William and Kate's Next Three Engagements Revealed + What Kate Might Wear

Hello to you all,
William and Kate's Royal diary is looking busy again - with three engagements in two days pencilled in for the end of this month. On April 25 the Cambridges will attend the UK film premiere of nature documentary 'African Cats' at the National Film Theatre, London. Narrated by Sir Patrick Stewart the 'true life adventure' tells the story of two animal families in the wild trying to survive on the African Savannah. You can watch the trailer Here.

African Cats/TheMirror

The premiere is in aid of Prince William's charity Tusk Trust, a wildlife protection charity which was established in response to 'an urgent need to halt the decline in Africa's natural heritage and find a way to combine the interests of people and wildlife alike'. William is expected to make a short speech. Last January the couple attended the premiere of Steven Speilberg's War Horse and Duchess Kate was reduced to tears. No doubt the Duchess will need a box of tissues on hand as 'African Cats' is said to be a tearjerker. 

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On April 26 the couple will have two engagements. Firstly they will attend a reception to celebrate The Scott - Amundsen Centenary Race to the South Pole. The couple will honour two British Army teams who raced across Antarctica to raise much needed funds for the British Legion's commitment to help recovering and unwell service people. William is a patron of this incredible organisation. Truly inspiring story. 

Scott Amundsen

                                       

That evening the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will attend a reception at the Imperial War Museum to launch their First World War Galleries: Centenary Campaign. For those of you interested in history or unique coverage of conflicts involving the Commonwealth the museum is a must see.

Imperial War Museum

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I am delighted about the choice of upcoming engagements and think they tip just the right balance. I'm particularly looking forward to the 'African Cats' premiere and seeing Kate in another full length gown. In terms of sartorial choices the 30 year old hasn't put a foot wrong In fact in terms of anything she hasn't Which lucky designer will Kate choose? Let's take a look at some possibilities beginning with Jenny Packham.

Jenny Packham

I'm secretly hoping Kate choose a dress by the amazing Alice Temperly. We discussed the beautiful Greta dress in this post last week and I do hope to see Kate wearing it this year. Although it could be quite chilly and she may opt for long sleeves. Below we look at the Camille, Vera and the Long Draped Spiral Dress. Adore the Vera.

Temperly

Should Kate choose Amanda Wakeley, all I can say is the dress below is gorgeous. 

Amanda Wakeley

Kate's other 'go to' designer is of course Sarah Burton at McQueen. Due to the rather eccentric feel to the latest collections, a dress for Kate will most likely be custom made by Burton. I will be surprised if the Duchess chooses a designer apart from the four aforementioned British designers. What would you like to see Duchess Kate wear?

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Why the fashion world refuses to acknowledge Duchess Kate as a style icon and Why fans of Kate prove them wrong

I was doing my daily search for Kate related news today and I've noticed a trend among articles. It seems the fashion world and a healthy number of journalists refuse to accept Kate as a fashion icon. After the recent 'Bridal Fashion Week' the press joyfully wrote there was no "discernible Kate Middleton effect"
British bespoke wedding dress designer Sassi Holford said,


"The long sleeved demure look was already emerging before Kate Middleton appeared in her Sarah Burton designed gown. Five years ago, It was all strapless. The last two years - and more this year than any other people say, I don't want strapless, What can you offer me".


Below a model wears a gown by Sassi Holford which seems very Kate inspired to me.....

Other designers including Matthew Williamson and Gregory Nato spoke along the same lines. You can read the article Here. There is absolutely no doubt Kate has influenced bridal trends. I'm sure most of you who have attended weddings this year have noticed lace, longer sleeves and boleros being worn by brides more so than in previous years.


TV fashion presenter Mary Portas felt the need to criticise the Duchess too saying "Is that fashion? No. I do not know how can you say she is a fashion icon. I just don't get that". Portas, not known for mincing her words, recently labelled the female members of the British Cabinet "an ugly bunch".


Others including designer Vivienne Westwood have made similar comments. However designers such as Alice Temperly and Julien MacDonald have spoke out in favour of Kate's style with MacDonald stating Kate is "chic and sophisticated". I've decided to take a look at trends Kate has inspired and why I think she is a fashion icon. With thanks to the Daily Mail for putting an excellent article together documenting Kate's fashion influence.


