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Kate Does Same Dress, Different Color for Imperial War Museum Visit

Kate changed things up for today’s second appearance, switching from the Rebecca Taylor separates to a dress by Amanda Wakeley, a designer she wears with some regularity.

Press Association

Kate and William attended a reception launching the Imperial War Museum’s efforts to raise £35m to revamp the museum for the 2014 centenary of the First World War, below Kate and William speak with guests.

David Wilkinson, CNN Twitter Feed (@David_Wilkinon)

And doing the same here, our thanks to CNN’s David Wilkinson for tweeting photos from the reception.

David Wilkinson, CNN Twitter Feed (@Wilkinson_David)

The dress is Amanda Wakeley’s Sculpted Felt Seamed dress, it came in three colors when originally released, from left to right we see Oatmeal, Black and Gunmetal.

Amanda Wakeley

The garment is a knee length fitted dress with 3/4 length sleeves and a slash neck. Features seam detailing, originally the dress sold for £450, approximately $725 at today’s exchange rates. Kate purchased the frocks at the Amanda Wakeley Store on London’s Fulham Road.

WKW Facebook friends Serena Irene and Duchess of Cambridge News pointed out it was the identical dress worn to Royal Marsden just about the same time that Kags 7, Petite Princess, and Mrs. Regal Eyes noted this fact on Twitter. Kate wore the dress in Oatmeal when visiting Royal Marsden last September for the opening of the Oak Centre for Children & Young People, more on that here.  

And it was WKW Facebook friend Kimberly Berna Slack who reminded us that she wore the gunmetal dress in November to the Princes’ Charities Forum, seen on the far right below, under the Zara Zippered Jacket. 

The belt is by Alexander McQueen, originally priced at $2225 when sold at Net a Porter, it is from last fall’s collection:

Give your fall wardrobe a hit of dramatic structure with Alexander McQueen’s chain-embellished bridle leather belt. Channel the discipline and drama of the season’s runway show and wear it to cinch a structured military look.

However, Kate didn’t wear the broad leather corset/girdle part of this, merely the belt and chain portion, that is better shown in this photo.

The earrings were a pair we have seen before, the Temple of Heaven Girandole pair in 9KT yellow gold. I believe the earrings may still be ordered through the Cassandra Goad website.

Press Association/Cassandra Goad

Kate wore her towering Jimmy Choo Cosmic pumps, still available online for $695.

Jimmy Choo

The ensemble was completed with Kate’s trusty Anya Hindmarch silk Maud clutch.

Anya Hindmarch

Good news for those fond of this bag, the Bespoke Maud in Ink Black is again available for ordering, it runs £450.

The Duchess also changed her hairstyle a bit, wearing it partially up for tonight’s event, a nice change.

The event this evening was a reception at the Imperial War Museum, honoring the Museum’s launch of its fundraising for upcoming Centenary Commemorations. More from the IWM’s website:

2014-2018 marks the centenary of the First World War, a landmark anniversary for Britain and the world. Working in collaboration with our peers and colleagues from national and international organisations, IWM will mark the centenary by leading a vibrant four-year programme of cultural activities across the UK.

This is one of the few museums in London we have not visited, it is definitely on our list for the next trip, it is supposed to be remarkable. The Museum actually has several branches and locations, including the basement/underground Churchill War Rooms in Whitehall, the HMS Belfast on the Thames, and the Duxford airfield.

William is a patron of the fundraising efforts, he spoke at today’s event. The Mirror has more:

“… (he) told the guests: “Every exhibit, every display, every tank, aircraft and medal in its case, speaks to us of sacrifice, of the facing down of evil, of freedom bought and preserved – for us – at unimaginable cost in human lives and suffering.

“It’s a message of reflection and remembrance, but it is also one of pride. In the course of the 20th century our nation, with our stalwart friends and allies from the Commonwealth and elsewhere, safeguarded the freedom of the world. It is as simple as that.

“The Imperial War Museum is here to remind us of this unassailable truth.”

The War Museum is where the Sun Military Awards were held last December (more here), you can learn all about the Museum on its website, a fascinating destination on its own.

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Ann

Wednesday 9th of May 2012

Oh no, the same dress in a different colour is a terrible fashion mistake.

Miss Manners

Sunday 29th of April 2012

Can someone PLEASE tell me who designed the white dress she wore today or yesterday? Please.

admin

Sunday 29th of April 2012

If you're thinking of the white top Kate had on when she was seen leaving the Princes' Charities meetings, it is a Ted Baker blouse, the "Stardy" style. I'll have more on it in a Monday or Tuesday post. :)

Molly

Saturday 28th of April 2012

I never thought I would be so excited to see her in a new hairstyle! Its been far too long. Just thought that I would let you know that the blouse that Kate wore to attend a meeting at the princes charity forum (on Tursday?) was by Ted Baker. http://fashionfinder.asos.com/womens-Ted-Baker/Ted-Baker---STARDY---Bib-detail-blouse-501562

roni

Saturday 28th of April 2012

Just wanted to know.... when did we see the earrings?

daphne

Saturday 28th of April 2012

.. thank you for the continued, appreciative fun of this website!

I have not posted in a while--

just wanted to say I still think the lovely Duchess' instincts are still unerring- she is always a pleasure to behold.

I didn't make up the name of the dress color: Gunmetal. how more appropriate can a color be for a WWI memorial ?! Bravo, Kate.

oh.. and to add a comment to all the fashion applause-- because I know I am not alone in seeing the grace that accompanies the pretty outfits (that would just be outfits without the smiles and poise and dignity of the wearer..):

".. the only thing that counts is the love of duty; when love and duty are one, then grace is in you and you will enjoy a happiness which passes all understanding." - The Painted Veil. Somerset Maugham

I think (hope?!) that's what I see in Kate-- a genuine happiness with her role-- and her ever ready, beaming smile and lovely manner are what make the finishing touch to "What She Wears"-

a bit too over the top a compliment? perhaps but I'll let it stand----

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