The Duchess was in a new brand today, wearing a frock by Self Portrait for the premiere of A Street Cat Named Bob.
Prior to the red carpet premiere, Kate attended the Recovery Street Film Festival. We learn more about that event from Kensington Palace:
The Recovery Street Film Festival features films made by former addicts and their loved ones about life in recovery from addiction. The films provide real hope that people can, and do recover from addiction.
Video of Kate arriving.
The Duchess of Cambridge arrives to watch films made by recovering drug addicts in Marylebone pic.twitter.com/a2G7z3YWyW
— Thomas Hornall (@ThomasHornall) November 3, 2016
Both of tonight’s events were benefits for Action on Addiction, one of Kate’s patronages.
After the Film Festival Kate attended the UK Premiere of A Street Cat Named Bob. The film is based on the best-seller of the same name, written by James Bowen. Mr. Bowen was a homeless street musician when he met Bob in 2007. From The Daily Mail:
Bob – who plays himself in the film – enters the busker’s life when he appears, injured, and curled up in the hallway of his sheltered accommodation.
James was living a hand to mouth existence on the streets of London and the last thing he needed was a pet, but he decided to nurse the intelligent tomcat and the pair soon become inseparable.Below, author James Bowen and the real Bob as they arrive at the theatre.
The Duchess as she arrived.
And meeting Bob.
More from Richard Palmer’s story for The Express:
Sitting on a red velvet cushion perched on a plinth, Bob the cat, a red and black scarf around his neck, was more interested in the television cameras than the lady stroking his fur. “Is that purring or growling?” the Duchess asked the ginger tom’s owner, James Bowen…Bob, who is 11, seemed to enjoy having his head scratched but he was determined – like the movie star he is – to look away from the Duchess and toward the cameras for his moment in the spotlight.
Watch Bob’s audience with The Duchess of Cambridge. pic.twitter.com/VYevIWD5Pt
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) November 3, 2016
Kate wore a gown from Self Portrait’s Resort 2016 collection.
The dress features a bodice and sleeves of guipure lace, a floral motif high neck, a grosgrain ribbon at the waist, and a full, shutter-pleated crepe skirt with a high slit.
The dress has a nude bandeau lining and it is made of 99% polyester and 1% cotton. Most recently it was priced at $640 at Shopbop.
A closer look at the lace.
Upon seeing tonight’s dress many were reminded of the Dolce and Gabbana white lace dress worn to Royal Ascot in June, and/or the See by Chloé piece worn to the children’s party in Canada. There are common elements among the three garments: the white or ivory color; fitted bodice, long sleeves, and full skirt; and the lace or openworked fabric on the bodice and sleeves of all three dresses. There are other similarities, like the high necks on the Chloé and the frock worn tonight.
Kate’s dress has been worn by Paris Hilton (click here for that photo) and UK TV presenter Tamara Ecclestone (click here to see that image, with thanks to Food, Fash & Fit for that tip). A number of similar styles and color combinations are available, including a black version called the ‘Mia’ at Net-a-Porter ($410), and a red-skirted style called the Lace Military Dress at Self-Portrait (£320, about $400 at today’s exchange rates).
Self-Portrait’s founder and designer Han Chong posted his delight at seeing Kate in one of his designs on the brand’s Facebook page.
“It’s a proud moment for me as designer to find Kate Middleton in one of my designs! She’s such an elegant woman and it’s a dream to see. She looks incredible!”
The brand is relatively young, founded in 2013 by Mr. Chong, who is an alumnus of the renowned Central St. Martins art and design school. (Notable graduates include Alexander McQueen, Sarah Burton, Stella McCartney, and Zac Posen.) More from The Telegraph:
Although actresses, musicians, It girls and royals like the Duchess have access to gowns worth ten times as much as Self Portrait, the brand has nevertheless proved a hit amongst many famous women. Kristen Stewart, Beyonce, Reese Witherspoon and Madonna are just a few of those who have chosen Chong’s feminine pieces.
From Vogue’s review:
He launched his line in 2013 with a tightly edited selection of guipure-lace cocktail dresses, and within a year you couldn’t scroll through Instagram without seeing a celebrity or PYT wearing one. Women of all ages, sizes, and tastes gravitate toward Self-Portrait’s unfussy dresses, because they pack a punch but still leave room for interpretation.
Vogue noted in its review of the Resort 2017 collection that “You won’t find a more interesting, alluring party dress for a better price than Self-Portrait’s…”. Below, the label’s Alora Lace Asymmetric dress ($495), Thea Maxi Dress ($615) and Floral Lace Long Sleeve shirt ($310). All are as shown at Neiman Marcus.
Self-Portrait was featured in a November 2015 piece by the industry trade publication Business of Fashion:
The label’s intricately-detailed garments involve the kind of technical work one might expect from a luxury brand — but a Self-Portrait lace blouse costs $261, while a double crepe dress costs $492.
