Once again we seek your votes on your most favored Kate styles from 2012. Today we look at Kate’s evening gowns as well as suits/separates worn by the Duchess in 2012.
Kate was stunning for the January premiere of War Horse, wearing what proved to be a popular dress, the ‘Amoret’ by Alice Temperley. The gown showcased French lace with a floral motif atop a nude silk lining, unlined lace sleeves, a snug fit to the hip where the skirt then flares to the floor, waist detailing with a bow, a deep vee neck and keyhole opening at the back.
Weir Photos/Splash News
There was also a short sleeved white version offered via the Temperley Bridal line, both styles now appear to be sold out.
In May we saw the Duchess in a creamy white column of a gown by Roland Mouret. It is the designer’s “Lombard” gown, inspired by the late actress and originally from a 2009 collection.
Splash News/Roland Mouret/Splash News
Kate wore another head-turning frock in May, a teal gown from Jenny Packham worn to the Greatest Team Rises dinner gala. The dress is a customized version of the designer’s Aspen gown, a design showcasing beautiful silk chiffon, light and lacy cap sleeves, and an ornately embellished waist. The elegant lace bodice was embellished with Swarovski crystals and Kate carried a matching bespoke clutch.
Splash News/Jenny Packham/Splash News
During Kate and William’s Jubilee Tour the Duchess selected a custom Alexander McQueen gown for the formal State Dinner in Malaysia. The creamy white dress featured gold lame embroidery in the shape of a hibiscus, Malaysia’s official flower. Other elements included an empire waist, shirred white fabric at the bust, short, sheer sleeves and a full, flowing skirt.
James Whatling-Splash News/Mark Large-PA Wire
To assist with the awarding of honors at the BBC’s Sports Personality of the Year event Kate chose the Alexander McQueen Bell Sleeve Floor Length Gown, shown below. (I believe Kate’s dress is the bottle green colorway.) The dress is wool crepe, it features “… bell-sleeves, a deep v-neck, trompe loeil belt waistband and sweeping central thigh-high slit.”
You’ve had the refresher, now it’s time to vote.
Also today, a look at the suits and coordinates seen on the Duchess in 2012. This group is broken out from dresses because at this point I’m thinking we will use the favorite selections in each category for an overall “Best Look of 2012”.
Kate joined the Queen and Prince Philip for a trip to Leicester in March as part of the Diamond Jubilee. The Duchess wore pieces by LK Bennett: the Davina Dress has cap sleeves, an asymmetrical neckline and side ruching. The Jude jacket features a deep vee neckline, nipped in waist and peplum.
Philip J Vernon/De Montfort University
Kate opted for separates by Rebecca Taylor for an April reception honoring the Scott-Amundsen Centenary Race to the South Pole. The pieces are from the label’s pre-fall 2012 collection, part of its ‘Sparkle Tweed’ line. The jacket features frayed trim at the multiple seams, three-quarter sleeves, chiffon and sequin floral embellishment at the neck, and a grosgrain-covered placket. Both pieces are made from a heavily textured melange in rich blues.
Splash News
During the Jubilee Tour Kate wore a white eyelet (Broderie Anglaise) suit by one of her favorite labels, Alexander McQueen. The Duchess chose this for engagements in Singapore. The suit featured a fitted, deeply veed top with self-belt and a full, knee-length skirt.
Left/Center: Gardens by the Bay Facebook Right: Rebecca English, The Daily Mail, Mail Online
Later that same day (September 12) the Duchess wore separates by a locally-born designer, Raoul. Both pieces featured a red and black cube print on ivory silk, the pleated skirt has a hidden side zip fastening, the top has gathered and draped short sleeves.
James Whatling-Splash News/Rebecca English, Daily Mail, Mail Online
October 10 Kate and William met with law students at Middle Temple. We saw Kate in separates by French label Paule Ka. The double breasted jacket is styled with a shawl collar, two patch pockets, slanted breast pocket and modified peplum detailing at the waist, the skirt had multiple tiers.
Chris Jackson PA Wire/Conference News
Linda
Tuesday 5th of February 2013
Kate's shoes are so boring now! She wore some interesting ones before she was married. A beige two-toned pair with the gold coatdress worn to the Tom -Parker Bowles wedding and a black pair with bows she wore to the Van Cutsem wedding in 2005. Does anyone know the origin of these? My apologies if this has been discussed, I came in late and am not on Facebook. I wonder if she finds the wedge ones more comfortable now, if they give more padding when she's on her feet for a long time.
Rene
Friday 11th of January 2013
The Davina and the teal Jenny Packham - breath taking!!!
Also I didn't know you were chosen by Time as a blog of the year ! Congrats, it is so deserved!!!
ElizaMo
Friday 11th of January 2013
This was a far easier pick for me than the coats last time. I had clear favourites in both categories -- the Jenny Packam teal for evening and the LK Bennett, also teal, for day. Love 'em both!
Thanks so much for the post -- it must be gruesome trying to pick a shortlist -- you'll never please all of us at any time, alas!
It's a pleasure to revise the Duchess's outfits Funnily enough, I was rooting around in dark places of late and unearthed an old biscuit tin, complete with the cheesy engagement picture emblazoned atop. It suddenly looked quite fresh top me, when at the time I'd felt overwhelmed by the number of duplicate pictures around. I was struck by how very stable Catherine's conservative taste is -- many of her choices can survive the test of time and she could still look glamorous to another generation.
I was interested as sometimes it's tempting to think her a little boring, but really she has the most remarkable qualities for taking up such a unique role. Keep 'em coming, Kate!!
Liz
Thursday 10th of January 2013
I liked the Roland Mouret gown best. But where is the one Kate wore on the red carpet in the U.S.?
Lili
Friday 11th of January 2013
That was from 2011. These polls concern 2012 clothing.
daphne
Thursday 10th of January 2013
wow, what a surprise (to no one but me)
I couldn't choose between the Mouret and the Temperley because I found both looks to be absolutely exquisite on the Duchess in contrasting ways..
I finally chose the black lace simply because my choice for the previous year, the barely-lilac & diamante-belted McQueen stunner, was nearly the same color as the Mouret so I thought I'd go with black, this time--
when pictures of the teal Jenny Packham gown were posted here, I remember being in the minority, then, as well: there was something about the bodice and sleeves and yes, maybe the business of it, that surprised me as being unattractive on Kate. I say surprised because I thought an unbecoming look on her was nigh impossible--! the lacy shoulders look unflattering on her body, to me. slightly more structured shoulders, on the other hand, bring out the delicacy of her neck, arms, waist.. it's hard to pinpoint why I don't 'get' this look- and obviously not important since it's winning by a landslide!
the teal (different shade..) LK Bennett Davina dress and jacket are just gorgeous. the way the jacket folds just so, under the belt. the color on her. I love everything about this look. it makes the eyelet suit look too girlish- even the Paule Ka, to my eyes, because of the full, rippled skirt, strikes such a different note than this sleek, modern, oh so memorable outfit.
and I have to chime in and agree with AshleeOlivia: my all out favorite for the entire last year was the blush McQueen (Jubilee Mass). like Kate's wedding dress, it was perfection.
the red McQueen (for the Thames procession) also impressed me- and for a different reason: once again, it showcased Kate's sensitivity to the occasion. choosing that vibrant, 'loud' red turned out to be the unassuming, respectful choice ! her suit blended with the rich fittings of the boat in all the formal photographs-- an amazinginly thoughtful, gracious young woman.
thanks for the polls! lots of fun--------