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Kate in Roland Mouret’s Lombard Gown for Nelson Mandela Film Premiere

EDITOR’S NOTE: This post was written before the news of Nelson Mandela’s death. Those in London watching the  Premiere of “Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom” were told about his death as the credits were rolling. Prince William gave a brief statement following the film, saying the South African leader was “an extraordinary and inspiring man.” The statement may be seen here.

You Tube

YouTube

The couple appeared subdued as they left the theater.Splash News

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The Duchess brought back an elegant gown by Roland Mouret for tonight’s star-studded premiere of the film Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom.

PA Wire

PA Wire

The event is a benefit for the Cinema and Television Benevolent Fund. and the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund. As you can see, there was a crowd on hand to see the stars and others arrive at the Odeon Leicester Square.

Pa

Pathe UK

The film’s stars walked the red carpet in very brisk weather. Below we see Simon Perry’s photo of Naomie Harris, who plays Winnie Mandela in the movie. On the right, Rebecca English of the Daily Mail shared this photo of Idris Elba, who plays Nelson Mandela.Simon Perry - People Magazine/ Rebecca English - The Daily Mail & Mail Online

Both actors are British. Rebecca English has more on how Mr. Elba felt about the film’s London premiere in her Daily Mail story:

‘Tonight is extra special because this is my country and when the royals come out to watch a film it’s. a big deal. I feel very proud that it’s my film, really proud.’

More on the film from the CTBF:

This epic motion picture spans Mandela’s extraordinary life, from his childhood in a rural village through to his inauguration as the first democratically elected President of South Africa. MANDELA: LONG WALK TO FREEDOM is the thrilling story of an ordinary man who rose to the challenge of his times and triumphed – an intimate portrait of the making of a modern icon.

cbtf

Cinema & Television Benevolent Fund

Kate’s gown is the “Lombard,” inspired by actress Carole Lombard.Splash News

The Duchess previously wore it to the Thirty Club private dinner at Claridge’s in May of 2012.

James Whatling / Splash News

James Whatling / Splash News

Net-a-Porter continues to offer an almost identical dress, the ‘Ella.‘ The dress is an off-white wool crepe like Kate’s, and most of the design details are alike; the piece sells for $4610.

Net-a-Porter

Net-a-Porter

Kate accessorized with new pieces this evening, perhaps most notably, the statement necklace she had on. With thanks to Kristen on the WKW Facebook page, we can share that it is Zara’s Sparkly Crystal Bead Necklace.

Splash News/Zara

The necklace sells for $35.90 in the US, and there are reports on the WKW FB page that a Boston Zara still has a good supply of the necklaces. The Duchess did not wear any earrings, perhaps she thought they would “fight” with the strong necklace.

Kate also wore a pair of shoes we hadn’t previously noted.

Splash

Splash

The sharp-eyed team at What Would Kate Do team suggests the black suede pumps are by Prada, I think they are right.  Officially called the “Suede Round-Toe Pump,” we show them at Neiman Marcus.

Prada Suede Round Toe Pu,p at Neiman Marcus

Prada Suede Round Toe Pump at Neiman Marcus

We also saw what appears to be a new bag for the Duchess, a black clutch. Some believe it to be by Mulberry, I haven’t had time to look closely at it or compare it to suggested pieces.Splash News

UPDATED DEC 15, 2013:

The bag is by Mulberry, it is the brand’s Bayswater Clutch. We show it in the pink glossy goat leather as available at Selfridges (£495, about $800 USD).

Selfridges

Selfridges

The piece can be carried as either a shoulder bag (there is a detachable chain) or clutch, it has several interior sections, including a zippered pocket, and closes with that recognizable postman’s lock.  The bag is shown as being sold out at Mulberry in black leather but is available in several other leather colors. If interested in other items Mulberry does ship to the US for a £20 fee. For US shoppers, Mulberry is also carried by My Theresa. Many thanks to Ashley Marie and Anna for their ID on the piece.

Kate’s hair was pulled back in a loose ponytail, tied with a black velvet ribbon.

SplashNews.com

SplashNews.com

As Royal Photographer Mark Stewart noted, “From Tiara to Zara for the Duchess of Cambridge this week.”