Firstly 'The Kate effect' has been simply amazing for the retailers she chooses. British high street label Reiss (they currently have up to 40% off on selected lines :) had to reissue the £159 dress she wore for the engagement photos while their website crashed after Kate wore their Shola dress while meeting the Obamas. London based label Alexander McQueen experienced a fifty percent increase in turnover compared to the previous year after Kate wore a Sarah Burton wedding gown. In these recessionary times, Kate is a huge asset to British labels who need all the business they can get. 

No one can deny the massive popularity of Nude court shoes since Kate has been photographed wearing her favourite L.K. Bennett Sledge 2 Pumps. Even Carole and Pippa Middleton are fans..........(You know you're a trendsetter when you're mother and sister want to emulate your look :)) At Zara Phillips' wedding it was pointed out almost every woman in attendance was wearing nude court shoes.

From Kate's wedding gown to the Royal tour and most recently while attending a wedding, Kate is clearly a fan of lace. Classic dresses with clean lines look spectacular with lace detail. It's a look that works wonderfully for the Duchess and any woman can emulate it. Journalist Jessica Vince wrote "Middleton mania has influenced every designer, most notably through lace sleeves that repli Kate the famous Alexander McQueen gown of Royal Wedding day".

Kate's stunning sapphire and diamond engagement ring, originally Princess Diana's sparked a trend for colourful gemstones. Replicas of Kate's ring sold out all over the world. Dervla Cogan from By Brillians jewellery company said

 "In the run up to the Royal wedding we constantly had customers visit our shop and emailing our website requesting a similar piece to Kate's engagement ring. We created a piece inspired by the famous ring and it was hugely popular. It sold out before the big day and people who wanted it had to be put on a waiting list. Even after the wedding it continues to be one of our best selling items".

These are but a few of the trends Kate has inspired but what is the true testament of a style icon? Is it someone designers are influenced by? Someone who makes the headlines? In my opinion a true style icon is someone who is admired and emulated by people like you and me. From your average college student, businesswoman, homemaker and fashionista, Kate's style is loved. Women want to dress like her. 


I asked some wonderful fans of Kate's style what they love about her look. I would like to sincerely thank each of them for taking the time to participate. It is greatly appreciated.


Chiara via Twitter "How she's always appropriate wears the perfect thing according to the event and her role".


Kate Middleton Fans via Twitter "I love how her style is timeless, yet accentuated with such grace. She truly is such an icon, and everyone can wear it".


Alyssa Via Twitter "She's classic and elegant, not overdone. Clean lines, sticks to what works.


Pamela Via Twitter "She always looks effortless. Sounds cliche, but true. She wears clothes, they don't wear her. Never overdone".


Anne Marie Via What Kate Wore Facebook "Several things. I really like choosing things she has worn (the exact not a copy) because it always is very high quality, and has, I guess you would say, a little twist to it. Like the ruffle on the bottom of the trench coat,..".


Brittney Mick Via WKW Facebook "I love how glamorous yet effortless she looks".


Jami Via WKW Facebook "I am also young like Kate and I really like that she is making it stylish to dress conservative, but cute and classy. You don't need to dress trashy to get noticed".


Amber Via WKW Facebook "I love how she "recycles" her clothes as they say. She is not afraid to be photographed in it twice. I love how she wears pantyhose. But I think we can all agree we like her conservative, classy attire".


Dolores Via WKW Facebook "I also like her influence on young girls. She's showing them that you can be beautiful and elegant without being trendy, and garish".


Alyssia Via the blog "I personally love her style, her courage to put sophistication back on the map (so sick of this Lady GaGa/it's OK to dress like a ho fad), and the way she pulls it all off by wearing (for the most part) reasonably priced clothing in a way which makes even the least of us feel as if we can always channel our inner princess. Most of all, and beyond her "style icon" status, she is a good person, an exceptional lady, an advocate for humanity and charity. And that's what makes her one of my favorite people on the planet".


