Hello-Hello!
We're back with our remaining post-tour polls and chatting about Kate's February calendar today!
Best Tour Coat
Kate's coat game during the Scandinavian tour was strong. She added several stylish additions to her already drool-worthy collection during the four-day trip. On the first day of the tour in Stockholm, Kate wore the Burberry Toddingwall Trench Coat. It is described as "Shearling collar, buttoned epaulette at shoulders, long sleeves, buttoned tab at cuffs, flap at yoke, buckle-fastened belt at waist, two buttoned welt pockets at front, branded buttons, single vent at back hem, shearling linen."
For lunch at the Royal Palace of Stockholm and an afternoon of engagements with Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel, Kate changed into a long green bespoke Catherine Walker coat. Kate accessorised the coat with a faux fur collar and cuffs from Troy London.
I absolutely loved the red and white houndstooth Catherine Walker coat with large red buttons worn for day two of the royal tour in Sweden.
For a reception at Fotografiska Gallery that night, Kate arrived wearing an elegant black coat by well-known Swedish designer Ida Sjöstedt. The coat is from the A/W 2018 Collection. Kate accessorised with her faux fur collar and cuffs by Troy London once again.
The Duchess arrived in Norway wearing another bespoke Catherine Walker coat. The blue coat features a funnel neck.
And for the final day of the tour in Oslo, the Duchess sported a plum Dolce & Gabbana military style coat with gold buttons.
Best Tour Day Dress
Kate wore her first day dress of the tour for an afternoon of engagements in Sweden. The green Catherine Walker creation featured a funnel neck and fitted sleeves.
On day two, it was bespoke Alexander McQueen. The piece features the same fabric as the Metallic wool-blend bouclé-tweed midi dress. It is described as "Alexander McQueen's Pre-Fall '17 collection is inspired by the medieval heroines of Arthurian legend - Isolde, Guinevere and the Lady of the Lake. Beautifully made from wool-blend bouclé-tweed, this midi dress is flecked with gold yarns".
In Norway, Kate wore the very pretty Seraphine Marlene dress.
And for the final day of the tour, Kate wore a dress by Norwegian brand byTiMo. The Black Lace Trimmed Shift Dress features oval-heckled lace detailing on the collar, on the shoulders and in the waistline. The floral print piece is from the Pre Spring 2018 Collection.
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Speaking of what Kate wore on the tour, we have two updates to share. Kate's Kjus Duana two-tone quilted shell down jacket is back in stock in most sizes at Net-A-Porter.
And as several of you noted in the comments, Kate's Sorel Boots are reduced from $130 to $79 on the Sorel website.
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With Prince George on half term break, William and Kate cleared their schedules for this week and are thought to be spending the week enjoying a family break. Hello! suggested it's possible they are spending a few days in the French Alps, it's also been suggested they are enjoying time at their country pile Anmer Hall.
18 February - Kensington Palace announced several appearances for the Duchess for February. As hoped for, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will attend the BAFTAs, for the second consecutive year, on Sunday evening. A host of stars including Angelina Jolie, Jennifer Lawrence, Gary Oldman, Margot Robbie, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Salma Hayek, Lupita Nyong’o, Orlando Bloom and Bryan Cranston are confirmed for the night. Below, we see the Duchess in bespoke Alexander McQueen at last year's ceremony.
The Duchess faces a fashion dilemma on the night. Actresses are planning to wear black in support of Time's Up. More from The Telegraph:
'The Duchess, who will attend this year’s Bafta ceremony with the Duke, will be left in a diplomatic minefield, as actresses prepare to wear black dresses in support of the Time's Up movement.
A letter circulated to female nominees urges them to follow the example of the Golden Globes, to leave a room full of women in all-black as a “strong, unifying and simple statement". The Duchess, who wore a patterned black evening gown to the ceremony last year, is not in the habit of public protest, in keeping with the Royal Family’s policy of avoiding anything which could be construed as a political statement. At the Golden Globes, only a tiny handful of women chose not to wear black, leaving them standing out for, some critics argued, the wrong reasons.
Amanda Berry, CEO of Bafta, has previously indicated that awards organisers are braced for speeches about the Hollywood harassment scandal. "It often has (been used as a platform) in the past, I think in different years there have been different issues,” she said after nominations were announced.'
It's possible Kate will opt for a black print gown similar to the McQueen from last year. Alternatively, she might just give her favourite Jenny Packham gown another outing. Below we see Kate wearing the dress in New York in 2014 when she was expecting Princess Charlotte.
19 February - Next Monday evening, the Duchess is teaming up with the Countess of Wessex to host a reception at Buckingham Palace on behalf of the Queen during London Fashion Week to celebrate and showcase a new creative initiative - the Commonwealth Fashion Exchange. The initiative uses fashion as a common language and platform to help people understand the modern Commonwealth in a different way. It will celebrate creativity, sustainable production and manufacturing, trade links and ethical supply chains across the fashion industry, from business and design to textile and fabric design and manufacturing, to craft and artisan skills.
