Our Stylists' Submissions for the Dutch State Banquet (Part 1)

Good evening! We're back with the first batch of our stylists submissions! When considering possibilities for our 'Styling Kate' activity this summer, the upcoming Dutch State banquet seemed the perfect event; an ideal, sparkle-filled distraction during this quiet period. As your choices started coming in, I was hugely impressed with the consideration and thought which went into each look. From elegant looks by Kate's favourite designers to brands she's yet to try, and from dazzling pieces from the Royal Jewel Vault to shoes to die for and sartorial diplomacy implemented with clever nods to the Netherlands; it's been tremendous fun as always. A word of thanks to all who participated and shared supportive comments (one of the best elements of the annual post). Without further ado, you're in for a fashion filled treat :)

Unknown - The Black Crepe Jersey Lace Panel Evening Dress featuring a sarabrande lace insert by Alexander McQueen is styled with the Cartier Halo Tiara Kate wore on her wedding day, Kiki McDonough Eternal mini cushion cut white topaz and diamond earrings and the Jimmy Choo black suede Sadira pumps with oyster bead pearl.

Kim in Oregon - Kim would love to see Kate wearing Temperley London's Ray Sequin Gown. The shimmering gown is described: "With hand-stitched sequins in opulent sparkling gold, the Ray Sequin Gown is undoubtedly one of the most glamorous eveningwear choices from the Autumn '18 collection. Featuring an illusion plunging neckline with a tulle panel and front split at the hem". The Queen's Oriental Circlet Tiara completes the ensemble.

Rebecca Sweden - "All the purples in my post are supposed to be matching so some imagination might be needed! The choices are "realistic" in that the brands are likely and most of the things are already owned." Rebecca chose a bespoke McQueen gown. The centrepiece of the look would be the Queen's amethyst-brooch worn as a pendant in the collet necklace. The look is completed with the Greville Chandelier Earrings, the Queen's Wedding Gift Bracelet, Queen Alexandra's Kokoshnik Tiara, Kate's Oscar de la Renta Platinum Lamé Cabrina Pumps and a bag from Aspinal of London.

Kelly - Inspired by the cape gown Kate wore in Norway earlier this year, Kelly selected the Marchessa Notte Cape-Embellished Crepe Gown. The emerald piece is embellished with clusters of beads and crystals that look like brooches holding the sweeping cape to the shoulders. It's seamed and darted at the bodice to balance the fluid swathes of fabric. A regal touch of sparkle in the form of the Lotus Flower tiara and Kate's Kiki McDonough pink tourmaline and green amethyst earrings completes the look.

Hope from USA - "I had a couple of dresses I liked, but went with this one because I love color and feel it would move well. I think it looks regal. Plus I think the neckline would be gorgeous on Kate." The gown is the Marchesa Off-the-Shoulder Corset Bodice Ombre Tulle Ball Gown with Velvet Flower Corsage, and is teamed with Kate's Prada scalloped sandals, black Prada clutch, the Cartier Halo Tiara, the King Khalid of Saudi Arabia Necklace and Kate's diamond and pearl earrings.

Caroline in Montana - The Jenny Packham Windemere Snowdrop embellished gown from the SS19 Collection is styled with the Strathmore Rose Tiara, the Queen's Wedding Gift Bracelet and Queen Mary's bracelet. The look is completed with a pair of Kiki McDonough Classic 18k Gold Detachable Drop Earrings, Jimmy Choo Romy Glitter pumps and a Roger Vivier Floral Crystal-Buckle clutch.

Nicole J - "I think she needs to go a bit bold as Queen Maxima tends to dress in bold colors or prints." Nicole chose a limited edition blue statement gown from Jenny Packham's SS18 Collection. The gown is styled with the Greville Tiara, jewels from the Brazilian Aquamarine Parure and the Jimmy Choo Lancer Champagne Glitter Leather Pointy Toe Pumps.

Melissa M - Oscar de la Renta's Off-the-Shoulder Draped Silk-Faille Gown is styled with the Delhi Durbar Tiara, earrings from the Dubai Sapphire Demi-Parure, the Modern Sapphire Bracelet, Gianvito Rossi 105 pumps in denim blue, and the Crystal Slide-Lock Judith Leiber Clutch.