The general opinion appears to be that it's Kate's classy, effortless style we all love. It's attainable, yet glamorous. Affordable, yet chic. Modern, yet classic....................
Why do you all love Kate's style? If you would like your comment added to the list please let me know :)
Again a huge thank you to the women who contributed to this post. Kate has some wonderful fans :)


Sources (Daily Mail, What Kate Wore Facebook, Twitter,Wall Street Post)

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Half a million expected to see Kate's wedding dress at Buckingham Palace this weekend

One of the most iconic gowns of our time is going on display this weekend. Duchess Kate's stunning Sarah Burton, £250,000 gown will be the star attraction at Buckingham Palace's annual exhibition. Millions who admired the dress from their television screens are being offered the chance to see the dress up close and see an exclusive video featuring Sarah Burton discussing the creation of the dress and the participation of Kate during the entire process. 'We wanted to look to the past, yet the future as well'. The detail on the dress is really quite extraordinary as you will see in the photos below. Duchess Kate is expected to join her majesty to formally open the exhibition. (I will update if any photos surface :)) 
While the dress will certainly take pride of place, Visitors are being offered the chance to relive the wedding with other key items on display. The 1936 cartier tiara Kate wore on her wedding day and her size five and a half hand stitched shoes will feature as will the acorn earrings her parents gave her. Even the wedding cake will be shown! There has been record demand by fans eager to catch a glimpse of William and Kate's big day. 600,000 people have paid the £17.50 fee to visit the exhibition over the next ten weeks. 
The exhibition runs until October 3, If you are interested in seeing Kate's dress or any of the wonderful pieces on display you can purchase a ticket HERE

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The dress that will inspire a million copies!

As Kate Middleton entered the Abbey with her Father Mike, thousands of designers attempted to recreate the stunning Sarah Burton creation. Kate's dress was one of the best kept secrets but she was determined to surprise the world at 11.01 a.m. on April 29th and she did just that. She had a clear idea of what she wanted and was drawn to the understated elegance of Grace Kelly whose gowns went on display at the Victoria and Albert museum last April. Sarah Burton who designed the dress described working with Kate as 'The experience of a lifetime' Mary Rose McGrath was one of the first to finish her interpretation of the gown with a 9 ft train.  It is now on display in House of Fraser, Victoria's square, Belfast.  Her take on the gown made of french lace and ivory fabric was put together in less than 24 hours.  Designers described Kate's dress as 'a work of art' and doubted it could be emulated in such short time. Take a look for yourself Here

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Kate reveals her fears for William as the couple get to know Prince Edward Island

William and Kate have begun their day in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island at Provence house , the birthplace of confederation. William said 'It is quite the moment for Catherine and me to be standing here in Atlantic Canada, in front of in front of Provence house where Canadian confederation was forged'. The couple then took part in a walkabout where they greeted over 30,000 tourists.

It has also been revealed that at Ottawa's memorial park while talking to a military wife. Kate revealed how she deeply worries for William while he's at work. 'I always worry but my job is to support my husband. You should always support your husband. I worry when William goes on a mission. I find it very difficult. You always fear for them not knowing not knowing if something is going to happen and it can be very hard'. The much loved Duchess perhaps found it easy to relate to a military wife who would understand the same fears.

Kate is wearing a Sarah Burton for McQueen cream and navy knit dress with her prada pumps and sapphire earrings. Her hair is tied back (which I love on her) The dress isn't one of my favourites but I still think we will see her wear something vibrant and colourful before the tour is over. It was designed with one of Kate's favourite books in mind 'Anne of green gables'. Next the couple will compete in a dragon boat race. 

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Sarah Burton speaks on working with Kate!

Sarah Burton initially described working with Kate Middleton on her wedding dress as 'The experience of a lifetime' She not only designed her beautiful wedding gown but her evening dress and Pippa's infamous white dress too. Speaking about Kate she described her as 'One of the most lovely women she has ever met and very low maintenance'  Creating the dress was a 50/50 effort between her and Kate.  Burton adored the secrecy of it but felt she ruined the surprise when she was pictured running into the goring hotel wearing a fur coat from her last season. The dress which has inspired million of imitations around the world since the big day last Friday was only worn by Kate for a few hours yet will be her most famous creation as chief designer at McQueen.  After months of preparation and no doubt immense pressure she is looking forward to a nice vacation. Having just announced plans to visit California after their Canada visit, It will be fascinating to see if Kate remains a fan of the high street or collaborates again with a designer like Sarah Burton.  Audrey Hepburn has a stellar relationship with Givenchy, It would be fascinating to see Kate continue hers with the house of McQueen, proving they compliment her style so well at the wedding.