21 February - The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will visit Sunderland. They will first visit The Fire Station, one of Sunderland’s most iconic buildings, recently converted into a music and arts hub. The Duke and Duchess will then travel to see the Northern Spire, an ambitious and striking new bridge over the River Wear, due to open in spring 2018.
27 February - The Duchess will visit the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) to learn more about the College’s global health programmes to reduce maternal and newborn mortality worldwide, and will attend a roundtable discussion on tackling the stigma around women’s health.
We'll see you Sunday evening for the BAFTAs :)
Her McQueen dress from last year's BAFTAs was one of her best evening gowns ever in my opinion, so I hope she'll bring out another fabulous number this year although being 7 months pregnant makes it trickier! I'm a huge supporter of the #metoo movement and I commend the actresses wearing black but I understand why Kate might not and I hope she won't face too much criticism for it.
ReplyDeleteKate often opts for Black for evening, so not doing it for the baftas is a statement in itself, and a rather tone deaf one at that. What makes this “wear black” situation specifically tricky is that the issue with the sexual scandals is how many people knew things, but didn’t act; the result is that you can’t be neutral on the issue. You’re Either with the movement or against it, and being against it looks pretty bad. If she wasn’t pregnant, I would LOVE to see a repeat of that strapless velvet McQueen from the military awards years ago.
ReplyDeleteIf I were styling her, I would do black “light”. I’d do a neutral sparkly gown with a sheer black layer or two on top. (Her old temperly black lace with nude under layer gown would give a similar effect, but I frankly don’t want to see another black lace dress on her.) The Black “light” look would show both an effort to support the movement, while also an effort to remain neutral. I don’t envy her dress choice for that event!
It’s sad to me that this should become an “either your with me or against me” moment. I agree that this “movement” is about people in the industry who knew these horrible things were going on, but did nothing about it. I find it ironic that many of the women who will wear black to these events also partook in keeping these things under wraps for so long, but that’s an entirely different conversation. This movement began as an issue for how the film industry dealt with sexual harrassment/predation. My understanding is that the request to wear black went out to the female nominees, not to every female in the audience. . It is, in theory, an attempt of the women in the industry to stand together against the “institution” of the industry. It is a self-correction campaign for the industry.
DeleteKate, however, is not a part of that industry. Yes, her husband is patron of BAFTA, but he really is not involved in the industry, itself. As such, the “wear black” campaign really does not apply to her, and I do not think she should be criticized if she chooses to wear another color. That would in NO way whatsoever be a comment on her views of the sexual scandals which plague the film industry. It seems to me that she is showing her support of them simply by showing up.
That being said, it is a sad reality of our current social climate that failing to jump on the bandwagon results in your being made a pariah. I’m sure she and her team are aware of that, and will find a diplomatic way to address that. It’s just sad to me that such a serious issue would be addressed by what is, in actuality, a fairly empty statement of the choice of color you wear to an awards ceremony. It seems like a stronger statement would be to refrain from attending until these issues are meaningfully addressed.
I feel badly for Kate being stuck in the middle of that, but the fact that she is choosing to go must mean she is willing to take on that challenge and whatever backlash may come. She’s braver than me! I wouldn’t want to go knowing that whatever I do it will likely to end up with someone being furious and super-criticsl. Wear too much black—“oh, no, she’s being political.” Don’t wear enough black—“oh, no, she doesn’t care about these poor women, she’s so out of touch”
Sigh. The contentiousness of our times Is draining sometimes...
I'm sorry T but I have to break my own rule about discussing touchy subjects. I actually am in The Film Industry, & I can attest that this movement is about All Women in All Industries & All Women Period. It's about Women Being Encouraged To No Longer Be Afraid To Find Their Voices, If They Have Been Abused or Suffered from Inappropriate Behavior! There are way too many stereotypes that are misleading. My Husband is a Dr. (we've been together since College) & there has long been this stereotype that Drs are known to have lots of affairs with Nurses etc. I can say after 36+yrs that we've seen None of That! We also have other Drs in our family & it's just not a part of anything any of us have seen? The affairs we have seen have been out in our everyday non-work lives. Similarly, saying that this abuse is unique to The Film Industry, is painting The Industry with a Very Wide & uninformed Brush! Any time when there are Power Players with big egos who have power over others, there is opportunity for them to be abusive or inappropriate, whether Male or Female! I am a Survivor, so I'm particularly sensitive to this issue, but my traumatic experience had Nothing to do with my industry! Sorry if I offended anyone, but it is something that I feel sensitive about & don't want the movement to be misunderstood & pigeonholed. Thank you for hearing me out.
