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Discover Latest #Alexander McQueen News, Articles and Videos with Contenting
Alexander McQueen is one of the most iconic fashion designers in the world. Known for his exquisite designs and elaborate runway shows, McQueen has become a household name in the fashion world. From his early days at Givenchy to his own eponymous label, McQueen has left an indelible mark on the fashion industry. Here, you can find the latest news and articles about McQueen and his work. You can also find videos featuring McQueen's designs, interviews with the designer, and more.
The Role of Alexander McQueen Designs in the Princess of Wales’s Wardrobe – What Kate Wore
Today, we take an in-depth look at the role Alexander McQueen designs have played in the Princess of Wales's working wardrobe, but first, some news: the Princess returned to work yesterday, holding an Early Years meeting at Windsor Castle. More from The Telegraph's coverage. The Princess of Wales has returned to work for the first time since starting cancer treatment with a meeting about her early childhood project. Catherine appeared in the Court Circular, the official record of the Royal family’s activities, for a meeting at Windsor Castle as she begins easing back into “a handful” of engagements over the coming months. She is understood to have been joined by members of her team at the Centre for Early Childhood, as well as Kensington Palace staff. It is the first meeting noted in the Court Circular this year since the Princess withdrew from public life, first for major abdominal surgery and then for chemotherapy. That is good news, indeed. (There are no photos from yesterday's meeting.) ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ On the roster of go-to designers for the Princess of Wales, the House of McQueen was always at the top of the list. The Princess clearly had a superb working relationship with the brand and its creative director, Sarah Burton. The first manifestation of that relationship was evident in the wedding gown created for the nuptials of then-Kate Middleton and Prince William. Over the years, Ms. Burton's creations have played a pivotal role in the Princess's wardrobe—more from The Guardian's coverage. Burton had been in her role just a year when she made the royal wedding dress, which had a rapturous reception among the public and fashion critics, putting Burton in the spotlight and transforming the perception of the Alexander McQueen name from a brand mired in tragedy, which counted gothic skull-print scarves as its best seller, into a house of femininity, craftsmanship and British luxury. And from The Standard's coverage of Ms. Burton's departure from the label. Despite being so early in her tenure, Burton’s work on Kate’s wedding dress, which featured a delicate V neckline, plenty of lace, and a nine-foot train, may go down as her magnum opus. In 2011, when the UK first laid eyes on Kate in her dress, it stunned a whole nation into believing they could pull off lace sleeves. Now, according to Google search data, Kate’s wedding dress still receives an average of 16,480 estimated monthly searches, even in 2023. Shortly after the royal wedding, Burton reflected upon her decision to become creative director of Alexander McQueen, telling Vogue: “I definitely considered not taking this job. I was at such a loss, he was such a huge part of my life, my every day. I could finish his sentences but I didn’t know that I could begin anything, and that terrified me.” Then, referencing Kate’s dress, she added: “Out of such terrible, tragic times and from under this dark cloud came that dress.” Below, Sarah Burton is seen making final adjustments to the gown and veil at the 2011 wedding. We learn more in this Telegraph story by Caroline Leaper. Burton had worked under the label’s founder, Lee McQueen, for more than 14 years before his untimely death in February 2010, and was appointed as his successor that May. She is credited for successfully continuing his design legacy, adapting the house’s darkly romantic codes to suit a new generation of fans – including bringing in the Princess as a star client. Below, the Duchess of Cambridge wearing the second gown designed by Sarah Burton for her wedding in 2011. Ms. Burton was awarded an Order of the British Empire in 2012 for her services to the fashion industry. Last September's announcement of Ms. Burton's departure from Alexander McQueen sent shock waves through the fashion world and a tremor or two among those following British royal fashion. One need only look at McQueen designs worn by the Princess of Wales and the occasions for which they were worn to recognize the impact Sarah Burton and the brand had on her wardrobe. Below, the three Alexander McQueen ensembles worn by the Duchess of Cambridge for her children's christenings. We return to Jess Carter-Morely's Guardian story. At Burton’s last collection for McQueen, presented at Paris fashion week as she said goodbye to a brand to which she has dedicated her entire 26-year career, there was not a dry eye in the house. Burton dedicated the show “to the memory of Lee Alexander McQueen, whose wish was always to empower women, and to the passion, talent and loyalty of my team”. Her departure from McQueen raises the question of whether she will continue in the unofficial role of go-to designer for the now Princess of Wales, a relationship that has strengthened during the 12 years since the royal wedding, with Burton creating looks for many key occasions, including a black coat dress worn to the Queen’s funeral. The Princess of Wales and Princess Charlotte both wore Alexander McQueen designs for the King's coronation in May 2023. You can better see the gown in this group photo. Designs by the brand were seen at many somber occasions. Here are three Remembrance Sunday looks. From left to right, the Military Jacket worn in 2018, the Velvet Trim Coat Double-Breasted Coat seen in 2015, and on the right, the Flared Wool Coat worn in 2014. The Princess of Wales chose three Alexander McQueen designs when posing for a series of official photo portraits marking her 40th birthday in 2022. Designs from the House of McQueen were part of many Trooping the