Updates, Spring Styles and Tour Design Possibilities

We are back with confirmation of a date for Kate’s Calendar, as well as some fashion news and ideas.

First, the calendar update, a simple one:

• Monday, March 17: We now have confirmation Kate & William will visit the Irish Guards for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade at Mons Barracks, Aldershot, on 17 March 2014. This appearance will be like the previous two, the only question: will the Emilia Wickstead coat make a third appearance? (The Duchess is shown at Aldershot in 2012 and 2013.)

 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

As we shared last week on the WKW Facebook page, the New Zealand Post will release two stamps and a special coin to commemorate the Royal Tour.

From the Post’s news release:

The stamps depict a family portrait taken at the Middleton family home and the official portrait from Prince George’s christening. The limited edition 1oz silver proof legal tender coin illustrates the young couple in colour against the backdrop of Government House in Wellington.

The stamps and coin are available at the New Zealand Post site.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Although the month of Fashion Weeks just ended (NY, London, Milan, Paris) and there are many images/reviews we want to share, it seems a much better idea to look at styles in stores now from spring/summer collections.  We start with a couple of the diffusion lines from designers Kate favors, Somerset by Alice Temperley for John Lewis and No 1 Jenny Packham at Debenhams. First, pieces from the Somerset by Alice Temperley collection; from left to right: Organza Peplum top (£89), Frill Detail Cardigan in black (£79),  Frill Silk blouse (£120), and Peplum Jacket, with much nicer detailing than is visible in the photo).

Other new arrivals from the collection: the Pintuck Silk dress (£160), Lace Pencil dress (£99),  Skater Dress, a silhouette we know the Duchess is fond of (£160), and Daisy Organza dress in navy lace (£160). It might just be my feeble brain imagining things, but it *seems* as though navy is gradually making a comeback. Ashley Olivia…Lili…ElizaMo…others with a better sense than I?

Our final four styles from the group: a Stretch Lace top in a dark grey (£59), a Pleated Blouse in black & cream (£89), Pintuck Silk top in dove (£79), and Lace Cotton Voile blouse (£59) in navy (marine), also available in white.

We stick with the Temperley theme, moving to the primary lines from this designer. First, five looks from the ALICE by Temperley spring collection.

As well as dresses from the Temperley London spring line.

Now a peek at the No 1 Jenny Packham line at Debenhams. From left to right: the Navy Pleated Embellished Dress (£105), Light Grey Lace Bodice maxi dress (£127.50), Dark Blue Embellished Jersey maxi dress (£131.25), Dark Blue Lace sequin shift (£97.50), and Dark Grey Embellished maxi dress (£123.75).

Below, pieces from the main Jenny Packham line; left to right we see the Beaded Scoop Neck gown at Harrods in a dark blue ($2799), Beaded Empire gown in ‘alabaster’ ($3350), the Topography Beaded Cap Sleeve gown in ‘powder puff’ ($5760 at Neiman Marcus), and the V-Neck Shimmery Beaded gown in chalk blue ($4800).

Much as we enjoy seeing fresh styles this time of year, it is also a good time to snag a bargain on past season garments. We show several in the next graphic: a black Tiered Silk Organza dress from Temperley London ($1650 discounted to $825), another Temperley frock, the Cleo French Lace dress in that stunning royal blue so many of us like ($1236, discounted from its original price of $2575), an Alexander McQueen Wool Crepe dress in black that is very elegant when seen up close (initially priced at $2165, now $887.65), Roland Mouret’s Avea Draped Jersey Maxi dress, and the Ashley Printed Stretch Jersey dress by Erdem (originally $920, now $377).

All of the dresses are from the Outnet, it is Net-a-Porter’s sister site, stocked with many of the brand’s Kate wears at discount prices. If not familiar with the site, you may want to give it a look.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

We move now to possible New Zealand and Australian brands that the Duchess may find appealing, offering possibilities for the April tour. The first brand we cover today: Aurelio Costarella.

Founded in Perth almost 30 years ago by Mr. Costarella, his eponymous label is considered one of of Australia’s most successful brands. His work is so well known and respected, an Aurelio Costarella retrospective at the Western Australian Museum just closed. In addition to his RTW collections, there is also a couture line that was launched in 2000. Australian fashion consultant Michelle Forrest of Perth Fashion refers to this designer as being “perfect for Kate,” noting his “luxurious, elegant glamour”. The next three styles are from the the Aurelio Costarella Winter 2014 collection.

The brand is a favorite with celebrities, appealing to a broad segment of the entertainment industry, Rihanna, Kristin Chenowerth, Giuliana Rancic and Sharon Stone are among many celebrities seen wearing Aurelio Costarella. And, as if he isn’t busy enough, Mr. Costarello has just debuted a new line, YTTRIUM, with a darker, edgier vibe. 

Next, two designers known for their elegant evening gowns. The first is Rachel Gilbert, her glittering, shimmering creations are very much a red carpet favorite. She has become so successful that a couture bridal collection debuted last year.

Unfortunately, the lack of formal events makes it unlikely Kate would wear any of this designer’s creations. It is almost impossible to find a sequin-free frock at Rachel Gilbert; there’s nothing wrong with that, but I don’t see the Duchess wearing heavily beaded or sequinned pieces for this specific tour. The dressiest functions on the April schedule are functions similar to last year’s State Dinner in Singapore when Kate wore Prabal Gurung.

Our second designer is Alex Perry. Alex Perry offers a solid range of styles that could work for an afternoon tea, or evening reception. (An FYI: I’m not suggesting all of the looks shown below would work for Kate or this tour; that is merely a graphic from the designer showcasing spring styles.)

Spring dresses by Alex Perry, from left to right: the Mariana Dress ($850), the Sasha ($350) and the Mia ($750).

Michelle Forrest of Perth Fashion describes Mr. Perry as the “King of Australian Couture.” 

Ms. Forrest is a wonderful resource, many of the IDs on items Kate wears are thanks to her. She has created a multi-part series of blog posts that are *very* instructive about things ‘down under’ on Perth Fashion site. This link takes you to the first post in the series.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Our final item today involves a little “housekeeping,” for lack of a more appropriate word, matters that are tedious for you, but important for the continued health of the blog.

1. For those receiving blog posts via email subscriptions, clicking on the blog title will take you to the What Kate Wore blog site and the post itself.
2. From now on posts will have a few paragraphs and/or photos on the front page, with a “continue reading” link on the lower right-hand side of the post. This saves a tremendous amount of bandwidth for yours truly, something that has become increasingly expensive as our readership continues to grow. (In addition to paying photo licensing fees we also pay for many other services, including hosting and security costs.) 

Many thanks to those who have been sharing links and ideas about who/what Kate might wear, or garments you just plain like. I hope to have a post incorporating some of those styles in the next ten days.

We will be back with more in a few days!