DeleteMy dear T inTX , The wear black movement It’s not just about people who knew and didn’t speak up , it’s also in support of women in show business who have been abused or sexually harassed. I do agree that the issue pigeonholes the Duchess into deciding if she wants to wear black or not. Even in the world of community theatre or as the British call it little theater , all amateurs who volunteer, the world I am part of has issues of harassment. I am part of a Women + Improv group and we are educating men in our troupes to realize now easily they sexualize a situation, and how it’s not needed. As Becca USA says , it’s not unique to performers, but I believe the women who have platforms from being in the public eye are speaking out more and more. If they say #TimesUp then perhaps it would spread to other businesses as well. The black clothing , in my opinion , started much better conversations on the Red Carpets about acting and projects then the empty “who are you wearing “ chatter .
DeleteThis is a very difficult subject as the royal family must be completely unpolitical and most careful about causes they embrace. My feeling is this.
DeleteWe're speaking of the patronage of BAFTA. Sexual harassment is an extremely important cause - there are many extremely important causes in this world, but being a patron of BAFTA is not directly linked to to the issue of sexual harassment - this request for dressing in black is a matter being brought up by individuals within the organisation - not a platform of the organisation itself. Therefore, I feel it would be inappropriate for Kate to make a political statement by her dress or by any other means - because that is not the main purpose of this patronage or this event. If there becomes an official forum in BAFTA to address sexual harassment in the industry, it's another matter and for William, as patron, (not Kate) to decide how to respond to.
To give a second example of what I mean. I am a passionate supporter of charities who are trying to rescue dogs from the dog-meat trade and trying to put an end to that trade. This has been brought up in the present Olympics because it is being held in South Korea. Athletes have used their position to bring attention to it.
However, as strongly as I feel about this cause, I would not expect William or Kate had they attended the games or any royal who did, to bring up this cause - because their attendance is about the Olympics Games not about the dog meat trade. As ardently as I feel, I don't think it should be the role of the royals to embarrass the host nation because that's not why they're there.
There are always places where troubling issues and patronages are going to collide - look at patrons (I don't believe there is a royal one) of Oxfam and the conflict they are facing out of what certainly began as good intentions. That's why royal charities are chosen very carefully. METOO is not an organised cause - it's a 'grass roots' movement - that has the power to bring attention to something that has been far too long overlooked - but also the power to destroy lives of those who may be innocent - at this point, whilst completely respecting the goals at their best, I think this issue is not one a royal should embrace at an awards show.
No doubt Kate chose a dress she wanted to wear to this event when she and William agreed to attend. That dress may be black, it may have as last year have a black base and some other colour, or it may be another colour. I believe she should wear what she chose and not be criticised for it.
Thank you, Julia, for saying what I meant better than I said myself. The larger issue is very serious and should be addressed in meaningful ways, but to say Kate should have to do XYZ in order to show she supports women who have been harrassed or abused just does not sit well with me. Thank you for putting into words why the is the case better than I did.
DeleteOne can be against sexual harassment and related abuse AND not be in favor of the MeToo/Time's Up approach of labeling all touches and comments as sexual assault.
DeleteMy question is whether this grass roots movement is political. It seems to me that Kate should find a way to express her support for women’s safety and dignity.
DeleteI think it would be no problem if Kate wore black on purpose to support the cause. She won’t talk about it so it would all be speculation anyway. Not being political means not to speak about political ideas so they don’t support a certain party. I don’t think there is a rule against supporting a cause that is publicly support by all parties (even though it might be just for PR and lip service). And in most of Europe this cause is not a political issue in terms that any party defends the abusers. It is a task for society like being homeless, and they can support that too.
DeleteAlthough I'm not the greatest supporter of hers - as is well-known here, Camilla has been actively involved with work concerning physical and emotional abuse of women. (I find this somewhat ironic given her allowing her friends to discuss personal issues of Diana's mental health, damaging her reputation posthumously - but that's another subject.) Kate and now Meghan are active in areas concerning women's well-being. So I don't feel this area is neglected by the royal family.
DeleteWorth remembering too is there has just been the collapse of a number of cases brought against young men whose lives have been destroyed by what turned out to be baseless allegations of sexual assault that were insufficiently investigated by the police. What if royals were asked to address that? So I'm using political in a broad sense, not just a governmental one - as I always do with royals.
It may well turn out that these issues should be addressed by William or Kate but an awards programme is not the forum. It is not the subject for which the royal patron was invited. The BAFTAS are often used for personal political statements - next year there could be an equally worthy one and attempts to involve a royal - so making such a gesture once could prove to be a slippery slope. I would love to see a royal speak out against the dog-meat trade but I know why that is unlikely to happen - and people should be understanding here too.
None of this diminishes the most serious of these allegations - that's not the issue. The issue is one of royal participation. It's worth remembering royals often for diplomatic reasons have to do things that stand against their personal beliefs and feelings - such as Charles in Ireland - royals are representing their nation in the broadest sense. When they do choose to embrace an issue - they do so where their views can be fully and carefully expressed, not by the colour of a gown. As it should be, in my opinion.
It may be Kate will choose to wear black - her prerogative. But I would hate to see it assumed that she doesn't care should she choose not to.
