has but these dresses are terrible! I dislike the patterns. Like someone said it’s like a couch pattern! Her hair and makeup this trip have been great though!
ReplyDeleteErdem designs seem to have an earthy, hippy look, and it's not a look many women can pull off. You could see someone like Kate's friend, Rose Hanbury looking gorgeous in Erdem, but, for Kate it's not one of the designers she look her best in unfortunately. Hoping that she wears a Jenny Packham or Catherine Walker for tomorrow night's dinner in Norway :-)
ReplyDeleteI adore this look! I wasn't much of a fan of last night's dress, but this one works. Again it doesn't photograph well under low light, but with the videos, it's actually quite elegant. To those complaining about Kate's choices, remember that she is six months pregnant. At this stage she probably does not fit into majority of evening dresses. Comfort is also key in clothes, especially after a busy day. These factors are more important at this stage of the pregnancy, not just plain "what looks good."
ReplyDeleteLove the color and i can sort of see the appeal of tonight's dress, but I have to admit this one is MUCH worse than last night's. This one takes the cake at looking like an old couch/curtain print.Pregnant or not, Duchess Kate has a beautiful figure and well... can dress a bit better. Go Duchess for sticking your fashion neck out there. These have been some pretty bold choices. Loved CP Victoria's look tonight and loving how the royals seem to enjoy one another's company. Very warm presence.
ReplyDeleteI would like this dress if it were a few inches longer, hitting just where the calf tapers into the ankle. I was surprised to see her wearing the coat unbuttoned. Have we ever seen her anything but buttoned up? Maybe she had a growth spurt? It is a lovely coat. I feel like both Erdem dresses could have been improved with a scooped neck and a stunning necklace.
ReplyDeleteMy feeling is that Kate is trying to wear warm/warm looking dresses, to fit in with Sweden's colder climate.
ReplyDeleteShe is looking quite far along! I'm guessing it'll be an early to mid April baby.
This is much much better than last night and she does look lovely, but I am all for firing Erdem. The dresses always look like something one took out of great great great aunt Mathilda's old trunk in the attic.
ReplyDeleteI just cannot believe Kate wore two flops in a row!
ReplyDeleteI do love reading about other Royals though especially since I have been on a Nordic Noir reading frenzy.
I hate Erdem. It is awful. A velvet dress and a peplum at the bottom. Good god. Stop wearing this designer kate!!!
ReplyDeleteI was on board the Erdem crazy train yesterday, but jumped off today. I kept trying to like this dress, but failed in the end. Hair, makeup, shoes, and earrings are solid winners.
ReplyDeleteOur Kate is such a beauty...doesn’t matter what she wears. But Erdem does not seem to be cutting the mustard. Pun intended after last night’s dress. This blue dress is a lovely colour and the drapery style fabric would be quite nice for a house coat and slippers. The length of the dress is a problem — it is too short and this gives it a dirndl effect. It needs to be several inches longer, as the model is wearing it. Both gowns are a “no” from me.
ReplyDeleteI know not everyone here is a fan of Erdem, but Kate looked beautiful tonight regardless of what you think of the dress. I think it's a fine choice. It looks warm and comfortable. It flatters her bump, which is getting to be so big! When I was pregnant I know I wanted to wear sweatpants all day, so kudos to Kate for glamming up and doing her duties with much zeal and enthusiasm. I am glad they've spent significant time with Victoria and Daniel. May their friendship last a lifetime as both couples fulfill their destinies.
ReplyDeleteKeep shining, Kate!
Last night the drapes and tonight the sofa! Erdem should go in to home decor.
ReplyDeleteThis dress is better than last night's. I was thinking I hate Erdem until someone on here pointed out that Erdem looks better with a bold hairstyle, bold accessories, and bold makeup so now I'll rephrase to say Erdem is not for Kate.