Colour ceremonies. Sarah Burton's deft skills were evident in formalwear designs worn by the Princess. Below, the gold and ivory evening gown for the Duchess of Cambridge's first state dinner in Malaysia during the 2012 Jubilee tour and the lavender dress seen at the 2011 Los Angeles BAFTA gala. Both styles were repurposed for second wearings. We saw the gold and ivory design again at the 2020 BAFTA Awards and the lavender dress at the 2021 EarthShot Awards. Other notable evening gowns include the lacy white style seen at the 2019 state dinner honoring the United States, the black velvet dress worn for the 2019 diplomatic reception, and the ruched blue design worn to the 2018 state banquet in honor of the Netherlands. You see the broad range of formalwear styles by the brand in this montage: the one-shouldered gown worn to the 2019 BAFTAs, the cape-effect style worn for a 2018 black-tie dinner in Norway, and the Lilies of the Valley dress seen at the 2017 BAFTAs. Alexander McQueen designs also played a significant role on royal tours. Below, the white Broderie Anglaise suit worn in Singapore during the 2012 Jubilee Tour, the soft pink Wool Cashmere Peplum Dress seen in Australia in 2014, the blue Utility Coat seen in New Zealand in 2014 (see repeat wearings below), the separates worn in Mumbai at the start of the 2016 India and Bhutan tour, and the cocktail dress chosen for a 2017 reception at the British Embassy in Paris. Other tour looks include another Broderie Anglaise design worn during the 2016 Canada tour, the red maxi dress seen in Berlin in 2017 for a party at the British Ambassador's residence, the dove grey suit worn to an Easter Sunday church service in Sydney, Australia (repeated in 2019), and the ivory Peplum Dress seen when the Cambridges arrived in Poland. But the Princess didn't just rely on the house for formal occasions of state. Here, you see three tailored coats; all are double-breasted midi-length designs with padded shoulders, peak lapels, front pocket flaps, a fitted silhouette, and a defined waistline. On the left, the brown coat worn during the 2022 Boston trip; in the center, the green style seen when the Princess launched her “Shaping Us” campaign in Leeds in 2023; and on the right, the vibrant red design worn several times, including to a 2022 rugby match. One of the most frequently repeated coats by the brand is the deep green design most recently seen on Christmas Day 2022. It was also worn for the launch of the royal train tour in December 2020, during a March 2020 visit to Galway, and at a January 2020 visit to Bradford, West Yorkshire, the first time it was noted. The blue Utility Coat has also been seen four times: the initial 2014 appearance at the Blenheim War Memorial in New Zealand, in June 2014 for D-Day 70th anniversary events at Normandy, at an RAF Air Cadets engagement in February 2016, and again at a 2019 ship-naming ceremony. The Princess chose vibrant red separates by Alexander McQueen when launching her Shaping Us campaign in January 2023. More recently, the Princess has looked to the label for its tailored separates. Last week, we learned about Sarah Burton's next position: she is the new creative director for Givenchy. In a statement on the Givenchy site, Ms.Burton noted, “It is a great honour to be joining the beautiful house of Givenchy, it is a jewel. I am so excited to be able to write the next chapter in the story of this iconic house and to bring to Givenchy my own vision, sensibility and beliefs.” I can envision the Princess occasionally wearing a Givenchy design or two but don't expect it to become part of her regular designer rotation. Alexander McQueen's creative director is Dublin-born Seán McGirr. He has a Master of Arts in Fashion from Central Saint Martins, and his bio notes he was Head of Ready-to-Wear at JW Anderson and previously held roles at Dries Van Noten, Uniqlo, Burberry, and Vogue Hommes Japan. Below, you see Mr. McGirr and Lana del Rey at the 2024 Met Gala in May. Embed from Getty Imageswindow.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:'S6V2QVJaRhl7CgC-OzUnrQ',sig:'8D0lS263Laa2AYa57Ag5s_mAiN0emWgO0V74ywX3HQc=',w:'594px',h:'396px',items:'2151792850',caption: true ,tld:'com',is360: false })}); More from this Vogue piece by Nicole Phelps. McGirr’s appointment sparked online sturm and drang — it was another man in another top design job, and this one particularly stinging because he was replacing the beloved Sarah Burton, who worked side by side with McQueen before his death. McGirr is respectful of Burton. “The vocabulary that McQueen put out there, that’s what Sarah was so amazing at; she carried that verve and amplified the codes.” Mr. McGirr's second full collection will be shown at Paris Fashion Week on September 28. Will the House of McQueen remain a go-to for the Princess of Wales? Below, the Princess in another Alexander McQueen design, a Black Watch tartan coat worn (from left to right) in 2019 for engagements in Dundee, Scotland in 2019, on Christmas Day 2013, and when it was first seen on St. Andrew’s Day in 2012 when Kate was visiting her old prep school. Bethan Holt offers this insight in her Telegraph column. It was the beginning of a partnership between creative director and princess which would make the McQueen name synonymous with modern regal style. Burton created gowns for state banquets, power suits for daytime engagements and masterminded a series of Paolo Roversi portraits to commemorate Catherine’s 40th birthday. Whether the Princess will continue to commission McQueen remains to be seen - one of McGirr’s gem-encrusted power suits could be an interesting addition to her comeback wardrobe - but she always seemed to have more of an affinity with Burton herself. My guess is the Princess will continue to wear styles already in her wardrobe, especially the sleek suits we have seen in the last several years. But I think she will gravitate toward other designers, especially those also occupying spaces at the top of her favorite brands, like Catherine Walker, Jenny Packham, Emilia Wickstead, Erdem, and others. NOTE: The post originally included a Catherine Walker design, an error on my part. Thank you to Angelina for her comment alerting me to the error.
