Kate Picks McQueen Again for Trooping the Colour

Here is Kate’s look for her first appearance at Trooping the Colour, the official commemoration of Queen Elizabeth’s birthday. (Also the first time Prince William has taken part riding in the event.) So many fashionable friends emailed, tweeted, or left comments on the WKW Facebook page about Kate’s coat-dress it is difficult thank everyone, but it looks like LiltingLimes’s tweet was an early tip-off to the designer, Alexander McQueen.

Another view. 

McQueen’s ‘Cotton and wool-blend pique coat‘ was available at Net-a-Porter, but that is no longer the case. Here is how the piece is described:

“White cotton and wool-blend pique coat with a softly pleated tiered Samurai skirt. Alexander McQueen coat has a short collar and lapels, accentuated padded shoulders, long sleeves with button-fastening cuffs, button fastenings through double-breasted front and is fully lined. 71% cotton, 29% wool; lining: 74% acetate, 26% silk. Dry clean.”

The coat was priced at $3845 USD.

It is interesting she opted for white. This is the third time in recent weeks we have seen her go for a solid, monochromatic look.

UPDATED 7.16.2011: A helpful commenter asked about the hat, noting that many outlets are saying it is by Lock & Company, a firm known to most WKW readers. We tend to think that TH, the person kind enough to leave the comment, is correct, it is a Sylvia Fletcher creation by Lock and Company.

The tidbits of information readers so kindly shared proved especially helpful, as word came that details of what (or whom) The Duchess is wearing will not be released by Clarence House; here is what our friend @RegalEyes re-tweeted from @AdamLeePotter earlier today:

“Clarence House oddly refusing to reveal who designed Kate’s outfit.”

It is possible the Palace doesn’t want too much focus on Kate (we would never suggest such a thing) attention paid to Kate’s apparel and accessories; in reality, however, that train has left the station.  The fact is the fascination with what Kate wears and the ensuing frenzy will only intensify moving forward, it is something the Palace cannot control.

While Kate looked lovely for the ceremony, this was not our favorite look from her; the coat was a little too frou-frou, despite it flattering her figure and healthy glow.  We know many sophisticated observers are probably delighted to see a more fashion-forward statement from the Duchess, it is merely not a style we are fond of.  Most assuredly not a miss, just not the best we’ve seen.