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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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'The Kate effect' takes over New York Fashion week and Kate fashion updates!

In the past six months Duchess Kate's style has been causing a sensation. Kate's elegant yet affordable style has become a firm favourite with everyone form Vogue editor Anna Wintour to actress Anne Hathaway. It comes as no surprise that designers at New York fashion week were inspired by the Duchess. Ed Burstell, managing director of Liberty of London said 'Kate's influence will be felt during fashion week. We are in a Kate moment. Everyone wants to look like her, act like her, be her. She is the 'anti-Kardashian' a bracing antithesis to the strident style and manner who look so phony by comparison'.

Jason Wu S/S 2012

Designer Rachel Zoe said 'We are definitely returning to a time when we want things that are more timeless and polished, not looking a mess. The fairytale aspect of fashion is what appeals to Americans, Who doesn't want to see the fairytale come alive'. Tommy Hilfiger confirmed his brand has also being paying close attention to the 29 year old 'We like our women to be dressed up from head to toe. We will be really very studied about how we're putting our outfits together. Catherine will influence all markets'.

Wes Gordon S/S 2012

While Kate's style is adored by the fashion elite it is equally loved by the average woman. Women of all ages from college student to businesswomen want to emulate Kate. Fans of the Duchess are being called 'RepliKates' (Love the name :)) There is a certain mystique about her reminiscent of old Hollywood actresses that simply doesn't exist in Hollywood today. She does not feel the need to make bold fashion statements. One can tell that each piece Kate wears was chosen by her.

Luca Luca S/S 2012

Duchess Kate's pieces come from high street stores such as Zara and Warehouse to designers like Diane Von Furstenburg but most noticeably Kate has chosen Alexander McQueen. From her stunning Sarah Burton wedding gown to the military inspired outfit she wore to Birmingham recently, McQueen is becoming the primary label associated with Kate. I was just looking at the McQueen website and saw some pieces that would look stunning on Kate, Perhaps we will even see her wear them in the future!


Firstly I would love to see Kate wear a red gown to an occasion similar to the BAFTA reception or the ARK gala. In the photo below we see a glimpse of Kate wearing an embellished red dress in 2006. It looks stunning. I have chosen the Knot Front Jersey Gown. 


Sarah Burton updates the dramatic Alexander McQueen aesthetic with this elegant intense red gown.Cut to drape perfectly front the knotted front to the floor sweeping train. 

I think this Halterneck Chiffon Gown would look amazing on the Duchess with her hair worn up. The backless aspect is definitely not typically Kate's style but with minor adjustments it could be tailored to look more modest yet equally striking.

Work all out glamour for evening in Alexander McQueen's whisper weight silk chiffon halterneck gown. Detailed with a flamboyant feather embellished pelmet and champagne crystal beading.

For daytime functions or when performing Royal duties, I think we could easily see Duchess Kate in any of the dresses below. We have seen her in similar styles numerous times before. I love that these dresses are classic and understated.

Are there any outfits you would love to see Duchess Kate wear or pieces you expect we shall see her wear yet?

In other Kate fashion news, I'm sure you all remember the beautiful camel Reiss shola dress Duchess Kate wore when greeting the Obamas. Interest in the dress caused the Reiss site to crash and the shola sold out within a couple of hours. 

Now Reiss has cleverly re-released the Shola for Autumn/Winter renamed 'Lola'. The Lola dress has a slightly different neckline but is pretty much identical otherwise. It is avialable in lava red and steel blue. I actually prefer the dress in these colours. The dress is described as 

'A move on from the Reiss Shola dress, Lola bandage dress features origami folding and pleating to the front, plus medium weight fabric that skims rather than clings all making Reiss Lola fantastically flattering'.