However, no matter how bold a person wearing Erdem is decorated, I still believe a curtain rod would wear Erdem the best. :p
The Erdem model certainly does not have a bold hairstyle, accessories, or make-up. I wonder when some of these outfits were chosen--and whether for last November and a slightly pregnant or not pregnant figure?
DeleteYour post made me smile -! Agree with you
DeleteHaha Florida Girl, I love it!
DeleteRoyal 👑 Watcher
florida girl.😊 What did curtains rods ever do to you? :)
DeleteExactly what I thought. Kate is very elegant, no doubt about it. But her elegance and classy are much more related to her behavior than her fashion choices, usually to formal, age and sometime worst than this.
DeleteHa! Funny post. It's been tough seeing Kate in two rather cringeworthy outfits. So unlike her. The blue Erdem is just not suitable for pregnancy. Too much pattern and texture and an unflattering neckline. Curtains or throw pillows will make excellent use of both Erdem dresses. Really bad. Now the fur lined coat is gorgeous!
DeleteThis actually looks like a maternity dress. In the picture of Kate chatting with a drink in her hand, Kate and the dress look stunning!
ReplyDeleteKristine
I agree that this works very well as a maternity dress :)
DeleteI could get behind this with a more refined sleeve and if the band of plain blue fabric was cut off the bottom. I really don't like bell sleeves and adding them to a velvet dress with a fairly large print doesn't help. Erdem is very hit or miss for me - I loved the dresses she wore on her first trip to Canada and that black floral number she wore last year gave me heart palpitations. I thought that was the best she looked in a while/ever! I have a beautiful Erdem silk shirt that I found on consignment, so not everything they produce is terrible. The cost of these evening gowns is what's staggering and I don't think she's getting very good bang for her buck, especially if we never see them again.
ReplyDeleteI'm also not sure the earrings go with the dress. I think it's the shape that's off, but that's just my personal taste.
I also disagree with this being a "glittering" event. It's not overly glamorous looking.
Thank you for all your hard work Charlotte! Your reporting is spot on. While I appreciate the work they're doing and the relationships they're building, I come here for the fashion as that is my bit of frivolity from my working life. She has disappointed me lately and while I understand that her priorities have changed, I miss her fresh and vibrant style.
(I hope I don't offend anyone with my comments. I mean it with the utmost sincerity and come from a good place.)
Maybe Norway will be a little more exciting!
Erdem has a tendency to go a bit over the top. And that is part of their "appeal", I suppose. But many of the looks would look nicer if one element was removed. Last night, removing the ruffle by the buttons and the dustruffle would have made the dress better, tonight it would be better if it wasn't a ruffle as well. I can like the odd dustruffle here and there but generally they tend to be one step too far on Erdem designs.
DeleteHope springs eternal, Briggs.😊
DeleteBetter than yesterday but still not great. I loved both her day looks so so much, and the evenings were just a flop. I am never one to critique Kate for not taking enough risks- I love her classic, conservative style. Just goes to show, for me at least, I love classic "boring" Kate. I'm not sure about the new handled handbag trend she has going this trip- it feels a little too much like "Meghan's thing" for me, and I want Kate to stay our Kate. Others will likely disagree with me.
ReplyDeleteIv'e noticed Camilla has started using a handled bag also. I think Kate look beautiful and vintage inspired in both Erdem dresses. She is glowing and I do hope she is not over doing it on this trip
DeleteI agree! I love classic Kate. I think she looks great, but I wonder if in the evenings she has been trying to find dresses that distract from her pregnant body? Can’t be easy being pregnant on the world stage.
DeleteI think it is a beautiful dress and Kate looks wonderful. Love her new earrings. They are modern and beautifully made. I like the shoes. Love the coat but I would not have added the fake fur pieces. She may have done that in part to have the collar open? I do like that she did not button it up and the blue of the dress showed. No sure if she could have done that without the added fur piece. Her hair looked really great, I do not think she is using hairnets this trip.