Carol Concert Planning and Fall Fashion from LK Bennett, Alexander McQueen, and Emilia Wickstead – What Kate Wore
Hello, and welcome to a post covering some of the fall fashions offered by retailers the Princess of Wales frequents. First, a couple of quick news updates to share. The first is that the Princess met yesterday to start planning for her Christmas Carol concert at Westminster Abbey. More from Kristin Contino's piece in Marie Claire. The Princess of Wales held a planning meeting for her annual Royal Carols: Together at Christmas concert at Windsor Castle, as reported in the palace's court circular. The Princess of Wales, Joint Patron, the Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales, this morning held a Meeting at Windsor Castle, the announcement read. And while it might not have revealed much, multiple outlets confirmed Tuesday's meeting was regarding the holiday season event. Thank you to my friend Micki for the heads-up on this. Below, the Wales family at last year's concert. Also, this past Sunday, the Prince and Princess of Wales joined the King and Queen at Crathie Kirk Church at Balmoral. There are not loads of photos and none that I was able to license. You can see images in the Telegraph, Daily Mail, and other outlets. 🚨 BREAKING: Princess of Wales seen for first time since announcing she has finished her chemotherapy Find out more👇https://t.co/K8tToBjQnC pic.twitter.com/VUB4Q7OHZq — Telegraph Royal Family (@TelegraphRoyals) September 22, 2024 The Princess appeared to wear her Blazé Milano jacket, the Lahloo Anyway Checked Blazer (sold out), a double-breasted design crafted of 100% virgin wool in a large windowpane check. The Princess was first seen wearing the blazer on Christmas Day 2021 (shown below) when attending church services at St. Mary Magdalene Church on the grounds of the Sandringham estate. It looked like she also wore her Hicks and Brown Suffolk Fedora ($160) and her Cassandra Goad Temple of Heaven earrings ($3407). +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Now for our look at autumn styles from a few brands the Princess has favored over the years. We begin with LK Bennett. We know the Princess loves a polka dot print, and there are plenty of options available. On the left, I show the Tallis Print Pleated Shirt Dress ($237), followed by the navy and cream polka dot Mathilde Silk Tea Dress ($476), then the Celestia Lace Applique Tiered Dress ($520). On the right, I included a frock worn by the Princess that is still in stock, the green polka dot Mortimer Dress ($520); it was first worn when doing engagements in mid-December 2018. There are a number of soft, floaty, diaphanous designs offered by the British retailer. On the left, the Erin Pink Watercolour Dress ($580), also available in petite sizes, the Selina Print Dress ($380), and on the right, the Flora Wildflower Print Dress ($636). LK Bennett offers several dresses with a more budget-friendly price point, including the Halina Black Dress ($300) seen on the left, which has a bit of an Eponine feel. In the center, the Alexis Wool Crepe Shift dress ($287), and on the right, the Lila Tuck-Front Dress ($180). There are tailored designs as well, including the Nina Peplum Jacket ($380), the Mariner Jacket ($440), and the Christie Belted Wool Coat ($795). In the footwear category, there are some decent repliKate styles. On the left, the Marissa Suede Espadrille ($295), similar to the Russell & Bromley Cocount espadrlles worn by the Princess. Next, a lower-heeled stand-in for the Monsoon Fleur wedges, the Evii Espadrille Wedge ($350). Also, three styles the Princess wore frequently, the Fern (3.9 heel, $325), the Floret (3.3 heel, $325), and the Sledge ($325), are still available. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Last week we looked at the impact of Alexander McQueen designs in the process of Wales's wardrobe. Should she continue to wear the brand, there are styles similar to some she already owns, and variations on those designs. This autumn, the Leaf Crepe separates are offered in several colors. Below left, I show the Peak Shoulder Leaf Crepe Jacket in black ($2590), followed by the ivory Double-Breasted Cutaway Jacket ($3400) and Double Pleat Wide-Leg Trousers ($1350). In the center is a shrunken version of the tailored blazer, the Shattered Jet Stone Embroidered Jacket ($10200). The blazer has also been updated in a longer length with broader shoulders, as seen in the Lust Red Single-Breasted Jacket ($2490). You see even more dramatic proportions in the Stacked Shoulder Single-Breasted ($2890) on the far right. Many of you will remember the bespoke Alexander McQueen dress in a Prince of Wales check that was worn during the 2014 Singapore state visit. Autumn styles in the pattern include the Prince of Wales Slashed Midi Dress ($2890), Pencil Skirt ($1090), Peak Shoulder Jacket ($2590), Tailored Shorts ($960), and a Slashed Fitted Jacket ($2490). Alexander McQueen autumn dresses include the Pinstripe Wool Midi Dress ($2490), the Sleeveless Thorn Jacquard Midi Dress ($2690), the Wool Pinstripe Day Dress ($2890), and the Drapey Jersey Dress ($1730). Here is a quick look at some of the formalwear designs. On the left, the Draped Neckline Evening Dress ($3900), the Bustier Evening Dress in pink ($4500), the Gathered Cape Evening Dress ($4600) in silver, the Long Jacket Dress ($3200), and the Asymmetric Evening Dress in Cherry Blossom Pink ($2890). Looking at outerwear designs, there is a Pinstripe Wool Coat ($2990), a Moulded Shoulder Double-Breasted Coat ($4800), and the Military Trench Coat ($4790). ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Emilia Wickstead is also offering fall styles in a Prince of Wales check. The Kelin Coat ($2405), Dida Jacket ($1690) and Kenzie Skirt ($1390), and the Brinkley Trousers ($1255) are all crafted of merino wool in an oversized check. Dress styles include the Seneca Dress in red and beige embellished wool ($2990), the Cappia Dress in candy-floss pink moiré with floral appliqué ($2725), and the Mara Dress in a floral jacquard ($1855). Formalwear offers new designs as well. On the left, the Gracia Dress in pink moiré ($3056), the Winslet Dress in lime green jelly sequins ($2725), and the Sima Dress in black seersucker cloqué ($2635). Three more dress designs that caught my eye: the Georgie Wool Georgette Dress ($3055), the Mara Dress in gold jacquard ($2645), and the Malinda High-Neck Gown ($2565). Our final three designs are all available at Net-a-Porter: the Malcolm Open-Back Maxii Dress ($5250), the Adele Pleated Wool-Twill Midi Dress ($2405), and the Uriela Plissé-satin Maxi Dress ($2755). ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ A quick retail note to share with thanks to Middleton Maven for the news that Holland Cooper now has a dedicated US website. She also reports the latest Barbour X Alexa Chung collection has launched. Below (from left to right), we see three of the designs: the Dorothy Waxed Cotton Coat ($680), the Jamie Quilted Shell ($345), and the Amy Quilted Shell ($430)
