New Lines for Two of Kate’s Favorite Retailers & Both Have a Charitable Component

Happy new week to everyone. We are back with a couple of quick updates about items from Kate (and one Charlotte) retailers.

We begin with a look at a new collection from Séraphine, one of Kate’s favorite maternity labels. The retailer is adding a line of childrenswear to its offerings, the Diana Collection.

Thus named because the new collection uses the Diana, Princess of Wales tartan in its soft pink and blue hues, also because 12 % of the price of every item benefits the Diana Award. The only charity bearing the name of the late Diana, Princess of Wales, the Diana Award’s mission is to “empower, engage and encourage young people.”

Both Harry and William support the organization, and UK Prime Minister David Cameron is a patron. Prince William actually had a Diana Award engagement this afternoon, an event to raise awareness of the charity’s anti-bullying initiative. On William’s left, you see Tessy Ojo, the group’s Chief Executive.

More from Bournville College, where today’s event was held:

The Duke participated in training sessions looking at the current issue of diversity, difference and impact of bullying on mental wellbeing. During the visit, he took part in activities that highlight the message “we are all different, but together we are one”.

In an interview with Hello! Séraphine founder/owner Cécile Reinaud explains why the merchandise mix leans more toward pink, as opposed to blue:

“I am the mum of two boys so I guess I still crave playing dolls with cute baby girl clothes and designing this range felt exactly like that – it was like child’s play!” she said.

“We do have a super cute romper and jacket for boys and I’m hoping we will be extending the range further for boys in the next season, but for now I have just given in to my girl inspiration and included cute accessories such as booties, bonnets and hair brands to complete the range.”

The entire collection is available online at Séraphine. One FYI: the Séraphine website is down today for maintenance The website is up and running again, the collection may be seen here.  

Merchandise in the pattern has been available for years; here’s a quick bit of info on the tartan from Lochcarron of Scotland, who received approval to originally create the design:

The check itself is based on a variation of the Royal Stewart plaid in colours inspired by and reflecting the character, image and life of the Princess. – See more at:

A portion of proceeds from the sale of Lochcarron’s items also go to the Diana Award, although I do not know the precise amount.  Below you see the Lambswool Scarf ($37) and on the right, the Tartan Cashmere Scarf ($165).

A Lambswool Kerry Coat in blue ($346) and the Lambswool Serape ($196) in pink.

There are also traditional Billie Skirts available in pink and in blue (both are $181).

Lochcarron’s entire collection in the pattern may be seen here.  Other retailers offer items in this design as well, I just wasn’t sure if any proceeds from those merchants went to the Diana Award, thus the decision to show only Lochcarron items.

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Our other update is about about a collaboration between a favorite sponsor here at WKW, Beulah London and Aspinal of London.

The two teamed up to create a pair of clutches. 25% of profits from each handbag sale will be donated to the UN’s Blue Heart Campaign Against Human Trafficking. Below, elements of that Campaign:

• An awareness raising initiative to fight human trafficking and its impact on society
• The Blue Heart Campaign seeks to encourage involvement and inspire action to help stop this crime
• The Campaign also allows people to show solidarity with the victims of human trafficking by wearing the Blue Heart

Some readers are familiar with Beulah’s longtime efforts to help victims of trafficking; the Beulah Trust supports “…projects and initiatives that create sustainable livelihoods for victims of trafficking.” Below, some of Beulah’s Blue Heart scarves and shawls; celebrities ranging from Kim Sears to Pippa Middleton have been seen wearing them. The collection includes the Blue Heart Scarf (£90, about $135), also offered in a larger shawl size (£125, roughly $190), the hearts on a Navy Background, and also on a Pink Background.

The Aspinal collaboration brings the first heart-adorned handbags we’ve seen from Beulah. Below, the Blue Heart Clutch (£275, $485 on the Aspinal site.)

The bags measure 4.5″ x 8.5″ x 1″, have one inside zippered pocket and an easily removable lightweight chain. A closer look at the Black Leather version of the bag; the Aspinal product description notes this version is a very limited edition, only 50 have been made.

Our other product update comes via Saloni; the company let us know Kate’s ‘Martine’ dress will be reissued; this is the frock the Duchess wore to the Fostering Network Awards in November.  The piece is available for pre-ordering, with expected delivery between the 21st – 24th of this month.

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A note for those who may want to enter our giveaway of the 2016 What Kate Wore Calendar, our collaborative project with award-winning royal photographer Mark Stewart: entries close at midnight tonight.

If interested in entering, this link takes you to the post with the entry info.

Tomorrow night is the Queen’s annual diplomatic reception, many will recall Kate and William attended this event in 2013. We’ve no idea if the Duke & Duchess will be at tomorrow’s event; as soon as we learn anything on that front tomorrow evening we’ll let everyone know via Facebook and Twitter.

Otherwise we will see you Wednesday morning for Kate’s engagement with William at the annual ICAP Charity Day.

NOTE: Post edited to reflect accurate date for ICAP Charity Day. (Originally I had it as tomorrow, my apologies for the error.)

LINKAGE:

• Learn more about the Diana Award at the charity’s website here, or on its Facebook page here, you can also follow the organization on Twitter 
• Learn more about the United Nation Blue Heart campaign here; visit the organization’s Facebook page here, or follow the group here on Twitter