ReplyDeleteNow this dress I can handle. I think it's very pretty, and it reminds me of Downton Abbey. I love those diamond earrings! It's interesting Kate chose the same designer two nights in a row. Last night just about killed me... that dress... I can't even. But all of tonight's elements - coat, dress, shoes, earrings - worked for me.
ReplyDeleteI like this dress a lot more than the one from last night. I love velvet, and I especially love this kind of lush patterned velvet. I do think this is a lovely dress, but that fact that it's not cut or draped for a pregnant woman's body makes it not look as good as it could. I feel like if it draped or flowed more over her belly, it would be that much more beautiful. I like form fitting maternity clothes too, but this particular fabric needs that flow and drape to really look its best. The earrings are gorgeous! She is also absolutely glowing and beautiful.
ReplyDeleteSurprising, I actually don't hate it. I don't think it's the best look for pregnant Kate(it doesn't make her look bad, but the dress seems to flow better without a bump involved). The color is divine and looks lovely and rich, with depth, which is to be expected with good velvet and midnight blue combined. The earrings are divine and I love them with the dress. Sparkle and some lightness to balance out the dress. Her updo (I think) is basically the same in the back but tonight the front has more volume so in my opinion, looks softer and more professionally done.
ReplyDeleteErdem evnejngnwear I s clearly not working for our Duchess in this trip. The color is lovely on her, and that’s all I can say that is positive. Oh dear.
ReplyDeleteLove Kate in velvet. I want to give her the biggest hug. Haha!
ReplyDeleteI’m not a fan of the dress in bright lights. Lol I loved it in the photo with the dimmer blue lights. It looked great there ;)
ReplyDeleteI love the fabric, color and pattern on the dress. She looks lovely in it. I don't know why Erdem has to put a ruffle on the hem, but this one is better than last night's because of the cut of the dress. Thumbs up from me.
ReplyDeleteFirst let me say how much I love this blog and look forward to seeing what Kate is up to and I really don't know how Charlotte manages to post so quickly! I'm a first time commenter so I wasn't sure how to leave my name so I'm Sophie from the US. I have been enjoying the daytime fashions but not so much the night time looks. I do think tonights dress is better than last night but I'm not a huge fan. I don't know if it's the sleeves or the high neck?
ReplyDeleteTHIS Is better than last night, but not by much. I do love the earrings and coat and hair and she looks glowing.
ReplyDeleteMy dearest Catherine... embrace maternity clothing. There HAS to be a maternity evening wear designer. There has to be. This is just not working.
She does however, continue to look phenomenal in blue.
Those shoes with that dress... it’s just wrong. I think she could have pulled it off with the right shoes, but unfortunately not this time.
ReplyDeleteWow this dress is even worse than the mustard dress last night. The high neckline, frilly sleeves and hemlines, and bell sleeves are a horrible combo. It is not conservstive/classic Kate. It's Kate when she wants to appear "trendy". I also have sticker shock at the pricetag.
ReplyDeleteLoved her dress last night- am fine with this tonight- ( but call me very weird- and probably the only one on this page!) but I think both dresses suited the occassions quite well-and I really liked both of them. the dress last night I liked better than this one tonight-
ReplyDeleteI have never ever liked the way Victoria dresses- in fact I cringe everytime with her- and her bizarre (typically Swedish!) penchant for those little ankle boots with skirts is BEYOND me. She's like a train wreck most of the time- and Kate outshone her by a mile, sartorially speaking.
So- she doesn't like maternity wear- so be it! Maternity lines nearly died in the late 90s, from lack of providing stylish wear. A few are good- but heck, I would hardly make it my go to choice if I didn't have to...
Like others said- let her be - and let her wear what she wants... ( I bet we've all worn a few train-wrecks over the years, no?)