I agree with the notion that me too isn’t political, and attempts to paint it as such just minimize this very important work. I don’t view it any differently than advocating for mental health, and no one is calling that political. It’s identifying and bringing attention to a societal problem, not a political one. The royals wouldn’t be making a comment on Brexit, or an election, or a law being debated, those would be political statements and I see how they could be problematic if speaking on behalf of the royal family.
DeleteAlso, Black is very common for evening black tie events without any sort of added symbolism. Kate herself has worn it plenty!! I think she’s totally safe to wear black as she often does and not speak on me too if it’s so controversial (though I disagree that there’s anything controversial about a movement demanding workplaces free of sexual harassment). It’s not like she typically takes reporter’s questions. I honestly think it would cause more of an issue if she didn’t wear black, as it would be noticed that she’s worn it plenty of times before but chose not to on an evening where black was the theme.
I think something worth remembering more than the rare and relatively small number of men who might be falsely accused is the very large number of women who never see any kind of justice or punishment for their attackers and abusers who regularly go unpunished. Since the latter statistically far, far out numbers the former.
DeleteI'm all with T in TX and Julia on this matter.
DeleteThis tour was extra special for me to follow the Duchess's fashion as I am expecting our first child March 26. After following her previous pregnancies, I have quite a few Seraphine pieces, and they truly are my favorite clothing items at 34+ weeks along. So comfortable, excellent quality, and for the most part very affordable (most dresses around $100; I have not purchased the more expensive line they carry).
ReplyDeleteAs for the BAFTAs, I too really loved her look last year. I am interested in seeing her this year only because she is truly "damned if you do, damned if you don't" in regards to the all black initiative. I vote for something dark but not black - like her inky blue dress above or something similar.
Penny, you took the words right out of my mouth! :)
ReplyDelete
ReplyDeleteI’m thinking she might wear the Jenny Packham gown again. It’s a dark blue and I can see using that color as a way to subtly support the movement without making an outright statement. Or, at the very least, to not appear in complete opposition to the movement.
This could be a hard line to navigate, fashion-wise. If you wear black, you’re supporting Times Up. If you don’t wear black, you don’t support it. It’s kind of like if you don’t wear black, you’re actively not supporting the movement. And of course, the royal family isn’t supposed to be political. But, Kate is a smart woman and I’m sure she will make a good choice and look amazing doing it!
Now that the media have determined that it’s a political issue (in my opinion it’s a social issue), she can’t possibly win. Anything she wears stakes a position. I hope she wears black. She doesn’t need to answer any questions about it. But I won’t be surprised if she comes down the diplomatic flu.
ReplyDeleteThanks again, Charlotte. Re the poll, so far, my favorites are winning👏🏽😁. Be back for the BAFTAs.
ReplyDeleteThe Jenny Packham Kate wore in New York is one of my very favorites among her outfits. But I wonder whether it would fit at this stage of her pregnancy. Other people have navigated this moral/political dilemma by wearing feminist white. That suggests the gown Kate wore to the diplomatic reception. But we don't know how that fits, since we have only seen the neckline. It will be interesting to see what she does.
ReplyDeleteI voted for the blue Walker coat, which I thought looked both warm and elegant. It worked beautifully with both ways of styling it. The red and white houndstooth coat hurts my eyes, but I wonder whether it was a compliment to Princess Eugenie, whose engagement had just been announced. Princess Diana wore that fabric to Eugenie's christening.
As for day dresses, I agree with the majority. The white wool tweed dress is lovely.
Hi Charlotte:) I had a question re: The Post Tour Fashion Voting. I've never been sure is we could only vote for one or more than one? I usually vote once, but this time I had some ties! :) So I clicked 2 boxes. Will they both go through or will I have just x'd myself out? Thanks again for All of your Amazing Coverage on Each & Every Tour, as well as bringing us such post tour fun with the voting! You're The Best & So Appreciated! :) xoxo
ReplyDeleteI hope she re-wears her dark Jenny Packam. First it's Lovely. Second, I think it's the perfect diplomatic choice! Dark with black accents & she'd get a pass for re-wearing a much loved maternity gown! Those are my thoughts. I don't envy her being in this situation, no matter how much I support the #metoo #timesup campaigns. She needs to stay a-political, but not seem insensitive. Yikes!
ReplyDeleteI loved that JP gown too but I wonder if it still fits her. She is far along than earlier pregnancies, still I wish for a repeat.
DeleteOn the colour, since she wore that black flowery one last time, it is possible she would wear that colour anyway. On the other hand, she is not THE person from the royal family who I can see standing up and supporting that cause. She is too afraid of stepping out of line, to pull such a "trick".
This would seem like a good compromise choice of not standing out by wearing something bright - but not making a statement that extends outside the purpose of the event and patronage either.
DeleteI do have a pang of regret though that there will be no chance to see the diplomatic reception gown. I never thought it a likely choices for the BAFTAS but I wish there had been a state banquet where we could have had a glimpse.
Surely no rational person would think that if the Duchess wears, say, purple, she supports sexual harassment in the film industry.
