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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.©Splash news / Jenny Packham

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.’

LK Bennett / Splash NewsOur 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.

Kiki-McDonough-Citrine-Drops-300x144

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

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.

 

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Angela

Thursday 28th of July 2011

I'm surprised no one else has asked this, but, does anyone know what's in the Tiffany's box that William is holding?!

Amy

Monday 1st of August 2011

Tiffany's was the creators of the trophies for the winners of the polo match. I'm guessing it's a medal or some other memorabilia. All the winning team members got them.

Aashna

Wednesday 20th of July 2011

Wow !! I am a big fan of Will and Kate...and have been a major fan of kate middleton fashion.... but its strange how old they look in the last picture i wonder why...!!!

Tonya Keenan

Tuesday 12th of July 2011

In her photo with William by the horse, she has sunglasses on her head. The first I have noticed this tour. Any idea the make?

J L

Friday 14th of October 2011

I've just noticed this as well! Its not often we see her with sunglasses, would have been nice to see them on her face so we could get a better idea of the designer!

Hana - Marmota

Tuesday 12th of July 2011

Actually, those are tulip sleeves! Not cap sleeves. I agree with previous commenters that the dress looks better with a belt, but I also must say it looks much better on her, smiling and laughing, than on the blank-stared model...

adlin

Monday 11th of July 2011

She looks so perfect,poised and composed all the time! How does she do it!!!!!! She must have nerves of steel, facing so much of international audience, BAFTA, everything all at once and never going wrong even once! (except when that yellow Jenny Packham dress decided to dance with the wind..ooooooooh!) William seems a supportive husband, and that must account for her enduring all this with confidence. Still there's something very special about her!

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