Hmm i love the dress. Hmm i though that duchess does not look expecting at all but will all know that she expecting i think she wearing warmer these tour because she wants compliment the weather in norway and swedeen i love the fabrics victoria looks great and bloody red
ReplyDeleteW&K, and recently H&M are the only European royal family I follow closely, except unless the other Euro-royals are in the news. What the Sweden tour had done for me is warm up to Crown Princess Victoria and her husband. She comes through as a genuine, jubilant, cute, confident and approachable person. Her husband seems relatable, confident and sincere. She had kept her figure well. I used to think she is heavier than this. Daniel with a personal trainer background may have been a good influence too. The floral dress she had at the luncheon yesterday can make a nice dress for a wedding party member of a couple’s immediate family. It looked feminine and celebratory. Her powder blue suit from yesterday is nice, but the bottom hem was wide, and I wondered. Her coat over it in in a contrast pastel color along with her wide clutch looked ready for easy on the way to work. The evening black cocktail dress reminded me of Angelina Jolly’s leg which looked like it escaped from her black dress ( two years ago just one leg exposed from her thigh down to her feet). The same with the hand out of the black dress. Fashion can be amusing sometimes. Today, her red top reminds me of a nurse’s cape with a twist. It is a great idea especially for people with heavier arms; her arms are well toned though. She sure did not wear it for that reason. Still, she carried it beautifully and it looked nice on her. It also looks like a half bust sculpture image from profile.
ReplyDeleteAnother wonderful post, thank you Charlotte. This dress is a meh for me. I like everything until my eyes get to the bottom solid color flounced hem. It's just wrong. The color is gorgeous, & the material. I also love the shoes - they just don't work for me with this dress. Kate looks radiant, and it's apparent that she is enjoying herself on this trip.
ReplyDeleteThe faux fur collar and faux fur cuffs by Rosie Van Cutsem and her sister Lucia Ruck Keene: it is a smart, practical, versatile idea and business.
ReplyDeleteLove the earrings! The velvet fabric is lovely - but what is up with Erdem and those HEMS?!! Every dress Kate has worn of theirs has an awful hem. Those hems look like an afterthought sewn on. They cut her look visually left to right and are an awful distraction.
ReplyDeleteThat said - Kate looked beautiful and I am loving all of the coverage on this blog!!
Funny how we all see different things. For me, I see a coat that looks like it doesn’t close. Are they black shoes with a blue dress? How much did Meghan get criticized over a messy bun.
ReplyDeleteAt least Kate seems to be enjoying herself.
As for William I wish he would stop wearing that hideous blue.
I love your blog Charlotte and the research you do for every event is absolutely the best! Thank you! I feel like we should’ve done a ‘what should Kate wear on her Sweden/Norway trip” so we could’ve given her some ideas! Oh well. I don’t love this gown but it’s better than last night. I do like that she had the dress shortened. And she always looks gorgeous in blue!
ReplyDeleteI like Kate’s white dress from earlier today. Yesterday’s Erdem dress at the British embassy dinner at least challenged some thoughts what it was all about. It was more mysterious with international touch, some comfort for her, a nod to the colors of Sweden’s flag and costume. Forget this blue velvet dress, It is someone else’s choice and tomorrow is another day. Beyond the choices in clothes, their tours are generally a pleasant reminder in an interesting way to know more about the places they visit, and in what ways one country connects to another. Another favorite for me is the clock (I will have to reload my flash player), and flag Mr. Charlotte posts.
ReplyDeleteOkay. Don’t enjoy being a negative nelly, really, but to be honest I don’t like either Erdem. Period. Two of the ugliest dresses in my opinion. Ugh.
ReplyDeleteI think every outfit of Victoria’s has been really bad also. I am incredulous about the majority of the clothes (I won’t say fashion) choices thus far. Kates’s green outfit, yes. white dress, yes. Red and white coat, yes.
Everything else, unh uh.
And, I do not like Kate’s $5,000+ earrings.
