Kate's Designers: Fashion Week

Don't you just love fashion week? Since I began blogging about Kate it's become even more interesting for me. Seeing Kate's favourite designers showcase their latest looks and getting a glimpse into what the Duchess might wear next is always fun. New York Fashion Week has just taken place. A number of designers displayed their Autumn/Winter 2012 collections. 


Beginning with Jenny Packham's glamorous collection. 

The collection is a little different from what we're used to from Packham. Bias cut gowns and 1940s pencil skirts dominated the show. However there were a number of elegant, ethereal evening gowns which we will no doubt see Kate wear throughout the year.

I read Jenny designed the collection with two of her best customers in mind, Kate and Angelina Jolie. The beautiful dress below is an 'Angelina' and is reportedly being considered for her Academy Awards dress. It would look incredible on Kate but without alteration it simply isn't her style.

The moment I saw the Ralph Lauren show I instantly thought the designs were inspired by Downton Abbey and Sherlock Holmes. Boy for girl suits and houndstooth coats dominated the first half of the show. As always I've selected the looks I feel Kate would most likely choose.

Beautiful halterneck and one shoulder gowns were also displayed. The second black dress would be *amazing* on Kate.

London Fashion Week is currently in full swing with a host of Duchess Kate's favourite designers holding shows. We've yet to see Kate wear an Emilia Wickstead piece but we know she's a fan. Beautiful elegant collection. Adore the combination of black and pink.

 Temperly opted for the 'polished folk' look with their collection. Alice continued to honour the royal wedding with sheer long sleeves evident in many pieces.

Embellishment and delicate detailing are a signature of Alice Temperly.

I don't know if we will ever see Kate wear Issa again. If we do I expect she'll be wearing the red lace dress below. As you can see the green dress is heavily influenced by Kate's engagement dress.

I've been very excited to see what the Mulberry show had to offer especially after seeing their fashion week invite, a giant gold key.

Emma Hills collection was more than a match for its stellar front row according to the Telegraph's Fashion Blog.

"This is classic Manhattan winter gear - and that's the market Mulberry has been successfully pitching for. That meant a whole ton of Mongolian fur, swinging from gilets, jackets, coats and bags."

Maurice Sendak's book 'Where The Wild Things Are' provided inspiration for the collection.

More looks from the collection.

Moments before the show Mulberry unveiled their new star bag named 'Del Rey' in honour of the singer Lana Del Rey. Described as a twist on old Hollywood glamour it is reminiscent of Kate's polly push lock bag.

Lana carrying her own bespoke bag. A definite possibility for Kate in black.

More of Kate's favourites including McQueen and Erdem will show their collection in the next couple of days. Some beautiful pieces and many of the collection designed with a certain Duchess in mind :)

Hope you all had a good weekend.

Source (Telegraph Fashion Blog, Style.com, Twitter, Mulberry, Daily Mail)

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William and Kate plan to get cosy watching Downton Abbey as they move into Kensington Palace

William and Kate have finally moved into Kensington Palace. After months of speculation about the move, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have chosen a very modest flat. It is much smaller than their neighbours apartment occupied by Prince and Princess Michael of Kent. The couple have just arrived home from their hectic tour of Canada and I imagine were enjoying being back to 'normal' life in their Anglesey home. It must be difficult for the young couple to have to uproot yet again. The life of a Royal may not be as easy as people think?
Kate ordered a few minor renovations and builders discovered the place was riddled with asbestos, a material that became popular in building during the late 19th century, It was later discovered it causes cancer. Senior royals have confirmed the couple moved all their furniture from Prince Harry's apartment at Clarence House to Kensington Palace and spent a couple of nights there last week. (I must say I'm surprised the move escaped the ever watchful eye of the paparazzi) While Diana resided there she was hounded day and night. Hopefully it will be an easier transition for Kate. Sources also stated that William and Kate view Anglesey as their home and the arrangement at Kensington is only temporary. Royal aides are constantly looking for alternatives. The Queen has invited Kate to stay at Balmoral where she wishes to get to know her better. No doubt options will be discussed during the visit. The Queen was reportedly hopeful they would take an apartment at Buckingham Palace, they declined as they feared people would feel the Queen was favouring William over Charles.
 Perhaps the pair will relax and watch Downton Abbey while there, they told actress Jessica Brown Findlay at the BAFTA reception they simply love watching it together :) It is an excellent period drama series, Well worth a watch if any of you  enjoy period dramas, (I've seen the first series twice myself) The wonderful Maggie Smith stars.

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Latest Collections From Kate's Favourite Designers, Royal Ascot Dress Code, Pantyhose and more

Kate has been in Mustique for a week now, so whilst awaiting news and photos (Yes, it does seem like months since we saw new photos :)) I have been taking a look at the latest collections from Kate's favourite designers. I have to say I was incredibly impressed by the Temperly London Pre Fall 2012 collection. One could only say the collection was designer for royalty. Some of these pieces wouldn't have been out of place in a period drama or an episode of Downton Abbey. Designer Alice Temperly spoke about the collection and cited the 19th century as an inspiration.

"It's less of a bohemian look, more dreamlike and ethereal. There is more of an opulence, a femininity and a flow to the collection".

Lace forms an integral part of the collection, The first gown appears quite similar to the dress Kate wore to the War Horse premiere.

Kate has wowed us all by choosing black gowns for her most recent engagements, I have a suspicion we shall see Kate in one of these gowns before the end of the year. With the Jubilee and her duties as ambassador for London 2012 something like these will be essential.

The classic black and white combination is used, from long sleeved gowns to cocktail dresses.

Other trends include gold, daring pink and my favourite piece of the collection, the delicate purple dress. With slight alterations these would look striking on Kate.

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The McQueen Pre Fall 2012 is everything one would expect. Dramatic and flamboyant with Sarah Burton's signature touches. Belted waists and embroidery are a prominent feature of the collection.

The enigmatic Sarah Burton said 'I do love a gown' when speaking of her pieces. I'm hoping Kate wears the third gown during her overseas tour. 

Three pieces which I do not think Kate shall be wearing. I'm slightly bewildered by the velvet 'ruffled feathers type' dress.....

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The royals favourite race meet, Royal Ascot is set to tighten their dress code following allegations visitors are becoming too casually dressed. The new rules give ladies strict instructions on the width of dress straps and the length of dresses. Opulent hats are favoured and fascinators must be 'substantial' if they are too be deemed acceptable at the 300 year old event. Enormous headpieces like these are literally flooding the Paris catwalks this week. Alixis Mabille opted for hats which look rather like large roses ....

While Maurizio Galante hid the models faces behind spring flowers. I wonder if this choice of millinery will translate to Ascot? I doubt it :)

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Duchess Kate has inspired many trends but the comeback of pantyhose has been one which has influenced everyone from fans to designers (Note some of the models above are wearing pantyhose) Kate is an avid wearer of sheer denier tights. Different brands have been credited but the general consensus seemes to be Kate's tights are from John Lewis. (With thanks to What Kate Wore) The Barely There Non Slip Nude Tights are currently available for £5.

I'm personally a huge fan of nude tights, Has Kate inspired you to wear pantyhose with your outfits? If so, do you opt for nude or experiment with patterns. I do adore fashion tights :)

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Kate graces the cover of Grazia France this week. Loved this outfit from the Canadian tour!

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Sources ( mysanantonio, daily mail, the telegraph, style.com, grazia france,)

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