DeleteMeanwhile, many of these actresses are the ones who a few years ago complained about being asked about their gowns rather than their work; it is odd to me that they are now deliberately making the focus the gowns.
Doesn't wearing black remove some of the emphasis on the gowns? And do I remember that the request included restrictions on jewelry? It seems to me that actresses who comply will give up a focus on their clothing.
DeleteI hope Kate will not wear the blue-green evening gown by Jenny Packham. That gown is associated with more personal endeavors, some firsts, and her past pregnancy. Most likely she will not repeat last year’s either. I don’t think she will wear all black, may be include black to coordinate her over all image. The British hostess for Bafta 2018, Joanna Lumley will not be wearing black to join in making a statement. The same actress has an honest opinion of what she thinks about it all (HW controversy and the black outfits by Hollywood women).
DeleteA response to Anett above - I don't believe for a moment that Kate is scared to make a statement - I believe she knows and appreciates that she is a member of the royal family and it is not appropriate for her to make a statement. And that applies to every single member of the royal family - or there won't be a royal family soon.
DeleteThe line between political and social is a delicate one - and colour is also delicate. The queen was criticised for wearing bright yellow at a garden party right after Manchester. It's not a colour I would have chosen myself. But although the tragedy was honoured there - the event was a garden party not a memorial. And Kate is attending an awards show, not an event about the harassment of women. Subjects worthy and subjects controversial are always raised by attendees at BAFTA and should a royal make a statement as to one of them this year, they might be faced with an entirely different issue the next. It is about the forum, not numbers or worthiness.
Kate may decide to wear black but if she doesn't, nothing should be made of it. I didn't care for Kate's choice of bright pink at the 9-11 memorial - again, I've visited and wouldn't have worn that myself - but I didn't think for a moment that she didn't care what happened. It's comes down to what the event is about and BAFTA is about awarding talent - no matter what other issues may be raised.
Hrhdhd, if y ou watched the red carpets before the Golden Globes you would see that the focus this year wasn't on the gowns. Actresses talked about equal pay, Time's Up and the causes their plus-one carries.
DeleteI hope Will & Kate are enjoying this special vacation time with George & Charlotte (whether skiing or snuggling up at Anmer) just before The New Baby is born! :) xoxo
ReplyDeleteI keep forgetting to mention how tickled I am that we are the beneficiaries of so many wonderful Kate appearances, now that She & William are making the transition to becoming Full Time Royals! :) xo I love opening up my laptop & seeing, so often, that we have a new appearance of our beloved Kate! All their hard work & pacing has paid off. They are so solid, not showing any drag about their jobs or positions & seem to be enjoying themselves. It appears all these years of training & taking it at their own speed, while still letting them have those early years (like The Queen & Prince Phillip had in Malta) have held them in good stead. They have laid down solid roots with their sweet family & their marriage! The Queen did well by them! They are Wonderful Royals & will be Amazing Monarchs! :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a great array of engagements for the rest of the month. I’m looking forward to the BAFTAs, if only to see what she will wear! I’m sure she’ll wear black regardless. As caren above mentioned, a sparkly black dress would be nice & if she wasn’t with child, her velvet strapless McQueen gown would be perfect.
ReplyDeleteI was quite impressed with Kate’s wardrobe choices for the Scandinavian tour. I loved nearly all of her coats, except the plum D&G (I loved the shade but not the style) & all of her dresses were lovely. I found it hard to choose between the white McQueen & the blue Séraphine dress; they were both so pretty! I wish we could’ve seen more of the TiMo dress, though. Hope W&K enjoyed some holiday time with the kids. Not long to go now for #3...:)
I voted for the green Catherine Walker coat and the white tweed midi dress. I think she should re-wear the beautiful Alexander McQueen dress she wore last year. It’s really stunning and I think since it’s a flowy dress it will look good on her even when pregnant
ReplyDeleteI voted for the green Catherine Walker coat and the white tweed midi dress. I think she should re-wear the beautiful Alexander McQueen dress she wore last year. It’s really stunning and I think since it’s a flowy dress it will look good on her even when pregnant
ReplyDeleteI was hoping she would fit into the gown she wore for the State Dinner in the Winter? We only saw the top of gown with the sparkles while she was in the car headed to the event.
ReplyDeleteWonder what she'll do - I will admit to looking forward to something. If she goes with black, would love to see her in a tight fitting gown that shows her wonderful pregnancy.
For the tour favorites, I went with the burgundy military D&G (because it fits her so well), the McQueen boucle dress that I thought was stunning. I thought all of the choices for the tour were - for the most part - good choices.
Charlotte , Thank you, thank you ! for not only covering the fashion , but also the purpose and history of the events. You have created a fun page for your fans to view.
ReplyDeleteI have been trying to compose an upbeat response but I can't today. All I can say is that W & K's "Heads Together" initiative on mental health is so, so, SO, important and golly how I wish we could have an initiative like that here in the U.S., given what happened yesterday.