I don’t think the evening was “glittering” at all except for the comraderie between the couples.
No offense to anyone but, to be honest, I feel kind of like the two women didn’t give the tour clothing choices the effort and honor that they should have.
Sad. :( No offense to anyone.
Kate's wardrobe is quite mixed in effect. I very much like the green coat with black furs, the green and white daytime dresses, and the gold Erdem gown. I only wondered whether, as for the Paris cocktail party, Kate was overdressed the first evening. I am not fond of the red and white coat or the blue Erdem. As for accessories, the blue umbrella, the shoes and handbags, the Charlotte earrings, and the Swedish pearl earrings are excellent. The large diamond earrings seem very expensive for a casual design.
ReplyDeletePrincess Victoria looked lovely in her black gown, her blue pantsuit, and her pink coat. The red top for the reception was dramatic, but the slit skirt and boots were a bit strange.
I noticed that William seemed cold. He was bundled up for what I would expect Sweden in winter to be like. So was Kate on the first day. After that, she was dressed the way she would be in London. Maybe it wasn’t so cold, or pregnancy is keeping her warm. And did the umbrella signify rain?
This was an excellent itinerary in Sweden, with some very interesting stops, and a very nice visit with Victoria and Daniel. I hope these two couples will continue to be close friends, unlike their royal parents.
Just got caught up on both days of the tour so far, so please bear with me while I cover all the engagements.
ReplyDeleteLong story short, I've thought her day looks have included some of her best yet esp given that she's working with being pregnant, but the evening looks have been as disappointing as the daytime looks have been pleasing (aside from some accessorizing issues).
Tonight's look is certainly much better than last night's - the color is much more flattering definitely. I do still think both are way too frumpy.
Now that I have those negatives out of the way - thought she looked beautiful for the hockey event yesterday,and LOVE the McQueen dress from earlier today. The green Walker coat yesterday was beautiful too, and managed to diverge enough from the Walker coat for the France trip to not feel too similar despite being the same color.
Didn't like the burgundy with the bright red though. I also wasn't a huge fan of the green dress yesterday and thought she looked a bit too casual in the formal picture with the Swedish royals, in comparison to the other royals. The dress kind of looked like she told Catherine Walker to try and mimic all her similar goat dresses. Something about the dress even made it look too short, even though the McQueen from today is of similar length and didn't feel that way at all to me. Dk why though. Wish she had worn the McQueen for the luncheon yesterday. Just seems more...regal.
But overall, like her style so far!
It’s surely better than last night. But honestly it just looks too tight in the top - it’s pulling very hard across her chest and shoulders.
ReplyDeleteEveryone. Did you see the photo of the model in Kate’s dress? 😳 Is that the look Kate was going for, lol. what a quaint aesthetic for the designer of that dress.
ReplyDeleteOh also is anyone else getting a little tired of the fur look? It's classic Kate I suppose, to "discover" a new accessory or style and then pretty much wear it all the time. So much faux fur starting with Christmas, it seems like. She's done furry hats before of course but she's really embraced it over the past two months it feels like. Unlike her recent church outings (for which I didn't like the furry hats), I at least thought the fur looked nice with the green coat yesterday. For today, I don't mind the fur collar thing but the cuffs look too big or something imo. And mostly, it's starting to feel overdone. Why not try scarves a little more? Wouldn't be right maybe for the evening event but during the day could obviously work. Although I might be biased in that even without her wearing fur a lot lately, I probably still would be unhappy, esp with the fur alpaca hats...they just seem a little too...Russian archduchess in an unpleasant way for me...like they evoke past royalty but mostly their excesses and abuses of power more than the good things. Not sure if that makes any sense lolol. And while I know it's fake fur, and so has nothing ethically wrong with it, the whole fur look still evokes real fur clothing in my mind, and so it still bothers me. Why want to look like you're wearing an animal on you, even if in this case, you're not actually? But all that is probably silly and of course not something I expect a royal to consider... Just can't help feeling that way personally.