The Princess of Wales Wears Whistles and Alexander McQueen for Southport Engagement – What Kate Wore
Today, the Princess of Wales carried out her first public community engagement since her surgery and cancer diagnosis. The Prince and Princess visited Southport, on England's western coast between Liverpool and Blackpool. They were there to meet privately with the families of three little girls killed in a knife attack this July. Bebe King, age 6, Elsie Dot Stancombe, age 7, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, age 9, were killed while taking part in a Taylor Swift-themed dance and yoga class. The girls are shown in this social media post. One week ago today. With all the craziness going on right now, please don't forget these beautiful girls, their families, and the community of Southport. Alice, Bebe and Elsie Dot ❤️❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/CUi29Jy3I3 — Claire Hannah (@Claire_journo) August 5, 2024 Eight other children and two adults were injured in the rampage. It was a horrific attack that rocked the community. The Prince and Princess personally posted a message about the incident on their social media pages. Hola reports, After the attack, the National Police and Wellbeing Service set up a fundraiser—which The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales made a donation to—to help individuals who were involved in the immediate response. Taylor Swift posted a message on her Instagram Story. King Charles visited the community in August, meeting with survivors and first responders. This was the Prince and Princess's first joint public engagement since December's Christmas Carol concert. Here you see them being welcomed at Southport's Community Center, where they met a four-legged friend. The couple spent roughly thirty minutes with each of the three girls' families. More about today's engagement from The Telegraph's story by Victoria Ward. Later at Southport community centre, the couple met emergency responders who had helped the victims, as well as mental health practitioners who have been providing them with long-term support. Both the Prince and Princess are understood to have felt it was important to visit Southport almost three months on to show the community that it has not been forgotten and that they will continue to offer their support. The Daily Mail reports, They also spent time with dance teacher Leanne Lucas, 35, who was seriously injured as she shielded youngsters as they were attacked by a knifeman. More from this Sky News article by Rhiannon Mills. They met up with those members of the 999 services to hear their recollections of the day and spoke to police, ambulance and fire chiefs about the ongoing mental health support for staff. Kate said the personnel had supported people during their darkest times and added: For you to witness that, you need support yourselves. We return to the Sky News piece. Asked how the families are doing, Kate replied: They're OK. They're managing it differently. All the families are so different. Referencing the meeting with the families of the three young girls who died in the attack she had attended earlier, Kate told the emergency workers: I can't underestimate how grateful they all are for the support you provided on the day. On behalf of them, thank you. And from The Daily Mail's coverage by Rebecca English and Tom Cotterill. Chief fire officer for Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service Phil Garrigan said he had a 'really lovely fleeting conversation' with William and Kate after they had spoken to the group of emergency personnel. He said: 'The Princess of Wales broke off and came back into the building to give a hug to the people who responded because she could see the emotion in them and could see it was difficult for them to relay their feelings and to say how impactful events have been. The Daily Mail also reports, The Prince of Wales told the personnel: 'You're all heroes. Please make sure you look after yourselves, please take your time, don't rush back to work.' William called the emergency workers 'true professionals' and said they had a 'bumpy few months' ahead but would get through it together. Here is a quick video from Victoria Ward. The Princess of Wales made a last minute decision to join William in Southport today, privately meeting the families of the 3 young victims of July’s knife attack before joining emergency responders involved in the aftermath. It’s the 1st time she’s spoken in public since Dec ‘23 pic.twitter.com/3MyjPN7NCA — Victoria Ward (@victoria_ward) October 10, 2024 And here is a video shared on Kensington Palace's social media accounts. A heartfelt thank you to the people of Southport for talking about your experiences and honouring the young lives lost. In the face of tragedy, this community’s strength and resilience has been a powerful reminder of the bonds that unite us. As the healing continues, take… pic.twitter.com/y0AfKWIqPR — The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) October 10, 2024 The Prince and Princess posted this on social media as well. Now for our look at what Kate wore. She was in the Alexander McQueen tailored coat first noted during the Boston trip in December 2022. The bespoke piece is similar to this double-breasted 2022 Alexander McQueen style with peaked lapels, padded shoulders, buttoned cuffs, front flap pockets, a welt pocket at the chest, and a single back vent. Here is a look at the two ensembles. Beneath the coat, it looked like the Princess wore her Whistles Margot Shirt Dress, a midi-length design made of burgundy viscose with a button front, fitted waist, and self-belt. I believe the Princess used the belt as a tie at the neckline. The Princess first wore the dress at an October 2018 engagement. And back in London at KP, William and Kate hosted @BBCRadio1PR Teen Heroes w/ DJs Clara Amfo & Greg James on Wed. Winners Siena, 16, works to support students with autism and learning disabilities; Lily, 14, a wheelchair motocross competitor & anti-bullying campaigner Junior, 14. pic.twitter.com/bSnoUZm22H — Emily Andrews (@byEmilyAndrews) October 19, 2018 There are a few repliKate ideas on the RepliKate Dresses page here. The Princess accessorized with her Natasha Clutch ($495) by a favorite royal brand, Emmy London. Today's shoes could be a Gianvito Rossi pair we have seen before in a color called Texas Brown Suede or a nearly identical Jimmy Choo Romy pair. I don't feel like I have a good enough view of them to say which pair she is wearing. The Princess also brought back her Catherine Zoraida Fern Drop earrings ($222). And for those curious about the rings worn by the Princess, today we saw her with four. I'll leave you with one more photo from today's engagement.
