It’s Banana Republic & GOAT Fashion for the Duchess & The Return of a Kate Classic

The Duchess wore Banana Republic and Goat Fashion for today’s Heads Together launch.

Kate was joined by Princes William and Harry for the official kickoff of the charity focused on mental health issues. The function was held at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. On their way in to the facility all three seemed to be looking at the structure that held the Olympic Flame during the 2012 London Games.

You can see Harry pointing as he walks with Kate’s private secretary.

Representatives of the charities participating in the new initiative were on hand.

Kate tries her hand at boxing as part of a demonstration emphasizing the mental health benefits of exercise.

Video Kate tried her hand at boxing @heads_togetherpic.twitter.com/zzdBAFNWsF

— Victoria Murphy (@QueenVicMirror) May 16, 2016

More from Victoria Murphy’s story in The Mirror:

This is the moment the Duchess of Cambridge wowed a boxing crowd as she pulled some powerful punches at the launch of a new mental health campaign.

Apparently Kate couldn’t wait to get the gloves on and had a ‘mean right jab’, the sportsman said afterwards.

Duke said: “She couldn’t wait to get the gloves on and had a wicked punch.”

Kate in a selfie with model Abbey Clancey.

During the morning’s events participants were asked to specify what made them happy. Harry said “making people smile,” while Kate said “a walk” does the trick for her. Below, Harry speaking with veterans about the hidden wounds faced by military personnel and families.

From a Hello! US story:

The Prince, who holds the rank of captain in the army, is a strong believer in helping servicemen and women rebuild their lives post-war.

The Prince chatted to representatives from Contact Armed Forces – a collaboration of state and charitable organisations working to improve mental health support to the Armed Forces community.

There was also a DJ spinning records at this morning’s event.

He put together a mix tape and included requests from the royals; Kate asked for “Heaven” by Emile Sande.

The trio spoke about the need for more mental health support.

In this quick clip Kate talks about destigmatizing mental health issues.

Part two William, Kate and Harry make a joint speech to launch @heads_together pic.twitter.com/D3xZOUBpxp — Victoria Murphy (@QueenVicMirror) May 16, 2016

Taking a look at what Kate wore for today’s function, we begin with the skirt by Banana Republic, the label’s Geo Jacquard Skirt.

The garment is midi-length, with a full skirt hitting mid-calf. It is 100% cotton in a large graphic print called ‘preppy navy,’ hopefully you can see the texture of the fabric below right. The piece has a back zip, on seam pockets, waistband, and full polyester lining.  The skirt appears to be sold out at Banana Republic, but you can try the retailer’s “find in store” option. It is available in limited sizing at UK retailer Zalando, where it is £105, about $150.

A closer look at the jacquard fabric.

Twitter friend Lawyer Mom tipped us that there were also trousers in this fabric. (They’re also sold out.)

Kate’s blouse is by GOAT Fashion, a brand becoming a favorite for the Duchess.  The ‘Binky’ blouse is 100% silk; it has a slim fit, round neck, and full sleeves that gather into the cuffs (£290, about $415).

Another look at the blouse, which is now sold out in the cream color, but still available in black.

Kate accessorized with her Rupert Sanderson Malory heels.

The shoe features a pointed toe and 4″ heel ($675).

Kate carried her Frome clutch by LK Bennett.

The Duchess wore her sapphire and diamond earrings.

As well as her Cartier Ballon Bleu watch.

I liked the look today, it seemed ideal for the morning’s function, classic daywear pieces. Fashion writer Emma Spedding shared similar thoughts; the following is from her column for The Telegraph:

….it can be tricky to find the balance between looking appropriately chic and but also keeping cool. This morning, the Duchess of Cambridge showed us a winning workwear combination which will take you from meetings in the chilly air conditioning  to the sticky commute home in style.

We will update with more photos and info shortly.

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Also today, the return of a Kate classic, the ‘Cezanne’ dress by Great Plains. Many readers will probably remember the style.  The Duchess was first seen wearing the Cezanne for a series of engagements in Grimsby in May of  2013. On that occasion she wore the Cezanne ‘winter pink’ color.

Then just this past Christmas we saw Kate wearing the Cezanne in another colorway, the green ‘pine needle’ dress.

Now the retailer has reissued the frock in an entirely new colorway.

From the Great Plains website:

Precision pleating features from the waist to the hemline of our best-selling Cezanne Pleated Dress for a feminine style that is as alluring in design as it is in print. Cinch in the waistband a little further when transitioning this chic dress into the evening.

Another look, this one offering a better view of the fabric.

The new color is called ‘navy ebony combo’. Just like the original, the frock is 100% polyester (it’s even machine washable), with pleats from waist to hem, cap sleeves, and a back zipper. The dress is offered in sizes XS to XL, it is priced at £75, roughly $110.

LINKAGE:

• The Heads Together website is here; its Facebook page is here; the organization’s Twitter feed is here
• The text for this morning’s speech may be seen here
• Victoria Murphy’s story for; Rebecca English’s Daily Mail‘s photo-laden story is here; Emma Spedding’s fashion focused piece for The Telegraph is here;
• Hello!’s story about today’s event is here; Simon Perry’s People’s story is here;