ReplyDeleteYes, Jo, it has been a very, very sad 36 hours in this country. I can hardly bear to turn on the television except to watch some of the Olympics. It is appalling that warnings were ignored. The young people knew, and suffered. Some died. We do need, as you say, attention to mental health. We also need to join most of the other nations of the world in protecting our citizens from violence.
DeleteHiJo, Spot on! Kudos to William, Kate and Harry for their commitment to this crucial issue.
DeleteMy heartfelt condolences to the families and to all in the US and once again my profound sadness that so often here we have to send our condolences around the globe for these senseless tragedies.
DeleteJo in Arizona,
DeleteI hope you stay well, along with the rest of the people in your school. It is way beyond time that something major happens for God’s sake. In a way every person should be a part of it towards a solution. I can imagine the personal and collective pain of the community. I listened to the interviews of parents selected randomly in the state near where I live. It is their elementary and middle children who ask them questions, why he did it. Some of the teachers interviewed said, we have to prepare the students emotionally that it will be safe to be in school. I thought of Kate, and believe it or not, some of her speeches popped in my mind like, “we need to give you the resources to help the kids” that message was for the school staff. Another one was, “you mean a lot to me” (in a way, I realized how much can be absorbed from this blog although it seems discussion about styles half the time).
Kate had been an advocate for schools and the well-being of the children. While she continued to focus on that, of course we can’t help looking at her styles too.
With all my heart, may God be with all the survivors to find healing and may the victims rest in eternal peace.
Anon15
Jo -
DeleteIt is mind boggling to me how totally so many agencies dropped the ball in regards to the shooter. The police there, the FBI were warned and that makes it so much more sad to me.
In the last week in the county where we live and my kids go to school there have been three code red lockdowns which is when someone has threatened to bring a weapon and hurt people or because someone is at the school with a weapon. In one of those situations it was a bit who had been repeatedly bullied and had told the teachers, his parents, etc. But it didn't stop and so he took a weapon, a knife I believe, to school. Thankfully no one was physically injured. It made me wonder how things might have been different if there was a program such as Heads Together where he could have gone and felt safe and be taught ways to cope and thrive. I don't envy the youth of today at all. They grow up way too fast in so many ways and many lack the support needed to become healthy, functional adults.
Jo in Arizona, I understand. Such a tragedy. Prayers/Counseling/Therapy for trauma and grief will definitely be needed.
ReplyDeleteThe Duchess must wear black! Standin against sexual abuse is not political and as a member of an influential family, this will lend her support to the movement. Moreover, I think there will be immense backlash if she doesn't. The RF can make an exception in this case. I think the velvet, sleevless McQueen gown she had worn (woth the statement) necklace will be appropriate.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree Jo in Arizona, mental health is a serious problem and we need to address it now, we desperately need a heads together like program addressing mental health here in the U.S
ReplyDeleteShe should wear what she wants!!! She should ALWAYS wear exactly what she wants! She is a beautiful being......not a walking billboard.
ReplyDeleteJo, I totally agree. Also in Az. I always think that these kind of organizations are seriously lacking in our country. I am also saddened beyond words. I am a behavioral health therapist and I wish we could reach every single person in need. Im a little disappointed in the “if she wears black she supports the movement if she doesn’t wear black she’s not supporting it” argument. It seems infantile to look at it that way. We all support it in our own way. It’s not a complicated issue; women should simply not be subjected to the abuse. It is wrong. But in our society, people are chastised for not immediately jumping on the bandwagon, as someone else stated. I respect that some women just don’t want to talk publicly about it. So I think we should extend that support to those women who are not interested in buckling to the pressure to wear a certain color to demonstrate their support. Let’s make sure we are not ourselves turning into bullies over such an important cause.
ReplyDeleteHi azgirlcoyote, it is nice to see another Arizonan here. I agree about supporting women who have a variety of opinions. Isn't part of the #metoo movement about respecting women's choices and ensuring that women HAVE choices? If someone chooses to use her body to get ahead, that's her choice. And if a woman chooses not to, that is also her choice. Both should be respected as long as they are freely choosing and not being pressured into it. So let women wear what they want because, after all, isn't that what we have been fighting about for decades? Trousers, no trousers. Bra, no bra.
DeleteI don’t think the me too movement is at all about respecting women’s choices. That’s not it’s stated mission in the same way it is for broader feminism at all. It is specifically about people who have been harassed and victimized in Workplace. Nor does it have anything to do with people who “use their bodies to get ahead”. This is honestly a very strange take to have on the me too movement. The women who have forward about having sex with Hollywood power players have expressed that they were coerced, threatened, or flat out assaulted. Nothing about that is choice. It is textbook sexual harassment, both culturally and legally, to be threatened with career or bodily harm if you don’t provide sexual favors. I really think you should do some further reading on the origins and stated goals of both me too and times up.
DeleteAzgirlcoyote, i agree with much of your reasoning.
DeleteBandwagons *alone* don't impress me because it's easy to hop on one when it's "the thing" to do. On the other hand, how many people spoke up when it happened to them, and at a time when it would not have benefited their careers to do so? And are they doing something constructive and/or putting their money where their mouths (in this case, gowns) are?
