Kate Gives Another Nod to Jubilee Tour Host Country – It’s Prabal Gurung for State Dinner

Tonight the Duchess chose a Singapore-born designer, Prabal Gurung, again showing respect for the host country on this first leg of the Jubilee Tour.

The function was a State Dinner hosted by the President of Singapore, Tony Tan Keng Yam, at his residence, the Istana.  The first order of business was a formal inspection of the troops, below we see William and President Tan inspecting the Guard of Honor.

An official salute was next.

The Duke and Duchess with Singapore’s President Tony Tan and Mary Tan, his wife.

The Straits Times shows guests as they are about to toast in this Twitter photo.

William also gave a speech this evening, speaking on behalf of the Queen. More from Channel News Asia:

“What you have done and become is admired around the world” – Prince William speaking at the Istana – saying he & his wife are fortunate to see the great Singapore success story.

Kate’s dress is a blend, 53% wool – 47% silk, lined in silk. It’s most distinctive feature is the engineered print on the front and back.

The garment is knee length with a bateau neckline, three-quarter sleeves, and a concealed zipper.  

The dress remains available at very few places. At Browns Fashion the frock was originally £1,770 (about $2800 USD) but is now discounted to £710 (roughly $1100 at this morning’s exchange rates).

StyleMeTv also has the dress. The piece is from the spring/summer 2012 line, more on that collection from Women’s Wear Daily (subscription req’d.):

A series of photographs titled ‘Sensual Flowers,’ by the Japanese artist Nobuyoshi Araki, inspired Gurung’s engineered prints in shades of purple, teal and black. They were arranged symmetrically down the front of georgette dresses, the patterns matching up like Rorschach images, with a debt to those highly distinctive prints from the last full collection by Alexander McQueen.

The McQueen reference is interesting, we all know Kate’s fondness for that fashion house. 

I think the designer is a stellar choice, it’s someone we previously suggested Kate might wear on the Tour. Mr. Gurung was born in Singapore and raised in Kathmandu, Nepal. His creations are seen on a broad range of celebrities, including Michelle Obama, Sarah Jessica Parker, Lady Gaga and Oprah Winfrey.

He offers an edgier look than many of the designers and retailers Kate generally wears, this was a bit of a risk for the Duchess. Mr. Gurung was more-than-excited upon learning Kate was wearing a frock from his collection.

Belinda White at The Telegraph liked the choice:

…the perfect fit for the Duchess’ edgier alter ego (we call her Kate Cambridge, nee K Middy).

His designs always have femininity at their heart, but cater to the girl who’s not content to just stand around looking pretty.

…eye-catching yet elegant, it’s infinitely more exciting than yet another drippy dress from one of Kate’s high street favourites.

Kate reprised her black Anya Hindmarch Bespoke Maud Clutch (£450, approximately $720 USD at today’s exchange rates). The evening did not offer the much-discussed tiara sighting many hoped for but there was a spot of glitter.That is the diamond bracelet we first saw at last year’s BAFTA gala in Los Angeles, a stop during last year’s Royal Tour. It looks like Kate also wore the diamond earrings we first saw on that Tour, the pair worn for the Canada Day concert.

More detail of the bag. The item is now called the ‘Jubilee Bespoke Maud in Black Satin,’ apt for this Jubilee Tour, although that was not the name of the bag when Kate originally purchased it. 

The Duchess also brought back her black Prada pumps.

While the design was jarring or too busy for some, I thought it was a very good look. The choice of designer made a solid statement to the couple’s Singaporean hosts. While not understated, the frock is sleek and elegant, bold without being overpowering; the accessories were ideal for the occasion.

Kate looked lovely for the event, although I’m sure she and Prince William have to be exhausted from the 14-hour flight and time difference.

Tomorrow’s agenda is a busy one:

• 9:45AM (9:45pm EDT) Kate and William visit Gardens by the Bay, at Colonial Gardens the duo is expected to do a tree planting
• 11:45am (11:45pm EDT) The Duke & Duchess then travel to the still-new Rolls Royce aircraft engine factory in Seletar, they will unveil the first operational engine made the plant & William is expected to make a brief speech.
• 2:45PM (2:45 AM EDT: In the afternoon it’s off to Strathmore Green, a precinct in Queenstown, a residential area in Singapore; the area was chosen because it was named after Queen Elizabeth II. The couple will view a cultural performance that will showcase the three main cultures of Singapore: the Chinese, Malay and Indian communities. The couple will also view children’s games and meet local residents.
• 3:15pm (3:15am EDT) Staying within Queenstown, the pair visit the Rainbow Center, a school and community center for children with special needs. (The Center is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.) William goes to watch phys ed activities while Kate meets children in art therapy classes
• In the evening, Kate and William attend a reception at Eden Hall, the British High Commissioner’s residence, for prominent Singaporeans and members of the British and international expatriate communities. Entertainment will be provided by Musicity, a program blending British, Singaporean and other musical genres.

LINKAGE:

• The Daily Mail’s story, loaded with photos, is here
• Channel News Asia’s video is here
• Victoria Murphy of the Mirror has a delightful blog of her experiences on the Tour, it is here
• ITV’s live blog is here (it’s excellent with loads of photos)
• the UK in Singapore website is here
• the Telegraph‘s photo gallery is here
• The Channel News Asia Facebook photo album is here

To see this morning’s post sharing what Kate wore for the couple’s arrival in Singapore and Botanic Gardens visit, click here.