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Kate in Katherine Hooker for EACH Engagement & UFO Handbag Identified (The Duchess Does Vintage!)

Kate chose a vibrant red dress by Katherine Hooker for today’s EACH engagement.

The event launched a fundraising appeal for a new EACH hospice in Norfolk. Upon arriving, Kate was given a bouquet of flowers by an excited young lady.

More from Richard Palmer’s story in The Express.

Cerys Emeerith-Burley, seven, whose brother, Rhys, suffers from a brain condition and uses the charity’s existing Norfolk hospice.

She gave the Duchess a posey and said: “This is very important to me my brother uses the hospice as it gives my mum and dad a rest.

EACH currently has a facility serving the area, but it is one of the oldest hospices in the UK, with restricted accessibility and other constraints. EACH hopes to raise £10 million for the construction of a new hospice that would allow things like more overnight accommodations, more private family support areas, and treatments such as hydrotherapy. Below, a rendering showing how the hoped-for new hospice would look.

The fundraising kickoff was held at the Norfolk Showground. Below, Kate arriving.James Whatling/Splash News

The launch event was sizable, with about 700 guests at the Showground. Kate’s table was appropriately named ‘George.’ In this photo, you can see Kate’s personal assistant Rebecca Deacon either handing the Duchess her handbag or having it handed back to her.  (Shown here because there has been dialogue in the past about what Kate does with her handbag.)Paul Rogers/Nunn Rota/Nunn Syndication/Polaris

More on Kate’s involvement with EACH via Simon Perry’s story in People magazine.

The chief executive of EACH, Graham Butland, told attendees that Kate ….”undoubtedly raised the profile not only of EACH but more importantly the cause of pediatric palliative care both nationally and internationally.” He also told Kate that the organization now has connections with delegates from Malaysia and Australia – “friends we have made as a result of your successful overseas tours.”

Part of the agenda included the unveiling of limited edition mugs by Britain’s iconic Emma Bridgewater pottery; the ceramic pieces will be used to aid in the fundraising for the new hospice. Kate is said to have been involved in the partnership between EACH and Emma Bridgewater.Paul Rogers/PA Wire

There are two patterns, one called “Ladybirds” and the other “Insects and Flowers.” Below we show a closeup of what must be the “Ladybirds” motif, generally referred to as ladybugs in the US.PA Wire

The mugs will become available next March; £5 from every sale will go to EACH.

From Kate’s foreword on the program:

“In addition to developing their care across East Anglia, the task of fund-raising for a new hospice in the heart of Norfolk begins.

“I have been fortunate to meet with a number of families receiving services from EACH.

“Hearing how much EACH’s support means to them reminds me what a wonderful organisation it is: I am enormously proud to be their patron.

Stephen Lock / i-Images

The fundraising kickoff had its tough moments. From Rebecca English’s story in The Daily Mail:

A tearful Duchess of Cambridge hugged a mother who tragically lost her three-month-old daughter to a rare heart condition as she helped launch a charity campaign in Norfolk today. Kate put her arms around Leigh Smith, who had just given an emotional speech about the devastating death of her daughter, Beatrice, and told her that she was a ‘brave lady’.

Mrs Smith, a 33-year-old physiotherapist from Norwich, told how Beatrice died from a rare heart condition after just 89 days.

Leigh Smith today.

Nunn Rota/Nunn Syndication/Polaris images

Nunn Rota/Nunn Syndication/Polaris images

Back to The Daily Mail story.

She also revealed that she wrote a letter to Kate outlining her story in the days after her daughter’s death, and received a personal reply.

Had she lived, Beatrice who died in January following a battle against a rare heart condition called restrictive cardiomyopathy, would have turned one this Friday.

Kate appeared pensive as she left the event.Robin Nunn/Nunn Syndication/Polaris

If so inclined, there are many ways to get involved with EACH; the group has always been creative with its fundraising efforts. If you’re located nearby, there are lots of events listed on its website. “From family fundraising days to quiz nights, garden fetes, sponsored bike rides and Santa Runs you’ll be able to find something to suit you. Taking part in an event is a great way to support us.” Events include things like a Santa Run.

For those unable to take part in any of the local events, there is always the EACH Online Store, where you can even find a bracelet just like the one worn by Kate.Anthony Devlin/Press Association (L) /EACH Hospice

EACH is still offering the bracelets for just £6, that price includes packaging and postage anywhere in the world. Of course one can donate directly to EACH, this page has more info on how to do just that.

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Kate was in Katherine Hooker’s ‘Ascot’ dress.

Katherine Hooker

Katherine Hooker

The dress is described online this way:

A classic shift dress with a high neck that works perfectly for a daytime or evening look.

Katherine Hooker

The dress is offered in a navy silk dupioni (shown two photos above) or a black wool crepe (seen in the 3-shot just above), it is priced at £380, about $600 at today’s exchange rates. Kate’s dress was crafted in a custom material.

Kate accessorized with Kiki McDonough’s 18ct Gold and Diamond Hoops and Cushion Cut Green Amethyst Drops.

