Iconic Looks – Showcasing Well Known Styles & Designers

2021 Funeral for HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh

For the funeral of Prince Philip (funeral coverage here and fashion coverage here), the Duchess of Cambridge paired a new Catherine Walker coat with previously worn pieces.  Her necklace and earrings were loaned items from The Queen, both with special sentimental significance. Kate previously wore the necklace for a private dinner at Windsor Castle in 2017 celebrating the Queen and Prince Philip’s 70th wedding anniversary.  The Bahrain Pearl and Diamond Drop Earrings were made from stones that were a wedding gift to Princess Elizabeth and Lieutenant Philip Mountbatten in 1947. 

The coat is a bespoke version of Catherine Walker’s Beau Tie style, introduced for the 2020 Christmas season in a festive red color.  It features “…pleats falling gently from the shoulder to tie into a bow at the neckline” and also has princess seams, structured shoulders, three self-covered buttons at the front and at each cuff.  Beneath the coat, the Duchess wore a Roland Mouret design first seen at the annual Festival of Remembrance in November 2018.  She brought back a Philip Treacy hat first worn for Remembrance Sunday in November 2019, carried the previously seen Celeste style clutch by Jimmy Choo, and repeated her oft-worn Gianvito Rossi 105 suede pumps. It looks like the Duchess carried her Cornelia James ‘Alice’ gloves and had on a mask by Amaia Kids, the ‘Duke/Duchess’ style.

2019 BAFTA Awards

The Duchess wowed at the February 2019 BAFTA Awards in a one-shouldered Alexander McQueen evening gown featuring a draped, fitted bodice with a full, flowing skirt. Kate accessorized (top to bottom center photos) with a pair of glittering diamond and pearl earrings that belonged to Diana, Princess of Wales.  Additionally, she wore the Queen’s Diamond Quatrefoil Bracelet and carried a McQueen bag, the Mini Crystal-Embellished Clutch. The Duchess also wore a pair of Jimmy Choo heels, the label’s Romy 100  style with “Silver and Dusk Blue Fireball Glitter Dégradé” embellishment.  

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Prince Louis Christening July 2018

Kate made it an Alexander McQueen and Jane Taylor trifecta for the Cambridge children’s christenings when Prince Louis was christened July 9, 2018.  Her Alexander McQueen dress featured “a peaked demi-leg-o-mutton sleeve, a nod to Elizabethan tradition…[that] worked well with a plunging v-neckline,” per this Vogue story.  Her Jane Taylor headband showcased ivory straw accented by a variety of silk flowers, pearl beads, and other embellishments. Kate debuted a new pair of pearl cluster earrings, the Cavolfiore Pearl Studs by Cassandra Goad. Her heels were the Romy style in nude patent leather from royal favorite Jimmy Choo.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Canada Arrival 24 September 2016

For the Cambridge family’s arrival in Canada and the start of the 2016 tour, Kate wore a chic, sophisticated dress from one of her go-to designers, Jenny Packham. The Duchess accessorized with a Sylvia Fletcher for Lock and Company hat that showcased a maple leaf motif, along with her Nina hard-sided clutch from royal favorite LK Bennett, and Gianvito Rossi signature suede pumps in the ‘praline’ color.  We also saw the Queen’s platinum and diamond maple leaf brooch, worn by Kate during the 2011 tour, and the tanzanite earrings believed to be by G. Collins & Sons. To read our full post on the family’s arrival in Canada click here.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Order of the Garter July 2016

For Order of the Garter ceremonies, the Duchess wore an ensemble including pieces that dated back to the 2011 North American tour, a coat and dress from Catherine Walker. She brought back a rich red Lock and Company hat, along with an Alexander McQueen clutch and a new pair of red Gianvito Rossi heels. The jewelry included her trusty Mappin and Webb Empress pendant, a diamond bracelet seen previously, and the custom acorn/oak leaf Robinson Pelham earrings first worn for her wedding in 2011. This was a polished, elegant reworking of older styles that worked perfectly for the occasion.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

China State Banquet Oct 2015:

For her first state banquet at Buckingham Palace the Duchess wore a bespoke Jenny Packham gown, the Lotus Flower/Papyrus Tiara (more here), diamond drop earrings on loan from HM, the ‘Wedding Gift’ diamond bracelet (there is a bit more info here) and a second diamond bracelet made from a choker of Queen Mary’s (more info here). Kate also carried a red clutch that looks like a custom piece made to match the dress. We’re not referencing footwear because there are no photos showing Kate’s shoes. Click here to read our full post on the banquet.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Princess Charlotte Christening JULY 2015

The Duchess wore a bespoke Alexander McQueen coat dress for Princess Charlotte’s christening in July 2015. The knee-length design was a classic fit and flare silhouette, with intricately engineered gores and darts. It also included a fitted bodice with wide, winged lapels and a pleated skirt in the back. Kate accessorized with a custom Jane Taylor hat; the ‘Pointy’ pump from Russell and Bromley; and the white gold and diamond ‘Empress’ necklace and matching drop earrings from jewelers Mappin and Webb. Click here to read our full post on the christening. 

 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Prince George Christening October 2013

For Prince George’s christening, the Duchess opted for a design from one of her go-to labels, Alexander McQueen.  Her hat was the aptly named ‘Georgie’ from Jane Taylor, and her Park Avenue pumps were from Russell and Bromley. We also saw Kate in one of her favorite pair of earrings, the Kiki McDonough Citrine Pear Drops. For our full post, click here.

 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

BAFTA Gala Los Angeles July 9, 2011

The Duchess wowed the crowd at a 2011 BAFTA Gala in Los Angeles.  She wore a bespoke evening gown by Alexander McQueen with a touch of Grecian-inspired design. It featured a pleated blouson-style top, cinched-in waist accented by a rhinestone belt, and a full, flowing skirt with a fluted hem. Kate’s accessories included a clutch and handbag by Jimmy Choo: the Ubai Clutch ($595) and Vamp Glitter Sandals, both in the ‘champagne’ colorway. Her shimmering crystal or rhinestone-studded belt remains an UFO. The chandelier-style earrings were on loan from HM; they showcase three flexible fringe drops made of diamonds that descend from a bezel-set diamond at the top. Kate’s bracelet has an art deco feel with flower-like clusters and baguette diamonds; it is believed to have been part of a wedding gift from Prince Charles. 

 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Blue Issa Engagement Dress: This was the first time Kate was introduced to millions, not everyone was familiar with the bride-to-be.

The Duchess-to-be wore the famous wrap dress by Issa London in a rich blue silk jersey. The dress was designed by Issa’s founder, Daniella Helayel. Sadly, the company is no longer in business. Miss Middleton’s notable accessory was her engagement ring, the same worn by Lady Diana Spencer upon her engagement to Prince Charles. She also sported a gold and sapphire necklace from the Elsa Peretti® Cabochon by the Yard collection at Tiffany, along with the matching Elsa Peretti® Cabochon by the Yard earrings. For our original post on the dress click here.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Libelula Dulwich Coat: Worn to a January 2011 wedding, the silk velvet coat closes with a diamante rhinestone clasp and hits just above the knee.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Reiss Nanette Engagement Photo Dress: No list of iconic Kate Middleton styles is complete without this dress, worn for one of two formal photographs shot by famed photographer Mario Testino.

The dress featured three-quarter sleeves with a cascading ruffle down the front and an exposed zipper, also on the front. As we originally noted in describing the dress, it is unremarkable on the hanger; it is one of those styles that needs to be put on before one can render an opinion on it. Reiss continues to be a brand Kate favors.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

The Penelope Chilvers Boots & Really Wild Clothing Ensemble:

Most Kate fans remember this August 2004 photograph, Kate posing in front of Blenheim Palace.

For many, the appeal of the photo is in the image it projects, an upscale town and country look that transcends generations. For others, the Really Wild brand clothing Kate is seen wearing holds the greatest interest; still, others are intrigued by the Penelope Chilvers boots; learn more about the boots (they’re still available!) on our Kate’s Favorite Footwear Brands page.