The Princess of Wales and Some of Her Most Frequently Repeated Ensembles – What Kate Wore
Last Friday, I was about to hit publish on this post when I saw the first references on social media to the Prince and Princess of Wales having a joint engagement in Southport, so that became the post I needed to publish. Now that we have a quieter week, it's time to look at some of the more frequently worn items worn by the Princess of Wales. This is not meant to be a definitive, comprehensive list, but a sampling of styles and designs. We'll begin with daywear and the Stella McCartney 'Ridley' dress, one of the most-repeated items worn by the Princess. We first saw the Duchess of Cambridge in the dress at the National Portrait Gallery in July 2012, shown here. The Ridley is a sheath made in a viscose/acetate blend with a touch of elastane for stretch. Arguably, its most distinctive feature was the exposed darts, which are usually concealed on the inside of a garment. The Duchess next wore the dress in August 2012 to the men's tennis final at the London Olympic Games, then in April 2014 when arriving in Canberra, in July 2014 at the Commonwealth Games, and at a July 2016 air show with Prince George and Prince William. We saw the garment a sixth time during a June 2020 video call. Another daywear item we have seen repeated several times is an Alexander McQueen military-inspired look. It was first worn in 2011 for an engagement in Birmingham, then seen again in June 2014 for a visit to Bletchley Park, and again in May 2016 at an 1851 Trust engagement in Portsmouth. We saw the silk-georgette blouse with military-style frogging a fourth time when the Duchess visited the Imperial War Museum in November 2021. Blazers and trousers are often seen on repeat occasions. Below, the Larsson Double-Breasted Twill Blazer (still available in limited sizes at $125) by British retailer Reiss. The Princess first wore the blazer to visit RAF Brize Norton in September 2021 and again when meeting Ukrainian aid workers in April 2022. She brought it back a third time in April 2023 when visiting a baby bank in Windsor. Our next item is a style by Roksanda Ilincic, her 'Peridot' dress, a design showcasing multiple layers, pleats from the draped neckline to the waist, cap sleeves, and an exposed back zipper. The Peridot was first worn when the Duke and Duchess arrived in Los Angeles during the 2011 North American tour. We saw the dress again about a year later when the Duchess wore it for a July 2012 reception at the Royal Academy and then again in May 2016 for an event at the Anna Freud Centre. (The piece was described as being light blue-grey; ‘peridot’ is a style name; it does not reference a color.) A deep teal or turquoise Emilia Wickstead dress was also seen on three occasions. The pleated wool crepe style featured a squared neckline and asymmetric hidden front closure, and it was first worn to a 2014 Palm Sunday service in Dunedin, New Zealand. The next time we saw the Duchess in the frock was at an Action on Addiction engagement in December 2015. The Duchess chose the piece for a third outing in November 2018 at a BBC engagement. The Suzannah 'Flippy Wiggle' dress has been seen three times, and I wouldn't be surprised if it doesn't make more appearances. It was first worn to Wimbledon in 2019, a silk crepe design with pintucks at the front yoke and waist, contrasting buttons, and half-length sleeves with a buttoned cuff. The Duchess chose the piece for a second outing in August 2020 when at a Baby Basics engagement. It was worn a third time in June 2022 when the Duchess attended a memorial service marking the fifth anniversary of the Grenfell Tower fire. Our next piece in this category is the grey tweed a-line Catherine Walker dress, a fit and flare design seen three different times. The design features a full skirt with pleats at the waistline, a self-belt, pleats at the cuff, velvet-covered buttons, and a velvet collar. The Duchess first wore the style in March 2019 for multiple engagements, followed by Holocaust Memorial Day engagements in January 2020. She repeated the design in February 2022 for an appearance with the then-Prince of Wales and the then-Duchess of Cornwall at the Prince's Foundation training site at Trinity Buoy Wharf. The Duchess of Cambridge chose a burgundy suit by French ready-to-wear label Paule Ka for several engagements. The skirt suit featured a fitted double-breasted jacket with shawl lapels and patch pockets and a multi-tiered skirt. The Duchess first wore the suit to an October 2012 event with Prince William. We next saw the ensemble in February 2017 for engagements in Wales. Its third appearance was at a November 2018 engagement at University College London. One of the more notable ensembles with repeat wearings is a suit by Luisa Spagnoli. It was first seen at a pre-wedding visit to the University of Saint Andrews in February 2011. Following the Saint Andrews engagement, the Duke, Ms. Middleton, and Prince Harry went to the New Zealand High Commission in London to sign a condolence book in memory of those lost in the 2011 Christchurch earthquake. At the first engagement, the Princess wore the dress and matching jacket. At the New Zealand High Commission, it looked like the Duchess wore only the dress, topped by a coat. The second time we saw Kate in the suit was during the 2014 tour in Christchurch and Canterbury, New Zealand. At this point, I believe the dress had been cut down into a skirt; there would not have been enough fabric to add the longer length you see in the photo on the right when the suit was worn a second time. The Duchess of Cambridge wore the suit to the 2015 Buckingham Palace Christmas lunch when it was announced she was the new patron of the RAF Cadets. We saw the outfit a fourth time at a February 2017 Place2Be school event. Here, you see the suit as worn on all four occasions. We now move to outerwear designs the Princess has repeated, starting with another reworked style. This is the Katherine Hooker Contrast Coat that was first worn to the Cheltenham Gold Cup in 2006 and given a new look for a 2011 engagement at Trearddur Bay Lifeboat Station in Anglesey, Wales. Next, another relatively early design, the black watch coat by Alexander McQueen, which is a favorite for many of us. The bespoke navy and dark green design was first seen on St. Andrew’s Day in 2012, when the Duchess of Cambridge was visiting her old prep school, Saint Andrew’s, Pangbourne. The garment featured a fitted bodice, off-center front closure, and pleats in the skirt. Its second appearance was on Christmas Day 2013 for church services at Sandringham. Its most recent appearance was during a January 2019 visit to Dundee, Scotland. This item has been referred to as both a coat and a coatdress. Here, you can see the dress the Duchess was wearing beneath the garment on the Dundee trip, thus my references to it as a coat and not a coatdress. A blue tweed Michael Kors coat has also been seen multiple times. The 'indigo twill jacquard swing coat' features a single-breasted design with notch lapels, angled front flap pockets, and a full skirt. It was first worn in 2014 for ANZAC Day ceremonies at the War Memorial in Australia. The Duchess wore the style in May 2016 to open the Magic Garden at Hampton Court Palace and then again for the March 2017 Service of Dedication and unveiling of the Iraq Afghanistan Memorial in London. Most recently, it was worn in May 2022 for the official opening of Manchester's Glade of Light Memorial, honoring victims of the May 2017 terror attack at Manchester Arena. A vibrant Catherine Walker design in blue wool crepe has made multiple appearances. The fitted design included velvet lapels, self-covered buttons, flared cuffs, and a flared skirt. It was first noted at the annual Commonwealth Service in March of 2022. We saw the piece again on Easter Sunday, 2023, and at Scotland's National Service of Thanksgiving and Dedication in honor of King Charles III in May last year. Alexander McQueen's Utility Coat Dress has