Beth W7372 - "I’m assuming she might do one of the colors of the Netherlands so my guess is blue or white since I doubt she would wear orange. I love this Jenny Packham gown but in blue." Like Caroline, Beth was taken by the Snowdrop embellished tulle gown. She would style it with Kiki McDonough Blue Topaz and Diamond Drop Earrings in white gold with a matching necklace. The look is completed with the Gianvito Rossi Portofino 105 sandals in "matching blue or silver".

Stephanie MW - "The look I have chosen is quite glamorous, but I think would look stunning on the Duchess. Queen Maxima herself often chooses quite stunning gowns so I chose a dress that would be suitable for the occasion, but also upping it a notch fashion wise." We have the Jenny Packham Ophelia gown from the AW18 Collection with the Cambridge Lovers Knot Tiara, Gianvito 105 pumps in off white, Diana's Collingwood pearl earrings and the Queen's Diamond Collet necklace.

Anon23 - Anon23 chose the Brandon Maxwell Long-Sleeve Gown with Waterfall Train and Low-Cut Scoop Gown from the Resort 2018 Collection. The gown would be customised with shortened sleeves. It is styled with Queen Mary's Fringe Tiara, the Greville Peardrop Earrings and the Jardine Star Brooch worn in Kate's hair.

Royalfan - Royalfan selected a sweeping one-shoulder gown by Armani. It is styled with the Tiffany Fancy Intense Yellow Diamond Tiara. The tiara is composed of nine Fancy Intense Yellow diamonds surrounded by brilliant white diamonds. The look is completed with Louboutin So Kate pumps, a bronze clutch, Tiffany Soleste Earrings and Queen Mary's Diamond Indian Bangle Bracelets.

Eriq L - A green floral-appliquéd peplum gown by Marchessa Notte is teamed with the Cambridge Lovers Knot Tiara, Kate's Emerald Crystal Drop Earrings, Diana's five-row pearl bracelet with diamond flower clasp, a leather Yves Saint Laurent clutch and Manolo Blahnik Green Hangisi 105 pumps with jewel buckle.

Julia - "For a gown I choice a Walker gown I became enchanted with last year (thinking ahead). The silk is based on designs in Flemish paintings. Considering the magnificent Dutch still-life paintings and Kate's love of art - I can't think of a better choice and the colours will pick up the orders I mention below. - The Jan B gown found in their current collection. The dress has a gorgeous skirt for walking into the banquet but a plain sexy modern bodice. That's good because I think it's time Kate had some orders. I'm awarding her the Queen's Order - if William doesn't want ivory, it could be done in porcelain (as a descendant of the potteries, I favour that,) or enamel - also a British tradition. I'm also requesting the Dutch give Kate a sash for an order as they did for Diana - most probably the Order of the House of Orange. I also think it's time to lay ghost to rest and bring Diana's sapphire choker out." The look is completed with Kate's sapphire and diamond earrings, the Sophia Webster Lucia Satin Sandals, The Sapphire Bandeau worn by Princess Margaret and the Russian Sapphire Cluster brooch to pin the Dutch order. 

Heather - Heather chose a teal Edwin Oudshoorn gown with a detailed intricate bodice. It would be worn with the Five Aquamarine Tiara (worn once by the Queen in Canada and more recently loaned to the Countess of Wessex), Kiki McDonough Candy Mini Blue Topaz and Diamond earrings in yellow gold, Poppy heels and black clutch by Emmy London.

Ruth - "I picked a coral gown, a nod to the orange color without going too bold. I think the color would suit her very well." The sparkling Jenny Packham gown is teamed with the Cambridge Lovers Knot Tiara, Gianvito Rossi suede pumps, Kate's Jimmy Choo Celeste clutch and the Kiki McDonough earrings the Duchess wore for Pippa's wedding.

Sophie O - Sophie would style the Duchess in Erdem's Petunia Gown Mariko Meadow Black Voile. The gown is described as "a delicate piece, grounded by the block black grosgrain ribbons on the waist and sleeves." The gown is accessorised with Her Majesty's decadent George VI and Modern Sapphire Set. A pair of black suede Gianvito Rossi pumps complete the ensemble. 