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Also today, a look at what Kate wore when taking Prince George for a walk yesterday; the photos may be seen on PopSugar. The Duchess was in mostly familiar pieces:

  • Those J. Brand Skinny jeans we have seen on multiple occasions

Splash News

  • Her trusty Ladies Defence jacket by Barbour
Barbour

Barbour

  • The gloves appear to be the Fownes gloves worn when she and Prince William helped launch the Saint Andrews 600th Anniversary fundraising efforts in March of 2011
PA Wire/eBay UK

PA Wire/eBay UK

  • Kate’s baseball cap is by 5.11 Tactical, a company that primarily services the military and law enforcement personnel. (The name “5.11” comes from the Yosemite Decimal System ranking difficulty levels of rock climbing.)

    5.11 at Dick's Sporting Goods

    5.11 at Dick’s Sporting Goods

  • The stroller is by Silver Cross, it is their Sleepover Elegance Pram System in navy. As one would anticipate, it is not inexpensive. John Lewis carries Silver Cross, and they do ship to the US. Silver Cross is a storied British brand, royal babies have been pushed in their prams for generations. E! Online has the company’s comments on the royals using their product:

“For many years, Silver Cross have provided royalty across the world with their prams and are delighted that the Duke and Duchess have chosen the premier British brand for Prince George,” a rep for the company says. “With over 130 years experience in manufacturing prams we are certain the Prince will enjoy his Silver Cross.” Several retailers carry the pram, in the UK John Lewis has it,

Silver Cross

Silver Cross

  • We will update with info on what appears to be an infinity scarf, as well as the sneakers Kate is wearing (we’ve seen them before, I just have to look them up)

NEXT ENGAGEMENT:

  • Friday, Dec 6th: Kate will have tea with children and family members at the Shooting Star Children’s Hospice. She will also watch a music therapy session and meet volunteers. In addition to Kate’s interest in the children’s hospice movement, this comes under the umbrella of her EACH Patronage.

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Anne P

Wednesday 18th of December 2013

What a beautiful dress - the sort I would love to wear. The shoes, clutch, jewellery and hair style go so well. I really like the clutch - must buy one. Great.

Emma

Friday 6th of December 2013

I am in the minority on this one. I adore the whole thing and especially the hair! Kate is quite often far too put together to seem approachable, she seems almost like a porcelain doll, perfectly dressed and coiffed. So this looks is like a breath of fresh air. She still looks lovely, the necklace is super fun, the hair is fun and shows off her gorgeous face and the overall look makes her comes across as a woman who is put together but likes to have fun. Love it!

The Way We Were

Friday 6th of December 2013

I was shocked to hear the sudden pass of Mandela, who has influenced the whole world for more than just one generation~ R.I.P

As for Kate's dress, I loved it the first time but not the second time. Somehow her shoulders look so bulky this time, almost appear out of proportion. Maybe the hair do made the difference?

brenda

Friday 6th of December 2013

I've been thinking about this look for the past 24 hours, and I've decided that it's thumbs down. Here's why: it's neither here nor there.

Kate's hair is kind of a disaster. I totally approve of pulled back hair. But I really do not like the one-strand-of-hanging-hair look. I don't like it on film stars and I do not like it on Kate. Pull it all back, or wear it down. The hair ribbon is a little too Gigi for a 30-year-old duchess and mother of one.

I also did not like the necklace for this occasion. It's a fun, funky piece. Wear it for daytime, with a black turtleneck or under a suit jacket. It is too cheap to wear for a formal event. Kate has access to some of the most stunning jewels on the planet. There's no need, for evening, to wear obvious costume jewelry.

I really want the Queen, or Camilla, or someone to tell her to be more glamorous with her jewelry choices for formal events. Remember the story of when the East End was bombed during WWII, and Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother wore jewels and furs to visit the victims? She said they would have dressed up in their best to visit her, so she returned the favor.

That's how I feel here. Everyone in the audience has dressed up to meet William and Kate. Time for her to return the favor to them.

The Way We Were

Friday 6th of December 2013

I don't like the dress on her for the second time (loved it the first time). But I somehow found her choice of a Zara costume jewelry piece kinda refreshing. She's young and should have fun with her clothing and jewelry, as long as she didn't break the dress code for the occasion. I guess this might be a reason why so many women actually like her? I am not sure but for me it is the reason. :)

Fashiophile

Friday 6th of December 2013

I really liked the look the first time the Duchess wore this Roland Mouret gown with her Jimmy Choo sandals. This time I find the black shoes a stark contrast to the white/cream outfit and a tad heavy too. In my opinion something does not seem right. Also the necklace - though very pretty in itself - seems out of place with a boat neck. If the dress had a round or V-neck it would be a perfect backdrop for this necklace.

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