been seen for multiple engagements. Made of wool crepe material, the coat features a pointed collar, concealed front placket, oversized front pockets, a self-belt, and pleats on the back. It was first worn in April 2014 when the Duke and Duchess visited the Blenheim War Memorial on New Zealand's South Island, then seen again in June of that year for D-Day 70th anniversary events at Normandy. The piece made a third outing for the 75th Anniversary of the RAF Cadets in February 2016. It was brought back for the 2019 naming ceremony of the RSS Sir David Attenborough, a polar research vessel. These two photos from the Air Cadets event offer a look at the back pleats. The Sportmax Long Belted Coat has been chosen for multiple engagements. The tailored style is from the brand's A/W 2015 collection, crafted of virgin wool, with wide notched lapels, angled flap pockets, and pick-stitching. The Duchess first wore the design for Christmas 2015 church services at Sandringham; again in February 2016 for first solo engagements in Scotland; again in January 2017 at Sandringham; in March 2019 for an away day in Blackpool, and again in March 2022 for St. David's Day engagements in Wales. The Erdem 'Allie' coat is another design meriting several appearances. The piece is made in a wool crepe fabric with multiple seams, top-stitching, and exposed zippers on the front and wrists. The Allie was first worn in New Zealand in April 2014, then in July 2014 for the start of the Tour de France race. The Duchess brought it back in March 2016 for an engagement at St. Thomas’ Hospital and then for an October 2021 Earthshot engagement at the Royal Botanic Gardens. Here you see some of the details. Another design with multiple outings is the DAY Birger et Mikkelsen style first noted at the May 2006 wedding of Laura Parker Bowles and Harry Lopes. The piece was described in an eBay auction as being made of brocade fabric with subtle gold paisley trimmed with a champagne colour net. Kate Middleton was next seen in the coat at the 2010 wedding of Oliver Baker and Melissa Nicholson, an event for which I am unable to license any photos. The Duchess of Cambridge brought back the piece for the 2011 wedding of Zara Phillips and Mike Tindall and the London 2012 Paralympic Opening Ceremony. The last time we saw the coat was at a June 2016 garden party in Northern Ireland. Multiple evening gowns have been repeated, including the much-loved blush pink Jenny Packham gown initially worn for the annual ARK (Absolute Return for Kids) dinner in 2011. The Duchess of Cambridge brought it back in June 2016 for a fundraising dinner supporting EACH (East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices). Another Jenny Packham gown, the striking teal design originally worn to the “Greatest Team Rising” gala in May 2012, made a second appearance at the November 2018 Tusk Awards. Alexander McQueen designs have also been repeated. The gold and ivory evening gown for the Duchess of Cambridge's first state dinner in Malaysia during the 2012 Jubilee tour lavender dress and again at the 2020 BAFTA Awards. On the right is the lavender dress that was first worn to the 2011 Los Angeles BAFTA gala and repeated at the 2021 EarthShot Awards. Sometimes, modifications are made to a dress. The gold and ivory gown first worn in Malaysia was altered before its BAFTA appearance, with the creation of a more structured shoulder, the removal of some of the fabric in the sleeves, and the addition of a lining to the sleeves. We have enjoyed great debates over the years when it comes to the topic of repeats and alterations. An item provoking perhaps the most discussion? An Alexander McQueen gown featuring a Lilies of the Valley print. The dress was first worn at the 2017 BAFTA Awards, and I ultimately came to believe it was repeated at a March 2019 National Portrait Gallery gala. (I think the bodice was re-engineered to accommodate the addition of sleeves, and the skirt volume was reduced by removing the original crinoline.) An evening gown the Princess has repeated not once but twice: the dark teal Jenny Packham style with a vee-neckline front and back, wrapped bodice, and short sleeves that could be worn up, or off the shoulder. You see it worn in these photos (left to right) at a 100 Women in Hedge Funds dinner in 2013, a National Portrait Gallery February 2014 engagement, and a fundraising dinner in New York in December 2014. This gives you a better view of how the Duchess styled the gown for the three different events. In 2013, she wore her hair down and accessorized with the deco-style bracelet and earrings believed to be a wedding gift from Prince Charles and a ring that I don't believe has been identified. In February 2014, she wore the Queen’s Nizam of Hyderabad diamond necklace and the deco-style earrings. At the New York gala at the Met, the Duchess wore her hair up, all the better to show off a pair of glittering diamond and emerald earrings; she also wore a matching bracelet, pieces reported to be a private gift. The Duchess also wore a Temperley London gown three times. We first saw the Temperley Amoret when the Duke and Duchess attended the London Premiere of War Horse in January 2012. The gown featured a deep vee neckline with black French lace atop a blush slip lining, and the sheer, bracelet-length sleeves were finished with scalloped eyelash lace. The Duchess wore the Amoret two more times: in November 2012 for a fundraising dinner and again in December 2013 for an engagement at the Natural History Museum. I am including one hat in the mix, the Fairy Tale style designed by Sylvia Fletcher for Lock and Company. Below, the Duchess wearing the style (from left to right): for Leicester engagements with HM and Prince Philip in March 2012; on St. Patrick’s Day with the Irish Guards in March 2013; on the way to church at Balmoral in September 2013; for Remembrance Sunday in November 2013; at the wedding of friends Lucy Meade and Charlie Budgett in May 2014; at Sandringham in December 2015; another Sandringham appearance in January 2016; and most recently, for engagements with the Queen in March 2019. If there are items you're thinking of with multiple wearings that you think merit inclusion, let me know! Preferably things worn at least three times. There were loads of styles worn twice, but that would have taken forever to include and made a never-ending post. I didn't incorporate shoes, handbags, or casual styles, as that quickly could become tedious reading. A couple of notes related to retailers that are part of this post, the first about Paule Ka. This is what you now see when visiting the company's website. We learn more from an online story by the French news network BFMTV. The affordable luxury brand Paule Ka, owned by businessman Thierry Le Guénic and employing around forty people, was liquidated by the Paris commercial court in mid-July, AFP learned from a close source, confirming information from the specialist website Fashion Network. It looks like Katherine Hooker is also undergoing some changes. The brand focused on sustainably made goods created with heritage fabrics, with designs made by hand in its London workshop. The Princess of Wales wore several designs by the brand, as did her mother, Carole Middleton, and her sister, Pippa Matthews. Below, Kate Middleton at Cheltenham in 2006 wearing the Contrast Coat, in the label's Alexander Jacket at Cheltenham in 2007, wearing a tweed suit by the label, also at the 2007 Cheltenham Festival. Next, the Duchess of Cambridge wearing the raw silk Buxton Coat at Order of the Garter in 2011 (a style initially seen at the 2012 wedding of Prince William’s cousin, Emily McCorquodale), and in Katherine Hooker's 'Ascot' dress when attending a 2014 EACH engagement. Here is a message on the Katherine Hooker website. It reads, As the iconic Katherine Hooker brand concludes this chapter in its illustrious journey after twenty years, we celebrate its remarkable story so far. You can sign up on the website to receive email updates on future endeavors.