ReplyDeleteWhat a disaster both evening looks are! I usually adore everything she wears but the last two nights have been a flop in my book. Those diamond earrings are lovely though!
ReplyDelete“And the sister-wife prairie dress is probably one of the trendiest things we’ve seen her wear in a long time.”
ReplyDeleteStyle bloggers Tom and Lorenzo share their up-to-the-minute take on the much maligned Erdem gowns.
P.s. Not trying to be petty but reading william's comment about her taking pictures every day honestly just made me bothered that even given that, they still went so long without sharing any new pictures of the kids last year.
ReplyDeleteWhat a point Maggie!!! It is not you who is petty, it seems....
DeleteKate looks beautiful tonight! When I saw the post title including the word Erdem, I was really nervous after last night's horrendous dress. But this dress looks great! Very pretty. I'd still want to change the bottom ruffle, but otherwise I like the dress. Thanks for all these posts, Charlotte!
ReplyDeleteThank you Charlotte for always having the event well researched so you can give us all a bit of history or context for Kate's visit. You're always first to print with lots of photos. Simply wonderful! Thanks for all the work you do.
ReplyDeleteJax
Who asked if Kate was sporting a messy bun? I just noticed in the close up of her kissing Victoria Hello, She does have some hairs whisping out, not as usual. I love how it's pulled back up top & then formed into a lovely relaxed bun, more lose than usual & no hairnet! I zoomed in & it looks like Victoria may be sporting a net over her bun, which also may have some braiding in it. I love this hairdo of Kate's this evening! :)
ReplyDeleteIt's a NO again. So I guess Sweden doesn't seem to do much for Kate's fashion sense (or whoever dresses her).
ReplyDeleteThose tunic necks...urgh...are they now in fashion?
Because I see it on Victoria too.
I love the day time looks on this tour, but the evening dresses are really frumpy looking for such a young, vibrant young woman. (Even taking her pregnancy into account). I think the lines of the two dresses are not flattering. I loved the red top and black skirt of Victoria's outfit which made her look young and hip.
ReplyDeleteIn looking more closely at the dress in the print ad and the dress on Kate it looks like she at least modified the waist. On her it is a true empire style on the model it is a high natural waist line. She may have just taken the whole thing up which would explain the shorter length on Kate also.
ReplyDeleteThis dress would have made my heart jump with joy if we were in the 90s... now it makes her frumpy.. what a lost oppotunity to see her in Jenny packham or Catherine walker..
ReplyDeleteIf both of these women look so frumpy and thick in this fashion (high tunic necks, bell sleeves, raglans, ruffles), it is a nightmare to think how disastrous less physically-privileged women can look like wearing such.
ReplyDeleteWould someone make these fashions go away already?
I prefer this gown to last night's Erdem. :-) Blue suits Kate and I like the neckline and waist detail here. The shoes are perfect with it and the coat...really nice. Hope to see it again.
ReplyDeleteBut I honestly cannot get past what Victoria is wearing. It is not flattering ... at all.
I don’t like this dress, and honestly not very impressed with any of her outfit choices so far on the tour. The Duchess of Cambridge typically kills it! Maybe it is just really tough dressing when you are pregnant...not sure.
ReplyDeleteWell...can’t say I’m a huge fan of this dress, except for the colour. What intrigues me even more than the fashion is the personal growth I see in Duchess Kate as she gains confidence and relaxes into her role. She didn’t appear to be a bit nervous or hesitant around Victoria and Daniel. More and more, her natural grace, warmth and sense of humour is coming through in Charlotte’s posts. I may not be around when Kate becomes queen, but I think we, in the Commonwealth, as well as the whole Royal Family are lucky that she and William found each other. Thank you Charlotte, for another wonderful visit with two of my favourite Royals!