It just seems a bit ironic to me that generally the same people who objected fiercely to actresses supposedly being pressured into wearing a certain designer's gowns then began insisting that actresses NOT wear that designer's gowns. And now again a campaign to pressure women-- into wearing a specific color. For some reason, this campaign seems different than the wear red for women's heart health that we also see in February.
DeleteI agree with the commenters above (Jo, for one): choice is choice. I also agree that Kate will be criticized whatever choice she makes. If she wears black, a color usually worn by royals only for memorial events, it will be seen as not only counter to BRF tradition, but also as a political move, thus breaking a fundamental tenet of the relationship between the government and the monarchy. If she does not wear black, I think Twitter will actually self-destruct. There is no way she will avoid criticism.
I personally think she will make a thoughtful, diplomatic choice. She won't wear crimson, but she won't wear solid black, either. I think she may avoid black altogether but instead choose another darker color-navy and white, for example, would be an excellent alternative. Or a deep forest green. I would actually have more sympathy for the wear black campaign if the dresses were made of plain fabric and simple design. A simple shift, for example. That would show respect for the victims and seriousness of the cause and keep the attention on the cause. Instead, they chose the most glamourous, alluring, elaborate gowns available. Not exactly an indication of sober reflection. They all looked fabulous and the attention was on them as they walked down the red carpet.
The MeToo movement may have started as a heart-felt, spontaneous response but it now has all the signs of being taken over by some with an agenda other than supporting those men and women. It seems less about helping them than bringing about a shift in power structure. More about control than consoling and healing.
Not all men are to blame and not all women, including those who knew but kept silent, are blameless.
BAFTA has received a ton of free publicity, so there is that. Wasn't there also a big pre-event speculation prior to these events before? Would Catherine attend with William or not? I think we have again been manipulated into controversy that leads to selling the news and increased TV ratings.
Anonymous 19:41, I think you misunderstood me. Freedom to choose should be at the heart of the #metoo movement. Women have been abused and coerced because they could not choose NOT to agree with peripheral suggestions (such as sex) and still pursue, and be successful in, their careers and vocations. As a society we try to pressure others to our points of view. We feel betrayed when people we think ought to belong in “our” group choose to wait awhile, make their own decisions, pursue a different way of protesting, etc.... That is all I was trying to say. If we don’t respect the rights of individuals to peacefully disagree or peacefully decline to “come out,” we become the oppressors.
DeleteFashion-wise, it looks like my least favourite coat is winning - oh, well. I loved all the other coats but the red and white check did not work for me.
ReplyDeleteAs for the dresses, they were all perfectly pleasant - none inspired, in my eyes. I voted for the Seraphine mainly as support for the brand and because the other designer dresses didn't look much more interesting but would be much higher priced. But I almost voted for the TIMO because whilst it doesn't do much for me, it was apparently meant as a diplomatic choice but had no chance to be seen.
Not my favourite tour from a fashion point of view but wonderful in other ways.
The polls do not work. It says: Internal error.
ReplyDeleteSo much talk over what she'll wear at the BAFTAs! It's a sticky situation for her. I hope she wears what's comfortable at this stage of her pregnancy and not be caught so much on n whether she should wear black or not. She will be criticised either way.
ReplyDeleteIm guessing she will wear something similar to the white gown she wore during the tour, for the dinner. I voted for the red and white houndstooth coat and the Alexander McQueen tweed dress. I finally saw The Coronation and Kate:The Making of a modern Princess, both simply brilliant and informative documentaries. Thank You Charlotte!XOXO
DeleteI forgot to mention how thrilled I am that Kate is supporting nurses!! Thank you! I have waited for a long time to see royals have an active patronage in the nursing profession. Such an underrated profession that deserves so much more recognition.
ReplyDeleteIf I may, pass on my deepest condolences to all our American friends on here. That your country is dealing with such a horrific tragedy, is utterly utterly heartbreaking ! Thoughts and prayers to all ! x
ReplyDeleteLet's hope that W&K work here in the UK, find a momentum over in the US.
Annabel, to echo your words, thoughts and prayers with all our friends in the US. The frequency of these horrific attacks is frightening.
DeleteWhole I loathed her evening choices, I loved all her coats, even if they all tended on the conservative side. And I loved her daytime dresses Too, with a preference For the White mcqueen.
ReplyDeleteI this already the flurry of engagements before she goes on maternity leave? Im am curious, is maternity leave usually announced by KP?
ReplyDeleteI don't want to get into a political discussion, but I did think it was important to point out that saying the tragedy in the US shows the need for things like Heads Together in the US is actually very contrary to the point of Heads Together, which was to reduce the stigma attached to mental health problems, rather than associate them with violence. It's incredibly dangerous and unfair to basically imply that someone on anti-depressants should be seen as a risk to society, etc. In fact, most mental health problems tend to make people more withdrawn, rather than lashing out explicitly to hurt others.