The Princess’s October Style Over the Years – What Kate Wore
Hello, and welcome to a post covering styles worn in previous Octobers by the Princess of Wales. There were no engagements for the Duchess of Cambridge in October 2011, so we begin with October 2012, when the Duchess brought back a familiar coat while doing solo visits to Newcastle and Stockton. Here, you see her at Elswick Park in Newcastle. You also see the Duchess's former private secretary, Rebecca Priestley (née Deacon), on the left in this photo. The Duchess making a new friend. Many will have recognized the coat immediately, a design Kensington Palace said was created by an independent dressmaker that was initially worn on Christmas Day 2011. It featured a fitted silhouette with a funnel neckline and hidden front closure. Beneath the coat, it looked like the Duchess wore a dress by Whistles, the brand's 'Sofie Rae' style in 100% silk. It was first noted at a November 2011 UNICEF engagement in Denmark. The Duchess accessorized with an Alexander McQueen belt and her Aquatalia Rhumba boots. The Duchess also wore her Kiki McDonough Citrine Drops (£695, roughly $903 at today's exchange rates) earrings, shown below as worn on another occasion. In mid-October 2013, the Duchess took part in her first solo engagement since the birth of Prince George. The event was a SportsAid Athlete Workshop at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. In this image, you see her in a workshop session with athletes. The Duchess famously played volleyball. I say 'famously' because many marveled at her ability to do so in her Stuart Weitzman Corkswoon wedges. She also sported her Smythe One-Button Blazer ($725), Breton stripe ‘Tori’ top from Ralph Lauren, and J Brand jeans. The Duchess wore her Kiki McDonough Grace White Topaz Earrings (£895, about $1165). Our October 2014 look is by Alexander McQueen, worn when the Duke and Duchess welcomed the President of Singapore and his wife, Mrs. Tony Tan Keng Yam, to the United Kingdom. This was the Duchess's return to public engagements after a two-month absence; she was expecting Princess Charlotte and dealing with the effects of Hyperemesis Gravidarum. The design was from the upcoming Spring 2015 collection. It showcased the fit-and-flare silhouette favored by the Duchess. This photo offers a look at the back of the garment. The official style name was the Box Pleat A-Line coat. Some minor modifications were made to the Duchess's coat, most notably the shortening of the lapels. The Duchess accessorized with a Jane Taylor hat, the ‘Lupin’ style, described by the designer as a teardrop beret in grey velour felt. It was previously worn on Easter 2014 during the Australia tour. She carried Jenny Packham's 'Roxy' clutch and wore black suede Prada Heels. The Duchess's jewelry included her Kiki McDonough Gold and Diamond Hoops (£700, about $910), the Annoushka Baroque Pearl Drops ($535), and her Mappin and Webb Empress necklace. I picked this October 2015 ensemble because it features a brand I remain fond of, Orla Kiely. The company offers almost no apparel (they did a capsule collection with Regatta) but continues selling handbags, gifts, and home goods. This engagement focused on a children’s mentoring program in Islington, London. The Grey Floral Appliqué Pleated Dress was embellished with daisies on the bodice. It also featured three-quarter-length sleeves, a self-belt at the waist, and a back zipper. The dress was first noted at an engagement with Prince Charles at an art gallery in March 2012. The Duchess accessorized with her Mulberry 'Bayswater' clutch in black suede, her 'Power' pumps by Stuart Weitzman, and her Kiki McDonough/Annoushka earrings. Next, a look at the ensemble worn by the Duchess of Cambridge in October 2016 for a day of engagements in The Hague and Rotterdam, her first solo overseas trip. Here, you see her being greeted by King Willem-Alexander at Villa Eikenhorst, the royal family’s official residence. After lunch with the King, she visited the Mauritshuis Gallery/Museum, where she viewed an exhibition featuring works from The Royal Collection. This photo shows her viewing The Girl with the Pearl Earring by Johannes Vermeer. The Duchess chose a cornflower blue skirt suit by Catherine Walker for the day. Made of wool crepe, the suit features a jacket with a fitted bodice, a wide collar, large self-covered buttons, a peplum waist, notched sleeves that flared at the cuff, and a wide belt. The matching knee-length skirt was a straight cut with a center-back kick vent. The most notable accessory for the day was a pair of diamond and pearl drop earrings on loan from the Queen. They were worn by the Queen during her Silver Jubilee and are often referred to as the Queen's Silver Jubilee Pearl and Diamond earrings. We also saw the Gianvito 105 Praline Pumps ($795) and the 'Nina' Clutch (£150, about $195) by LK Bennett. The fact the original brands still stock these items speaks to the selling power of the Princess of Wales. We now move to October 2017, and a Temperley London design worn for a World Mental Health Day reception at Buckingham Palace. The Duchess of Cambridge was expecting Prince Louis at the time and dealing with Hyperemesis Gravidarum again. She chose a lacy blue design for the event, Temperley's Eclipse Lace Collar Dress in a color called 'Iris.' It was a style from the A/W ’17 collection, made in a cotton and rayon blend with an A-line silhouette, cotton voile skirt panels, sheer sleeves and shoulders, and black velvet trim. Here