Anonymous - "I would love to see Kate in a bespoke version of this gown, but in black velvet. I'm thinking black, if only to showcase the jewels, I'd love to see Kate wear." The off-the-shoulder lace panel McQueen gown is teamed with the Queen's Pearl Drop earrings, the Cullinan brooch and Queen Alexandra's Kokoshnik Tiara.

Tiara Watcher - "I’m submitting a rewear idea. I loved the gorgeous blue dress she wore on the Indus Tour in 2016. It was worn with a lovely beaded wrap, but I’d love to see her wear it without the wrap and with the Queen Mother’s sapphire earrings! Since I doubt we’ll see any new tiaras for her, I’m going with a rewear of tiara and other jewels." The Queen Mother's Lotus Flower Tiara, the Queen's Wedding Gift Bracelet, the matching Packham clutch and Kate's Oscar de la Renta Cabrina pumps finish off the look.

Sofy - Sofy selected the bespoke navy Alexander McQueen gown Sandra Bullock wore to the 2014 Academy Awards. The strapless piece features a sweetheart neckline and dramatic draping. It's accessorised with Queen Mary's Fringe Tiara and the Dubai Looped Sapphire necklace and earrings from the royal vault.

Alaina from NJ - Alaina chose a pale pink ruffled gown with floral embellishment by one of Queen Maxima's favourite Dutch designers, Jan Taminiau. The Strathmore Rose Tiara, Kate's Jimmy Choo Romy pumps, Le Vain Strawberry Gold Cinnamon Citrine earrings and a matching necklace complete the look. Kate's hair would be styled in the same updo from Pippa's wedding.

Kiwi Gal - "I chose this simple but stylish Roland Mouret gown as I love the silhouette and the lovely red colour (one of the colours of the Dutch flag!). I also feel like it has some elements from both of the last two gowns she has worn to previous state banquets i.e. the red colour, like the first Jenny Packham & the bell sleeves from the Marchesa." The Mouret Coleman Gown is styled with the Greville Chandelier Earrings, the Queen's Ruby and Diamond Floral Bandeau Necklace, the Queen's Diamond Quatrefoil Bracelet and the Oriental Circlet Tiara.

Rebecca - "I've chosen a dress from a brand I don't think Kate's worn before, but I think it's the kind of dress you imagine a princess wearing, with a wonderful big skirt. Something similar could be made bespoke by Alexander McQueen with more architectural details, maybe a bustle like on her wedding dress? The neckline is maybe a bit open, but all the better to see the diamonds!" The draped off-the-shoulder satin gown is by Reem Acra. It's styled with the Cambridge Lovers Knot Tiara, Kate's Oscar de la Renta Cabrina pumps, the Duchess of Gloucester's Pendant earrings, the Nizam of Hyderabad necklace, the Queen's Wedding Gift Bracelet and Queen Mary's Bar Choker Bracelet.

Gabi K - Gabi K shared the following image featuring her selections for the Dutch State banquet. They include: a customised version of the McQueen shown below in navy with a longer train, the Lotus Flower Tiara, Kate's (very popular) Oscar de la Renta pumps, Kate's Jimmy Choo clutch, the Queen's Chandelier earrings and Quatrefoil Bracelet.

Katie - Katie would style the Duchess in an Alexander McQueen Ivory silk crepe evening dress with crystal orchid embroidery, featuring cape sleeves and a fitted waist. The look is styled with the Jimmy Choo Romy Silver and Dusk Blue Fireball Glitter Dégradé Fabric Pointy Toe Pumps and Finley Clutch. The Five Aquamarine Tiara, Kiki McDonough Juno Bracelet and Juno earrings make for a sparkling finish.

Ivy - Ivy's choice of gown for the banquet is an off-the-shoulder Vivienne Westwood design. It's accessorised with the Queen Mother's Lotus Flower Tiara. As a nod to the Netherlands Ivy completed the look with an orange crystal clutch and citrine jewels.