ReplyDeleteThis is exactly how I think also! I know many people come here for the fashion but I am much more interested in Kate herself, and I find myself to be very proud of what she has become as a royal and future Queen. I think Kate can dress herself in a potato sack and still look beautiful, as she did over the last few days. Not saying the dresses are like potato sacks - I actually liked the blue one!
DeleteVictoria has dressed herself in very edgy clothes but carries it with confidence. Same with Kate. I like that. As long as they're not falling out of their clothes and they look clean and dignified, I'm all for taking risks.
Go figure-I like the black coat the best! Ida Sjostedt designs such beautiful pieces. That floral dress Victoria wore yesterday was incredible! Here's the thing: Kate can't do wrong by me fashion-wise. Her figure can pull of so many looks well.
ReplyDeleteI think tonight’s dress is lovely! Catherine always wears coats and warner clothing, thus seeming to me to probably be cold natured. It looks cold in Sweden and that beautiful blue velvet looked very warm and cozy!
ReplyDeleteBoth evening gowns were flops. Kate's taste has always been conservative and elegant. Not sure what is going on with this latest trend, but it just is not working.
ReplyDeleteI love this dress, I think Catherine looks lovely in it and it suits the evening. Love CP Victoria's look tonight too - very sharp! I like the coat she was wearing too, I hope that we see her repeat it again at some point. Thank you for your hard work Charlotte, its been a fun trip so far. I hope that we do get to see the Cambridges host CP Victoria and P Daniel soon.
ReplyDeleteOh no not another fashion flop!! The only nice thing is her make up, looks like she is wearing eyeliner again - it makes a huge difference!! This dress looks like she dug it out of an attic! Her hair also looks a mess
ReplyDeleteThank you Charlotte for your wonderful work on this tour. Always love the details highlighting events. And it's just fun to critique fashion. I'm no expert, but I've learned a lot from this blog about the world of fashion, and how I can improve my clothing closet- on a budget!
ReplyDelete2 consecutive Erdems. The blue velvet color is lovely, but the pattern and structure of the dress are a disappointment. I agree that this fabric need to have a flowing silhouette. It looks so constricting with the high neck and cumbersome with the bell sleeves and ruffles. I love the shoes, but the dress length doesn't work with them IMHO. Beautiful coat- minus the faux fur. Am I mistaken, or is the coat fabric different on the model than that worn by Kate?
The earrings are lovely, very modern, but I think they clash with the Victorian vibe of the Erdem.
Come on, guys. Before everyone gets caught up in these dresses, let us remind ourselves that it's just a dress, Kate's pregnant, she's looking happy and healthy, and she's doing us proud regardless. I don't want the good points to be drowned by the Erdem debate.I would so love to read more about what others think about the visit, about the Swedish royals, etc. For example, Willam's speech last night revealed some very interesting things about children and physical activities in these cold places. I am especially impressed that Victoria and Daniel spent so much time with them. Bodes well for the future.
ReplyDeleteI think when they have such jam packed days with 3 different outfits, we hardly have any time to discuss what is going on "behind the scenes" or go through the very few snippets they actually say.
DeleteActually, to be honest I got pretty tired of the tour after the first day, so many things and info I got.:)
I am sure Charlotte will have a post after the tour when we all can summerize our feelings regarding fashion,the impressions of the tour, the royal couple etc. So hang in there:))
Rona, the blog is "Following the Life and Style of the DOC" so it's only natural that some of us come here just to check out what she is wearing and what others have to say about it. The fashion comments are varied and interesting and I enjoy reading them. I can get news elsewhere but I come here for the fashion.
DeleteAnother bit of information that I wouldn't want to get lost: Kate takes pictures of her children everyday. That's what Willam said. I did that to my son too up until he was maybe 3. I think she's a very proud mummy and probably bombards Carole's inbox with photos! LOL.
