Two New Designers for the Duchess as Kate Wears Dolce and Gabbana for State Visit Event

The Duchess debuted two new labels this morning at a “Creative Collaborations” event at London’s Lancaster House with China’s President Xi and Madame Peng.

This morning’s function was intended to celebrate partnerships between the UK and China, including collaborations in film, TV, and entertainment.

Madame Peng and Kate heading into Lancaster House.

It’s obvious there was wardrobe coordination between Madame Peng’s office and Kate’s, the two played off each other nicely.

More from Richard Palmer’s story in The Express:

The second in line to the throne and his wife welcomed China’s first couple to the event at Lancaster House, a Government hospitality building next to Clarence House, on the second day of their State Visit to Britain.

Outside Lancaster House, the royal couple and their guests also got a sneak preview of the Aston Martin DB10 that serves as James Bond’s car in the new movie SPECTRE, which has its royal premiere in London on Monday with the Cambridges in attendance.

The VIP visitors met Michael Wilson, one of the producers of SPECTRE, who said that the car was one of only 10 produced especially for the film by Aston Martin, and designed with the help of the film’s director Sam Mendes.

More from The Daily Mail:

The royal party then went inside to meet with British TV, film and theatre actors, including watching exhibitions and demonstrations by Poldark, BBC Earth, Sherlock, and the Society of London Theatre.

They were also seen viewing iconic props from British TV, including a Tardis and Dalek from Doctor Who. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge later posed for a photo alongside Mr Xi, Madame Peng and Jackie Chan – who happily posed for selfies with other guests.

Below you see the President, Madame Peng, the Duke and Duchess meeting action star Jackie Chan.

Viewing the performance.

The Cambridges watched the guests as they departed. 

The Duchess was in Dolce and Gabbana, a new label for her.

Here are more views of the Duchess. 

Kate wore the Italian brand’s Lace Guipure Dress, which we show below at Net-a-Porter.

The design is a classic for the brand, one offered with variations in design and color over the years. Net-a-Porter describes the color of Kate’s frock as ‘eggplant.’ Below, a closer look at the bodice, with sheer sleeves and scalloped neckline.

A very close shot of the lace detail.

The dress is knee length, with a silhouette Kate likes – a fitted bodice that is slim through the hips. The piece has long sleeves, a concealed back zipper, and an internal slip dress with spaghetti straps. It is crafted of a rayon/cotton blend with a touch of nylon. Here you see it at Farfetch. 

The dress retails at $3495 at both Farfetch and Net-a-Porter.

Again, lace dresses are a staple for D&G, here are just a few related looks: on the left, the Floral Lace Fitted Dress, a vee-neck style; the sleeveless Floral Lace Midi dress; and the Long Sleeve Lace Dress.

I wouldn’t be surprised if we saw Kate in more D&G lace dresses, previously she has purchased multiple items in different colors when finding a piece she likes. This is quintessential Kate, and I think a good look for the Duchess. Perhaps not what many of us might consider a daytime business look, but today’s function far transcends any I encountered at the office (more accurately, the TV station), it is clearly a style in which Kate feels comfortable.

Kate was also in a new footwear brand today; her heels look like the Gianvito Rossi ‘Gianvito’ style in Bordeaux, shown at FarFetch ($580).

Thanks to both @YourLoveMoments and My Small Obsessions on Twitter for the ID assistance. My surprise at seeing Kate wearing Gianvito Rossi heels was ameliorated when Anna of My Small Obsessions explained that Sophie, Countess of Wessex, wears this brand and also, I believe, this shoe.

Kate carried the oft-seen Mulberry Bayswater clutch.

Kate wore her Mappin and Webb Empress earrings.

I imagine we will see this frock again, it is the cut, fabric and style Kate is fond of, and in a color she likes. Because Kate is so fond of lace, it makes sense she would go to a label that has years of experience with the textile, using it for many different dress styles, ideal in many ways for the Duchess.

UPDATES/COMMENTS: Apologies, I had to scoot out the door for several hours and am getting caught back up, adding some additional photos and expanding/clarifying information.

• In a comment, Erin asks a question I’ve also received via email. “Susan, can you explain why you think the two women’s offices coordinated on their outfits? To me, it looks like the opposite.” I was referencing color coordination and didn’t make that clear. Below you can see how Madame Peng and Kate’s color palettes worked together, particularly with the accessories. The colors complement each other nicely.

• I’m sure both offices also verified dress for the function was ‘business attire’ or similar terminology. Obviously, the two women interpret business dress differently, Kate’s dress is considered cocktail party attire by some, while Madame Peng is wearing what many of us consider more standard office attire. Other comments point out that lace is more acceptable work attire. Expanding on a thought Dale shared in a comment, it’s possible the state visit’s significance prompted a desire on Kate’s part to be more ‘dressed up’ than normal. (My version of Dale’s point.)

• Some have messaged and commented about the Mulberry clutch. I agree with those thinking a better handbag could have been found, the color doesn’t seem to work well, at least not in the photos I have licensed. Nor does it seem to play at the same level of the dress and heels.

LINKAGE:

• The Daily Mail’s photo-laden story is here,
• The Mirror‘s story is here
• The Telegraph’s slide show of the entire visit is here