you have a better view of the lace. The Duchess accessorized with her Gianvito 105 Black Suede Pumps ($795) and her Mulberry 'Bayswater' clutch, also in black suede. She also wore her Kiki McDonough 'Eden' earrings with blue topaz stones surrounded by diamonds. The Duchess's first engagement after Prince Louis's birth was an outdoor event in mid-October 2018. She visited a forest school in Paddington, London, and met students from a local primary school. (I always loved this expression on her face.) As I wrote in the original post, Everyone was a royal today as the Duchess helped the children make leaf crowns. She was in pieces by Fjällräven, a Swedish brand specializing in outdoor clothing. Her jacket was the label's Stina style ($200), and beneath it, she wore the Fjällräven Övik Re-Wool sweater. Beneath the sweater, the Duchess had on the 'Rainer' Bud Print Blouse by Joseph, her Zara 'Biker' jeans seen, and Penelope Chilvers Long Tassel Boots (£475). We also saw the return of the Siren Green Onyx Earrings ($178) by Monica Vinader. In October 2019, the Duchess engaged in some sartorial diplomacy at an engagement ahead of the couple's Pakistan tour. The Duke and Duchess attended an event at the Aga Khan Centre that was organized in cooperation with the High Commission of Pakistan and the Aga Khan Development Network, a large private charity. Their tour of Pakistan started ten days after this function. At the event, the couple met a variety of people, including business and community leaders. The Duchess likely selected this color because the primary color of Pakistan's flag is green. The Duchess chose a dress that was part of a collaborative collection from Aross Girl and Soler London. The 'Amanda' dress was a maxi-length design made of silk georgette and fully lined. It had a round neckline with gathers, an elasticated waist, a self-belt, sheer sleeves, and cuffs with tie fasteners that created a blouson effect. The Duchess's accessories included her Emmy London ‘Rebecca’ pumps ($595, $476 on sale) and Natasha clutch ($495, $396 on sale). I am showing sale prices because Emmy is offering 20% off merchandise when you spend $200; no promo code is needed. The Duchess wore earrings by Zeen, a brand launched in 2014 by Cambridge, a Pakistan-based retailer. The style was called 'Dazzling Ceramic Drops.' The Duchess chose a vibrant red Alexander McQueen coat for October 2020 engagements tied to the launch of her Hold Still book project done in tandem with the National Portrait Gallery. The Duke and Duchess visited Waterloo in south London to mark the launch of community exhibits tied to the book's release. The couple visited St. Bartholomew’s Hospital, where they met with frontline healthcare workers. The Duchess's coat was a double-breasted style with peak lapels, front flap pockets, and contrasting black buttons on the front and at the cuff. The Duchess paired a new handbag, the Grace Han Love Letter Top-Handle style ($3075), with her Gianvito Rossi Piper 85 pumps ($795). She also wore a mask by Amaia Kids, and a new pair of earrings by Daniella Draper, the Gold/Diamond Luxury Maxi Cupid Hoop Earrings ($3300). In October 2021, the Duchess brought back a Zara dress for a visit to University College London. She was there for an engagement at the Centre for Longitudinal Studies, where researchers were working on a study focused on “The Children of the 2020s.” The Duchess's dress featured an oversized houndstooth print. The dress buttoned up the front and showcased a pleated skirt, v-neck with attached bow, elastic on the inside of the waistband, button cuffs, and a wide self-belt. It was first worn in January 2020 when the Duke and Duchess visited Bradford in West Yorkshire. The Duchess brought back a pair of Hugo Boss heels in embossed leather with a pointed toe and 3.4″ heel. She also wore her Mappin and Webb 'Empress' earrings (£1750, about $2300). In October 2022, the Princess of Wales debuted a new British brand for a visit to Royal Surrey Hospital. She was at the hospital for a visit to the hospital’s maternity unit. The Princess chose a dress by Karen Millen, the brand's Structured Crepe Forever Pleat Belted Midi Dress ($246, available in limited sizes). The dress features a notched neckline, elbow-length sleeves, pressed pleats, and a matching fabric belt. The Princess carried Emmy London's Natasha in Midnight Navy ($495, $396 on sale) and wore her Gianvito 105 Navy Suede Pumps ($618 on sale at FarFetch). The Princess debuted a new pair of earrings by another British designer, Emily Mortimer, the brand’s Hera White Gold and Diamond Earrings ($1093). We saw a mix of brands in October 2023 when the Princess visited a community hub supporting those impacted by the war in Ukraine. She helped pack boxes to be shipped to Ukraine and added her handprint to a tree of peace. And she spent time with children doing arts and crafts activities offered at the hub. Her ensemble included pieces Cefinn by Samantha Cameron and Sézane. Here is a look at the product photos of Cefinn's ‘Janie’ Sleeveless Funnel Neck Jumper in Mid-Grey (£140, available in most sizes), done in a blend of cashmere Merino wool. On the right, Sézane's Martin Trousers ($170, available in all sizes) made of 100% virgin wool in a high-waisted style. The Princess brought back her J. Crew ‘Avery’ Block Heel Pumps in Tweed, a style first worn in October 2016 during the Canada tour. And she repeated her Shyla London ‘Rosalia’ Earrings (£70, about $90), shown below when worn on a previous occasion.