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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.

William, Kate and Harry launch Heads Together

©James Whatling/Splash News

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.

Stephen Lock / i-Images / Polaris

Stephen Lock / i-Images / Polaris

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

©Stephen Lock / i-Images / Polaris

©Stephen Lock / i-Images / Polaris

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.

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.

Jeremy Selwyn/NMA Rota/Nunn Syndication/Polaris

Jeremy Selwyn/NMA Rota/Nunn Syndication/Polaris

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.

Rebecca English The Daily Mail & Mail Online (@RE_English)

Rebecca English The Daily Mail & Mail Online (@RE_English)

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.

Kensington Palace

Kensington Palace

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.

Rebecca English, The Daily Mail & Mail Online @RE_DailyMail

Rebecca English, The Daily Mail & Mail Online @RE_DailyMail

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.

Kensington Palace

Kensington Palace

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

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.

©Stephen Lock, i-Images/Banana Repunlic

©Stephen Lock, i-Images/Banana Repunlic

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.

Kate Heads Together Launch May 16 2016 Banana Republic Geo Jacquard Skirt Product Shots 999 x 650

Banana Republic

A closer look at the jacquard fabric.

©Robin Nunn/Nunn Syndication/Polaris

©Robin Nunn/Nunn Syndication/Polaris

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

Banana Republic

Banana Republic

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).

©GOAT Fashion/Stephen Lock, i-Images

©GOAT Fashion/Stephen Lock, i-Images

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

Kate Heads Together Launch Goat Binky Blouse in White and Black Product Shots May 16 2016

Kate accessorized with her Rupert Sanderson Malory heels.

©Robin Nunn/Nunn Syndication/Polaris

©Robin Nunn/Nunn Syndication/Polaris

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

©James Whatling, Splash News / i-Images,Polaris

©James Whatling, Splash News / Rupert Sanderson / i-Images,Polaris

Kate carried her Frome clutch by LK Bennett.

© LK Bennett/ Splash News

© LK Bennett/ Splash News

The Duchess wore her sapphire and diamond earrings.

© Stephen Lock, i-Images, Polaris / James Whatling. Splash News

© Stephen Lock, i-Images, Polaris / James Whatling. Splash News

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.

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

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.

SplashNews.com/Great Plains London

SplashNews.com/Great Plains London

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

Kate Great Plains Cezanne Pine Needle Green Montage Christmas Day 2015 May 10 2016

©Stephen Lock/i-Images

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

Great Plains

Great Plains

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.

Great Plains

Great Plains

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.

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monalisa

Thursday 19th of May 2016

Well its better than the other night. Not a fan of that kind of high necked long sleeved blouse but it can be a good base for styling. Of course none was done here. The skirt isn't well tailored - a necessity for bulky fabric. It hits her too low at the waist (compare to the model) and its too long. As always Kate is under-styled. A big navy/royal blue belt would have helped pull it together. Cut 3 inches off the skirt and it would be a much fresher, younger look.

Nicole

Thursday 19th of May 2016

I consider this a miss. While the fabric on the skirt is magnificent, the style is something I would have worn as a young professional in the late 80's in the US.

BerlinLondon

Monday 23rd of May 2016

I got office vibes from this as well...but late 1970s...an updated version of it....but it's slick and it suits her so thumbs up

KateZena

Wednesday 18th of May 2016

That skirt is beautiful! If I weren't so tiny I would grab that skirt up; it's simply beautiful, especially with that top! I love Harry's shoes too. The little pop of color is so youthful.

Penny

Wednesday 18th of May 2016

I have totally fallen in love with both this skirt and blouse. Catherine looks stunning!

Lavender

Wednesday 18th of May 2016

I do love billowy sleeves, all those feminine 70s styles seem to be everywhere now. It's also the sort of blouse I'd buy four of for the office etc. In fact, Kate does do private work & attend meetings for charities & this is the sort of blouse she would wear. The skirt was appropriate for visiting children but was an occasion when one of Kate's chunky belts would have improved the overall look as she has such short legs, it would have broken the body up & balanced the overall look. (It reminded me of the 2 occasions she wore the beige lace dress, with a satin sash-belt the first time & without anything the 2nd time - it showed why she seemed to wear a belt with everything). I don't like the skirt, it reminds me of patchwork skirts that 'older' people (anybody old enough to have a teenager) wore in the 70's. I've always hated those front inverted pleats too, nondescript & staid. However, that's just personal opinion. I agree about the trousers version though. Not so good, probably would suit those with spiky blue or green hair student types. I though the shoe colour & style went particularly well.

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