ReplyDeleteAs for the BAFTA dress, when Kate accepted the invitation to attend, it was alewsy known that wearing black was being discussed by the women attending. They could have declined or just sent William. So, I don't think it's awful to "judge" her choice one way or the other, however she decides.
Royals attend events all the time where there may be political and social issues - often worthy - they can't address. Pay of nurses is an important issue. If all the nurses at the hospital chose to wear a symbol representing the need for more pay does that mean Kate must wear that symbol or cancel her coming visit?
DeleteThousands of civilians died during the Troubles - including Lord Mountbatten - yet Charles had to meet and be civil to a man who held responsibility for those acts - should he have refused?
Head's Together is a cause the royals have started (but even there they must be careful not to step too far into certain areas.) That is very different from a demand that they embrace another cause - even if they agree with its goals.
William and Kate agreed to attend an awards show, not a forum on sexual harassment. The awards is their cause. That's not to say sexual harassment isn't a worthy cause - it is very much so - but that it's not what the event William and Kate were invited to is about - no matter what others choose to make it.
Like others here, I'm personally, I'm strongly opposed to forcing people to wear one colour or style for reasons that are outside of the Duchess Kate forum. But I don't feel we need to reach that - it's simply that BAFTA is an awards show - not an official forum for anything else - and William and Kate are there officially.
P. S. I don't understand at all why it would be political or anything for her to wear black, and why ppl are suggesting ways she can avoid doing so. It's political to say sexual harassment and assault is bad? How is it any different than a campaign about mental health stigma?
ReplyDeleteI agree!
DeleteI agree as well Maggie
DeleteI agree. I don't believe that wearing black in support of women who were victims is a political statement. Heads Together is about shining a light on mental illness,sharing and healing. This is the same objective with respect to sexual harrassment. The perpetrators have mental issues. Moreover with William as Patron, BAFTA should be taking a stand about protecting women and men who work in the industry.
DeleteIt will be very interesting to see what she chooses to wear to the BAFTAS.
ReplyDeleteThis has been one of those weeks when living in the US is very difficult. While I am grateful to be an American citizen, I am ashamed of and disgusted by my country's gun culture and obsession. I was a junior in high school when the shooting at Columbine happened in 1999. Immediately after, my high school began doing "active shooter" drills. I attended high school in a building made up of pods. This meant that finding a hiding place was very hard, as there were no internal walls separating classrooms. The only option we had was to duck for cover under our own desks during the drills. During my final year in high school I learned what it meant to be "afraid to attend school" due to the prevailing threat of gun violence.
ReplyDeleteNow, as a professional counselor/therapist, I have had too many conversations with young people who have felt traumatized by gun violence, whether it was first-hand experience or from this national epidemic. These are conversations they shouldn't have to have, but unfortunately this is our reality. Given all of the information being thrown about regarding mental illness and gun violence, I feel it is important to say this...Anyone living with mental illness is far more likely to be the victim of violence rather than the perpetrator of violence. A knee-jerk reaction that mental illness is always to blame in these senseless killings is harmful to everyone living with any mental illness. It perpetuates the stigma that mental illness always leads to violent behavior. This is just one of the many reasons why the US needs a long-term campaign comparable to "Heads Together", as I have stressed before. I am grateful that the UK has such a compassionate and effective mental health platform in HT, and the support of charities and the Royal Foundation.
Yesterday morning, I voted for the D&G plum coat because she hardly wears that color, it looked good on her, and one other reason. It is good to embrace pregnancy in maternity style clothes which complements that stage if a woman chooses to. At the same time, clothing which is capable of concealing pregnancy when a woman chooses to, is a winner. Kate might not have picked the plum D&G coat for this reason. She happened to have modeled it in what it is capable of. She did not look pregnant wearing it.. For day dress I voted for AMQ wool blend dress.
ReplyDeleteFor fashion choices I voted for the green Catherine Walker though I also liked the blue as well the Red patterned one I did not loke. It was hard to choose between the seraphine and the white boucle which I voted for mainly because I did not like the fancy ruffles at the end of the sleeves on the seraphine.
ReplyDeleteThis BAFTA event seems to cause controversy quite frequently. Last year it was widely reported that the Board were not keen for Kate to attend as she would attract attention away from the actresses also some of the stars had another cause that they aired their views on when making acceptance speeches after receiving awards. The previous two years there were complaints over William not attending. BAFTA undertakes a considerable amount of charity work especially supporting young people and both W & K frequently support such events. I just hope Kate wears a classic style dress and not anything like she wore on tour. It will also be interesting to see what she wears for the BP reception which is to do with fashion within Commonwealth countries.
Looking further ahead to the engagements promoting Nurses and the National Portrait gallery both these engagements have received considerable press coverage in the Telegraph and I think her written foreword for the exhibition catalogue is excellent and also gives us further insight into her personality.
Well, I voted for the hounds tooth coat which appears to be doing well in the poll, and the green dress which is not. Lol.
ReplyDelete