The Duchess is Pretty in Packham for Polo Match

For today’s polo match in Santa Barbara, Kate went back to a familiar designer, Jenny Packham.

The Duke and Duchess arriving for the luncheon before the match. 

The Duke and Duchess after the prizes were awarded.  

The handpainted silk dress in muted tones featured cap sleeves gathers at the shoulder and piping at the waist.

The frock is described as a “de Gournay silver and marble grey chinoiserie silk dress,” de Gournay did the exquisite fabric used in the dress.

Thanks to our Twitter friend @RegalEyes for alerting us to a Telegraph story about this spring’s collection by Ms. Packham.

“…using silks, satins and chiffons in dusky shades of peach, sage and blue, interspersed with hand-painted “Chinoiserie” designs by De Gournay.”

And a tidbit about de Gournay from its website:

“de Gournay hand paints wallpapers, fabrics and porcelain at the very top end of the decoration market. de Gournay has traditionally specialised in 18th century Chinoiserie and 19th century French designs.”

Jenny Packham is a favorite of celebrities, including Angelina Jolie, Hayden Panettiere, and Jennifer Lopez.  Here is a quick refresher on the three Jenny Packham dresses recently worn by the Duchess.

This is the first time we have seen Kate in an open toe shoe; it also looks like she opted for bare legs; the first time we have seen this during the tour.  The Duchess stills looks fresh and relaxed as the couple approaches the last day of their first official tour, a grueling nine-day event. Kate also showcased a new pair of LK Bennett shoes, the “Sliver Sandal,” part of the company’s ‘Signature Collection.’

Our thanks to @mbowling26 for the rapid ID of the shoe style, and to the always helpful @AtTheBlueBarn for the early alert on the open toe shoes! No one will be surprised to learn the shoe is sold out in the taupe worn today by the Duchess; as of this writing, the shoe remains available in black suede and black patent.

We did see the return of the Kiki McDonough Citrine Drop earrings.

And the LK Bennett Natalie Clutch, very much “go-to” items for Kate on this trip.

We also were able to get a clear photo of Kate’s bracelet and charm, believed to be a gift from the Duchess of Cornwall. 

One side of the charm features Kate’s cipher, the script “C” and ducal crown seen above, while the other side has the Duchess of Cornwall’s cipher. 

While not a terribly exciting dress, it is well-suited to Kate’s preference for understated design and colors.  The third time wearing Jenny Packham may be a charm, as William’s team won the match. More than handily. Because Kate’s assignment for the afternoon included awarding the trophy to the winning team, she was able to congratulate her husband.

For many fashionistas the BAFTA gala tonight brings the most-anticipated dress of the tour, it is a black-tie affair; we’ll be back with more on that dress as soon as we have the information and pictures.