 Again I wouldn't be surprised if we see Kate wear the Lola. It would look magnificent on her in either colour. Reiss do not mass produce their items so the Lola will easily sell out quite quickly. If you are interested in buying the Lola click Here.

The new Reiss collection is very Kate inspired. When I saw the Viva and Livia dresses on their site I instantly thought of Kate and the Shola dress.

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Kate takes on her first patronage, poll results, McQueen and more

Duchess Kate has certainly been making the headlines over the past few days hence I have plenty of news to share with you today. After the couples visit to the Royal Marsden Hospital it was formally decided at a meeting of the board of trustees that Kate would become patron of The Foundation of Prince William and Prince Harry. The foundation set up in 2009 raises funds for the Princes favourite charities. Duchess Kate has been working closely with the foundation since her wedding. It is also thought the foundation will be renamed in the future to reference Kate's involvement. Prince William said 


"We believe that it will provide a unique opportunity for us to use our privileged position to make a real difference in the many areas of charitable work. We feel passionately that, working closely together with those who contribute to our foundation, we can help to make a long lasting and tangible difference"


The three primary areas of focus are young people, the environment and the armed forces. Duchess Kate is reportedly very keen to support the arts also. I think this was the perfect choice for Kate. She will have the support of William throughout her work with the foundation. I look forward to seeing how Kate's participation and influence further extends the excellent work the foundation does. 

I'm sure you were all following Paris Fashion Week. I suspect Kate had her eye on one show in particular......... After designing the dress of the decade Sarah Burton unveiled the McQueen  Spring/Summer 2012 collection which is radically different from anything we could picture Kate wearing.  One model had her face entirely encrusted with shards of black jet and polished ivory shell and a low cut black chiffon dress with open laced corsetry. The word 'bondage' has been most frequently used when describing these pieces. I think we can safely assume Duchess Kate will not be wearing these pieces to her upcoming royal engagements :)

Burton seemed entirely taken aback at the suggestion the collection was intended to shock simply saying "I just wanted it to feel light" Burton has been praised for adding a feminine touch to McQueen. The raised waist was an exaggerated empire line of ruffles.

McQueen has always been a risk taker, Inspiring trends no one else could. The looks on display are quite a departure from anything Kate has worn, However I was always whenever Kate would wear a McQueen piece, as she would look classic, simple and elegant. 

Despite the 'edgy nature' of the collection. There are pieces I can see being altered for Kate to wear. I believe her fashion relationship with Sarah Burton will be a long and successful one!

The Royal wedding may have been almost six months ago but news about it's influence has been everywhere in recent days. Brides are buying two wedding dresses instead of one. Like Kate they wish to have a fairytale gown with a train for the service and a lighter gown for dancing and enjoying the reception. I often feel Kate's evening dress didn't quite get the praise it deserved. It was absolutely stunning.

Speaking of Kate's evening dress, the bolero she wore with it has been setting yet another trend. The angora knit brought a softness to the look. Not only brides wish to purchased one but women in general want to update their wardrobe with this simple yet chic item.

The enormously successful exhibit featuring Kate's wedding dress at Buckingham Palace finished up yesterday. Since July more than 600,000 people came to see a glimpse of the dress encased in glass. (The Queen memorable thought the display was horrid :)) The number of visitors is record breaking compared to other years. It is estimated to have raised almost ten million pounds. Before the display, the all time highest number of visitors was 420,000 in 1994I was reading through the wonderful, What Kate Wore Facebook Page when I saw this photo of what appeared to be Duchess Kate with Elton John and his baby. Excellent lookalikes and almost very convincing :)

Finally, I would like to thank all of you for voting on the poll. "Do you think Kate should appear in Vogue". 78% of you felt Kate should not appear in the magazine while 21% felt she should because she is a style icon. Interesting results! In the meantime Kate will continue to grace the cover of numerous magazines such as the current issue of Hello.

I expect we shall see Kate relatively soon as she begins her work with the foundation!

Sources (Prince of Wales.co.uk, Clarence House Via Twitter, style.com, Hello, What Kate Wore Facebook Page,)

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