B - The navy Zac Posen Pleated Tulle Sleeveless Gown with a sweeping train is styled with Queen Mary's Fringe Tiara, the Greville Chandelier Earrings, the Queen's Wedding Gift Bracelet and Christian Louboutin Iriza 100 Glitter Pumps. B would complete the look with a modern beehive hairstyle.

Anja - "This would be my choice for Kate because the Dutch King and Queen are young and fun and the dress combines every official Dutch colour." We have the print Karolina gown by Matsour'I, the Christian Louboutin Pigalle Patent pumps and Vero clutch, the Lotus Flower Tiara and the Queen Mother's Diamond Flower earrings.

Amanda - "In dressing Kate, I would choose the ivory Carolina Herrera silk gown featuring a high neck, an abstract print and an open back, plus one unexpected pop of color via an orange insert at the hemline." The Spring 2014 Collection piece is styled with Kate's black Gianvito Rossi Ankle-Wrap sandals, the Cambridge Lovers Knot Tiara, the Queen's Chandelier earrings and Kate's art deco bracelet.

Frances - The Roland Mouret Gerzon gown. "Kate is trim and toned and I think will look great in this color and style of gown. Interesting detail on the top of the bodice,  yet lots of room for jewellery." The Lotus Flower Tiara, Bahrain Pearl Drop earrings, Four Row Japanese Pearl Choker, the Wedding Gift Bracelet, Quatrefoil Bracelet, Bottega Veneta clutch and black suede pumps complete the look. 

If any of the looks above contain the incorrect item or the wrong colour, don't hesitate to let me know. It's been known to happen with some regularity every now and again...

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In other news, royal reporter Omid Scobie revealed the Cambridges returned from Mustique after a fortnight on the paradise island late last week. Hello! correspondent Ainhoa Barcelona spoke with guests who attended a party with the royals: "The couple were spotted on a rare night out at the island's famous Basil's Bar. The theme of the bash, which was also attended by Mick Jagger and his daughter Jade, was a Splash of Gold. Fellow revellers have exclusively revealed to HELLO! that William and Kate attended 'on the early side' of the party and looked to be having a great time. Sources also told us that the couple looked 'island chic' with Prince William sporting a Pinkhouse Mustique shirt to support the local brand. 'They were there for the cocktails segment and kept it rather classy,' they said. The royal couple are good friends with legendary barman Basil Charles of Basil's Bar; he even set up a pop-up bar at the Goring hotel in London, where Kate stayed the night before her wedding, during the week of the nuptials in 2011." The scoop made the cover of the magazine this week.

Earlier today, William travelled to France to attend commemorations marking the centenary of the Battle of Amiens. During a speech the Prince said: "Amiens was symbolic of the entente cordiale, the co-operation without which victory was impossible. It is entirely fitting therefore, that today, that same international coalition has returned to Amiens with our former enemy, in peace and partnership. It is fitting too that we come together here, in this magnificent Cathedral, which has such a profound connection to all those that served. After the war, a commemorative tablet was installed here by the Imperial War Graves Commission, 'In sacred memory of six hundred thousand men of the armies of Great Britain and Ireland who fell in France and Belgium during the Great War'. Memorial Tablets were subsequently installed by other nations to honour their fallen. And the Chapel of the Allies, where today we will renew the bonds forged during the War, is a lasting testament to the continuing relationship between those who served here a hundred years ago and the people of Amiens."

It is expected the Cambridge family will spend most of August at their Norfolk country home, Anmer Hall, before travelling to Balmoral for a few days in the Highlands with the Queen.

People reports:

'William’s summer started with a sunshine break in the Caribbean with wife Kate Middleton and their three children — Prince George, 5, Princess Charlotte, 3, and Prince Louis, 3 months. They visited Mustique with Kate’s parents — where they likely enjoyed tennis, scuba-diving and teaching the older children to swim.

For the first time, George and Charlotte are both on a break from school until early September. Therefore, their usual trip to the Queen Elizabeth‘s summer getaway at Balmoral Castle in Scotland that often takes place in early September might have to come sooner. The family is also likely to spend much of their time at their country home, Anmer Hall, rather than Kensington Palace in London, which is fringed by parks that are packed with tourists this time of year.'

We'll see you in a few days with Part 2 of our stylists' looks! :)