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Kate In Lela Rose Cocktail Dress & A Theory On Why She Wore An American Designer

Kate went with an American designer for the evening reception at Government House, wearing a cocktail dress by Lela Rose.Robin Nunn/Nunn Syndication/Polaris

The piece is the designer’s “Circle Lace Trim Dress.”Robin Nunn/Nunn Sydication/Polaris Images

It was part of the Lela Rose 2012 spring/summer collection. Below, we show it at Lyst.com.Lyst.com

The dress has long been sold out. The dress is a linen/rayon blend with a touch of spandex/elastane for ease of movement. From the product description at Far Fetch: “Lace peplum dress in ivory from Lela Rose. This linen-blend sheath dress features a round neckline, circle lace short sleeves, circle lace peplum panel along the waist, and a back center slit at skirt with concealed zipper closure.” These photos from Far Fetch better show the lace detail.FarFetch.com

Another look at the dress on the Duchess.

That lace motif is seen in other Lela Rose pieces, like this Circle Embroidery Low-Back dress ($1995) in black, shown at Neiman Marcus.Neiman Marcus

There is a solid selection of the designer’s work at Neimans. If unfamiliar with this designer, a quick backgrounder: Lela Rose is a native Texan who founded her company in 1998. She is a Parsons (School of Design) graduate and spent time honing her craft with notable designers like Richard Tyler. Her collections are carried at other upscale department stores like Nordstrom, Bergdorf, and Saks. It is a brand I can personally recommend; in addition to the beautiful designs, the attention to detail is outstanding. There is also an extensive Bridal Collection.

Knowing I am a fan of the brand, it may be a surprise that I wasn’t overly fond of the dress. It’s more than likely this was lovely in person, but unfortunately, in some photographs, it almost appears the Duchess has spider webs on her arms. The size of the actual lace circles is so big, the lace statement so dramatic, it overpowers the rest of the garment. It is one of the few occasions where I felt the dress was wearing Kate, not the other way around. Seeing how positive the feedback was on the dress last night, I was tempted to soft-pedal the personal reaction to it, but can’t; it’s not why we have the blog and community of readers/commenters.

The Duchess wore the deco-style diamond bracelet and earrings often chosen for formal situations. She also had her Cartier wristwatch from the jeweler’s Ballon de Bleu collection.

Robin Nunn/Nunn Syndication/Polaris Images

Robin Nunn/Nunn Syndication/Polaris Images

We also saw the Mulberry clutch and Kate’s Jimmy Choo Cosmic heels again. The pumps are available at Jimmy Choo for $695 and at Net-a-Porter, also selling at $695.

Kate-Jimmy-Choo-Cosmic-Platform-Pumps-

I know several readers who would be happy to see close-up photos of this particular updo.

As far as why Kate elected to wear a dress by an American designer, as opposed to something from a British or Australian label, here is my theory: I do not believe this was a case of Kate going out shopping for a dress by an American designer to wear on the tour. The piece is from the 2012 s/s collection so it would have been in stores early in 2012. My guess is the Duchess saw the dress at that time and purchased it; we just hadn’t seen her wear it. This seems much more a case of Kate opting for a piece she already owned that would be “new” for the occasion rather than Kate purchasing another dress for the tour and slighting a British or Australian label in the process.

LINKAGE:

  • Richard Palmer’s story about the reception in the Express may be seen here, and the Daily Mail’s story is here (including a video)
  • The Mirror has an online compendium of what Kate has worn on the tour; click here to see the piece
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monalisa

Sunday 27th of April 2014

it will come as no surprise to anyone that I think this dress is a disaster for all the reasons stated by so many already. On top of everything, its cut too big for her. For a comparison look at the other (terrific) black Lela Rose dress shown above. Its cut to skim the body and looks great. Has the palace also decreed that she wear looser fitting dresses?

She knows what makes her look the best. She should be let alone to do it. NOTE: admin edit

Tara Henry

Sunday 27th of April 2014

I think that this is a lovely look for Kate, it seems to be a bit 'younger' than many dresses she wears. I agree that it may be a dress in reserve but I think she looks very well and I love her hair in this style.

shari

Saturday 26th of April 2014

I think the dress was a back up dress onlyand that's why we have never seen it before....and I think that little George properly spilt milk or something on her and she had to do a last min change because it seems like everything was off even her jewelry didn't match the dress...just a thought

Karen

Saturday 26th of April 2014

Susan, you have got to be EXHAUSTED! Thank you so much for the wonderful coverage. I am strangely drawn to the dress, but with modification. I think the sleeves would have been enough with the peplum detail. On the model (Lyst) the sleeves look more starched and bell like. I like that better than the 'spider web' type look on Kate. Favourite outfits were definitely the DVF wrap dress and the yellow dress. The yellow dress was fantastic. I've noticed that it looks like the hem on the back always seems a bit longer than the front for the flared skirts regardless of designer. Is that because of the weights sewn into the hem?

Paige

Saturday 26th of April 2014

Hi Sue, I think your theory about her choice of an American designer on this occasion sounds very plausible. While I don't think the dress wore Kate, I agree it isn't among her best looks on the tour. The peplum fell so limply and felt rather redundant and I must say I was shocked to read that it was the most expensive dress on the tour. The exquisite detailing on the Jenny Packham black dress surely deserved more than this dress!

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