ReplyDeleteLove your dedication Rona. Your son has quite a memory book to cherish! Wish the Cambridge’s shared more pictures of their children for the public to enjoy. I’m sure there are appropriate ones that wouldn’t affect their desire for family privacy.
DeleteI'm beginning to think it's some kind of competition of "who can get dressed better in the dark". I didn't want to believe my eyes when I saw it. Never thought the day would come when I cannot decide who looks worse Kate or Victoria. Anyway, William and Daniel look great!
ReplyDeleteKate was very beautiful tonight. She was radiant, hair and makeup was great. I don't like the dress, sorry.
ReplyDeleteLet's see tomorrow!
Federica
Victoria Murphy shared in her interview what the Sweden visit has been more relaxed compared to Poland and Germany, and she thinks it's because security isn't as tight. William and Kate are also more relaxed and unguarded, maybe because having George and Charlotte along meant more logistics and responsibilities. She also said that Kate told one official at last night's reception that she intentionally made William win the hockey. It was a joke of course! :D
ReplyDeleteGoodness, words fail me.
ReplyDeleteThis is not a nice dress. Last evenings dress was worse.
The shoes are not well suited, the hair is very matronly. The Duchess needs help with her style choices.
Victoria looks incredible at every turn
Although I agree that the Duchess' fashion was dowdy I disagree that Victoria looked "incredible." I think if the shoe was on the other foot and Kate had worn what Victoria wore there would have been a lot of negatives, especially about Victoria's flowery dress at the first luncheon.
DeleteMy feeling is all our comments are important. Taste is very selective and no one will like everything - polls show the differences! (My taste tends conservative and what I like usually does well but doesn't win.) Some dresses and gowns are huge successes - they become iconic. Most strike somewhere in the middle - some like them, some don't. Occasionally, there is a big NO - and that says something too.
ReplyDeleteRoyal ladies represent their nation - in the days when the queen was trying to be fashionable and didn't quite make it always - Britain got a reputation of dowdy dressers. Carnaby Street helped change that but royal fashion didn't really catch up until Diana arrived and gave the nation a huge boost. Fashion is a vital part of royalty - and always will be. As someone who has long supported royal fashion spending for that reason - I believe critiquing has an important role.
Victoria just dressed up as the English flag ;)
ReplyDeleteLove both dresses! So royal...
ReplyDeleteNot so royal Victoria's... isn.t she a bit... unroyal?
Camilla
Not really. Google her in an evening gown - very royal! ;) The Swedes have lots of events with princessy gowns and tiaras and that's what they do better than any other royal family I think.
DeleteThat is a very sweet photo of Kate and Victoria greeting each other. Both of them with their brown hair, up-dos and high-necked artsy outfits, it looks so cute! :)
ReplyDeleteWell I like this much better than the Baby Poo Erdem from night #1. That is seriously what the color reminds me of. The blue looks lovely and velvet is very in right now. The shoes tonight are a weird pairing with the dress but I can't really think of a style that would work much better. Perhaps something in the lighter shade on the dress or something bold like yellow maybe but I am not sure ankle straps work here.
ReplyDeleteBest outfit of the whole tour so far was the McQueen dress from today and the accessories! LOVE!
I'm afraid it was another faux pas on the Erdem dress. A faded hippie garment - very unflattering with the baby bump. Such a shame! I love Victoria's red top btw.
ReplyDeleteAgree with many of the other comments: best outfit was the McQueen dress.
👒 Clothes are a form of self-expression and what we wear, whether we think about it or not, reflects that. And, as Julia said, fashion will and always has been part of Royalty.
ReplyDeleteAnother awful choice, sadly. Not as bad as the floral mistake but still not a good style. So matronly. So 70s. So...awful.
ReplyDeleteVictoria's dresses have been equally bad, in my opinion.
For me, this dress is quite possibly the ugliest Kate has ever worn. She looks lovely, face, hair, shoes, etc all otherwise beautiful, but the dress....wow.....
ReplyDelete