Kate and William had multiple engagements today, beginning with a stop at South Africa House to sign the Nelson Mandela book of condolence.
If the Duchess’s suit looked familiar that is because she has worn it on previous occasions. Below left we see Kate wearing it at a 2007 art opening in Dublin, on the right she wears it for Order of the Garter ceremonies in June of 2008. (I’ve no idea of the suit designer and/or retailer but will be looking for that information tomorrow.)
The suit consists of a fitted jacket and pencil skirt in matching material.
The jacket features flap pockets and decorative buttons; there is also piping on the lapels and pockets. It looks like the sleeves have self-cuffs; they can be turned back without exposing any lining or hem because they have an inch or two of the same material on the inside.
At the 2007 gallery exhibit, Kate accessorized with a necklace we can’t quite see, chandelier-style earrings (I think), open-toed heels with a decorative element at the toe, a black clutch, and two rings.
When at Order of the Garter in 2008 Kate accessorized with that mysterious black suede clutch (perhaps our most-discussed UFO), a Philip Somerville hat (that was later auctioned), and what looks like a pearl bracelet.
Today Kate paired the suit with her Annoushka pearl drop earrings, it does not look like she carried a purse.
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For this evening’s engagement at the Natural History Museum, we saw a return of the black lace ‘Amoret’ gown by Temperley London.
The occasion was a screening of “David Attenborough’s Natural History Museum Alive,” a 3D film debuting on Sky-TV New Year’s Day. The movie shows some of the renowned Museum’s exhibits “coming to life” using 3D technology and computer generated images.
Some may recall that Kate became Patron of the Museum in April 2012. She was expected to meet Sir David at a Museum event last November, but he was ill and unable to attend. Kate took to the podium in his place (seen below), greeting guests, sponsors and others attending the opening of the Museum’s Treasures permanent exhibit.
Kate chatting with Sky TV CEO Jeremy Darroch at tonight’s event, via Paul Harrison’s Twitter feed.
For those perhaps not as familiar with this garment, a bit of background. Kate was first seen in the frock at the War Horse film premiere in January of 2012.
The dress features a floral motif of French lace atop a nude silk lining. There is also bow detailing at the waist, a keyhole back, and deep v-neck on the front.
Kate also wore the dress for a Saint Andrews University dinner in November of last year.
Back to this evening’s look.
A better view of the back of the dress.
Kate wore her diamond bracelet and earrings again.
It appears she also has on her Jimmy Choo Cosmic pumps.
This evening the Duchess again wore a necklace we have been asked about several times.
It was first noted when Kate visited the Shooting Star Children’s Hospice last week. We show it below as worn this morning at South Africa House (L), and at the Hospice (R).
It turns out the necklace is by a notable jewelry firm, Mappin and Webb. It was first noted by Jenny on Facebook, then Anna of My Small Obsessions got in touch with Mappin & Webb who confirmed it is their piece. Below we show a slightly different version, just to provide a sense of the piece.
Kate’s necklace is white gold and diamonds, part of the firm’s Fortune Collection; that line features a variety of items in white, rose, and yellow gold. Below, are the Fortune Duo earrings and the pendant in white gold and diamonds.
Mappin & Webb is a well-established fixture on London’s retail scene, dating back to the 1770s. They have served five monarchs over a continuous period for the last 115 years, and also hold Royal Warrants as Silversmiths to both HM and Prince Charles.
There is one more accessory the Duchess sported tonight.
The Duchess (and everyone else) donned the ungainly glasses so she could enjoy the film in all of its 3D splendor.
LINKAGE:
- See a trailer for the program by clicking here, or read more about the project at Sky TV here
- Visit the Natural History Museum’s website here, , or its Twitter feed here
- Richard Palmer’s story in the Express is here, The Mirror’s coverage & Gallery may be seen here, Rebecca English’s story in the Daily Mail is found here
Susan
Wednesday 18th of December 2013
I love Kate and typically everything she wears. The polka dot suit wasn't impressive in the least. It was a weird length, and should've been a bit shorter. (she had no problem with short hemlines when preggers with George). The clothing budget has zero to do with Kate re-wearing clothes, I think age is just not an extravagant person. Do you realize what she probably truly has access to and doesn't take advantage of? Jewelry for starters... Real, priceless jewels, but she wears her $35 necklace and is happy. She could, I imagine, have any couture clothing item, by any designer she wants, but she isn't frivolous. She sticks to British designers and basics. I say bravo for her! I don't always love her clothing choices, but always love her! And her hair? Glad the orange highlights are no more. Loved her hair curly and full like she wore most of 2012. Her hair for 2013 has left much to be desired, the ringlets being rock bottom. Her new hairdresser needs to learn how to do a full, bouncy blowout. Doesn't have to be curly, just not flat and limp.
Anne P
Wednesday 18th of December 2013
I like the Duchess's suit - just wished the skirt was 1.5" shorter. I really like her necklace and those glasses - well I thought they were sun glasses - how they suit her. You are lovely Kate.
Melissa
Wednesday 18th of December 2013
The duchess and duke of Cambridge arrived today by car for the Christmas dinner with The Queen. There are photos at the daily mail. Kate look gorgeous in a red dress. News also broke this morning that Pippa got engaged in India.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2525832/Going-lunch-Queen-Its-small-matter-Viscount-Linley-daughter-arrive-Buckingham-Palace-Christmas-celebration-tiny-Fiat-500.html#comments-2525832
Julie
Tuesday 17th of December 2013
Regarding all the comments about her straighter. Often after childbirth a woman's hair condition deteriorates - mine did. I lost all my waves and mine went dead strait - no amount of blowdrying /curling would hold its place. Possibly this is what is happening with her hair at present too.
Lili
Wednesday 18th of December 2013
Except that for a while over the past 5 months, she was wearing her hair in long ringlets. It clearly doesn't have trouble holding a curl; she's just choosing to wear it straighter.
I like the look. It's more sophisticated than the curls.
The Way We Were
Sunday 15th of December 2013
No one should look good in those clunky 3-d glasses, but...I have to say the royal couple are exception, clearly. LOL
I like Kate in this pin-dot suit; as dull as it appears, somehow I sense that she might be very comfortable in it. Often fashion is one thing; wearing something and feeling confident in it is another thing. Another observation is looking at the old and new kate side by side I have to say the Duchess has come a long way to where she is at today. Facial expression and body gesture were so different back then. :)