Kiki McDonough

Kiki McDonough

Along with her Mappin & Webb ‘Fortune’ necklace in white gold and diamonds.

Andrew Parsons i-Images/Polaris

Andrew Parsons i-Images/Polaris

The Duchess wore the Jimmy Choo heels now widely accepted as the ‘Aimee’ style.i-Images/Jimmy Choo/i-Images

Many readers will have recognized Kate’s clutch, the Stuart Weitzman Muse style as sold at Russell and Bromley.Nunn Rota/Nunn Syndication/Polaris Images

In the US that style is known as the ‘Raz,’ and/or ‘Bowraz.’

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 Also today, an update on the black beaded clutch Kate was seen carrying to the Royal Variety Performance and Action on Addiction engagements.Splash News/Ben Stevens, i-Images

A refresher look at the clutch, we show the front of the piece on the left, and the back is seen on the right.Polaris

Here you see the handbag in a digitally treated photo (to lighten it up) on the left, and the photo of a bag sent by an anonymous friend of WKW.

It turns out the Duchess was carrying a vintage piece.  The handbag above right is a vintage piece by a brand called Magid. The company dates back to the very early 1900s. The firm made upscale products and was quite popular for decades. Many a socialite carried Magid; the company’s beaded bags and straw bags were especially popular in the mid-19th century. Our friend notes that the bag she has was given to her by her grandmother. Below, the back of Kate’s bag and another photo from our under-the-radar friend, showing the back of her bag.

 UPDATE MAR 28 2018: It appears that Kate’s mother, Carole Middleton, has also carried the bag. Kate M Cambridge shared that info on Twitter.

(Yours truly is familiar with Magid, there are a few dozen (cough-cough) vintage bags by the brand here at WKW InterGalactic HQ. We show one below, with apologies for the poor color, the beading is a lustrous gold.)Vintage Magid Bag

While the Magid name is still in use, the current company is not owned by, nor does it have any connection with, the original brand that started back in the 1900s. Our thanks to the lovely woman sharing her photos!

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Helen

Monday 8th of December 2014

Love this outfit- I am biased though as I love Katherine Hooker pieces. I have a green tweed Alexander jacket (the same style as Kate wire to the races years ago, in pale blue) and it's so well tailored. I can't believe that a custom tailored dress from Katherine Hooker wouldn't fit perfectly. I dream of a coat from there...

Lena

Saturday 6th of December 2014

I very much like this reserved look. Many posing comments here seem to be expecting a grand showing of some sorts. This is a charity visit where she will be visiting (and comforting) families and sick children. I think the ensemble is quiet appropriate: a bright color for the children, and a conservative styling to respect the families.

AL

Tuesday 2nd of December 2014

I personnaly don't like this look at all. In fact, I don't think I have liked any of the looks Kate has worn during this pregnancy. I agree the dress looks as if it hasn't been pressed, in fact, the whole outfit looks as if she rushed to get dress. Maybe she wasn't feeling well so neglected to put the ensemble together early. She looks really tired. As a mother of two young children, I can relate though. At this point of the pregnancy, I think it is really hard to dress. You're too big to fit in your clothes but too small to wear "maternity" wear. It's a weird time.

Dianda

Sunday 30th of November 2014

Leave the poor girl alone, she is doing her best. I wold like to see her give away the poxy little neck things, but maybe she will get some smashing pearls for Christmas?

Lorelia

Monday 1st of December 2014

Who is not "leaving her alone"? Susan wrote a neutral article and people expressed their opinions about Kate's look. I don't think exercising free speech constitues not leaving her be. Ppl are not picketing KP, boycotting her activities or persecuting/causing problems for her. We're just a bunch of people voicing our likes and dislikes on a site. Also, this is not a fan site where everyone is required to have the same laudatory opinion. We're mature adults capable of imparting both compliments and critiques. All in the name of good fun and fashion. Leave us be, please!

Molly

Sunday 30th of November 2014

I agree, leave the poor girl alone. First of all before others start throwing so much criticism about other people, please post a photo in your sunday best and see what constructive comments you get. Just remember you can't please everyone. Have a bit of a think about the event she attended and the grief these people are going through. Get things into perspective, please.....

till

Friday 28th of November 2014

Hmmm.....where do I begin? I guess I'll start by saying that I don't like this look at all and I'm a big fan of 99% of what she wears. This is just one disappointing look. The dress doesn't fit well. It's too big. The seams and hem are not pressed. The fabric is too thick for this style. The sleeves are at an odd length and she is wearing no jewelry/watch around her wrists. The dress is a few inches too short and the colour looks like it has been washed a few times. Black shoes and clutch don't do anything for this dress. The hair as always is a mess. Looks like a ponytail I make when I go for a quick grocery shopping. I won't even bother with pale face/black ugly eyeliner, bags under the eyes, bad skin, lack of accessories and accentuating jewelry. All in all, I give her a big thumbs down and an F for the entire ensemble from head to toe. I definitely look forward to the next look.

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