Jennifer Lopez was the first star to publicly step out in Self-Portrait, wearing a $262 tuxedo wrap dress from the label’s first collection, when she was a judge on American Idol in 2014. A few weeks later, model Alessandra Ambrosio was spotted in São Paulo wearing the same dress. But it wasn’t until a year later that the brand began to gain significant red carpet buzz, appearing on celebrities as diverse as Reese Witherspoon, Kristen Stewart, Katy Perry and Beyoncé.
If Kate’s dress struck you as a possible bridal gown, you won’t be surprised to learn there is a bridal collection.
Two bridal gowns at Matches Fashion.
In the UK the brand may be found at Selfridges and Harrods; in the US Neiman Marcus offers a good selection; online sellers include Net-a-Porter, Matches Fashion and Shopbop. Shopbop also offers the brand’s sunglass collection, a collaboration with Le Specs.
The Duchess accessorized with her Gianvito Rossi suede pumps in the Bordeaux (also called Royale) colorway. We show them at My Theresa, where they seem to be available in all sizes ($675).
And she carried her oft-seen Mulberry Bayswater clutch wallet. (The Bayswater line is still offered but this piece is no longer available.)
We saw the Oscar de la Renta earrings return this evening, they were first noted when Kate and William had a day of engagements in Manchester.
The Duchess wore a Buckley Poppy pin from the 2013 collection. This specific piece is no longer available, but the Royal British Legion Poppy Shop has many other options.
NOTE: The post originally said Kate’s poppy was worn on Remembrance Sunday 2013, but that does not appear to be the case.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Also today, results from our two polls about what Kate wore in Canada. Here are your top three ‘favorite ensemble’ choices.
This is how the voting looked.
And here are your three favorite earring styles worn by the Duchess in Canada.
The results on the earrings poll.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
A brief note about the Netflix series The Crown, available starting tomorrow. Most of the major dailies in the US have published reviews in the last few days, here is a quick list of links:
- The New York Times says it is “just an orgy of sumptuous scenes and rich performances” in its Review: Netflix Does Queen Elizabeth II in ‘The Crown,’ No Expense Spared.
- Vanity Fair’s review, The Crown Is Netflix’s Most Expensive Series to Date, and Worth It, says “A grand saga about the British royals begins with a sumptuous look at midcentury monarchy.”
- USA Today gives The Crown 3-1/2 out of 4 stars in its piece titled Review: ‘The Crown’ is sumptuous miniseries with stellar cast
- The Hollywood Reporter’s review, ‘The Crown’: TV Review says the series is “…a starmaker for Claire Foy and should be an awards contender for Netflix…. The Crown makes a solid argument for the exercise of power as the stuff of compelling drama in its own right.”
- From the Maclean’s review by Patricia Treble, ‘The Crown’ on Netflix is riveting. And not completely true. “Unlike many so-called documentaries that are little more than rehashed tittle-tattle and gossip, The Crown’s fact-heavy fiction puts dramatic meat on much more substantial and accurate bones.“
We’ll see you in just a few days.
LINKAGE:
- Learn more about Action on Addiction at the organization’s website, visit the group’s Facebook page here, or follow their Twitter feed here
- The Evening Standard story is here; The Daily Mail’s primary story is here; The Express story is here; The Mirror’s fashion story is here; The Telegraph’s fashion story is here
- The Fug Girls story and oversize photo coverage is here; PopSugar’s photo coverage may be seen here
- Vogue’s review of the Resort 2017 collection is here; British Vogue’s story about the Self-Portrait bridal collection is here
truds
Sunday 9th of July 2017
Hey by the way I just got this dress from twinkledeals.com for £24.00!!!!!!!! ...and it's exactly the same!!!! The waist is very very tight but I expect Kate had it altered a bit!! Just for your info!!!
Hilary
Wednesday 26th of April 2017
I'm actually surprised by all the comments, because I LOVED everything about this outfit. Loved the dress, hair, accessories and shoes. I found it very daring for her because of the slit. I thought she looked sexy, yet classy. I do agree the bodice could have been a bit more snug, but it's possibly it stretched with wear. I actually purchased this dress to wear for my wedding, but after seeing all this, I'm second guessing myself lol. It just goes to show how different our taste is. I'm not a fan of everything the Duchess wears, but some outfits I think, "Wow, she looks superb!" I guess you can't please everyone.
Hilary
Wednesday 26th of April 2017
I'd also like to add that even though those earrings may be "costume", but they are also Oscar de la Renta. Not exactly cheapo crap. He is a highly reputable designer.
Lynda
Saturday 12th of November 2016
Kate doesn't have the body to carry this dress! Beautiful dress but doesn't fit Kate as we can see that the outfit looked better on the model.
Arielle
Friday 11th of November 2016
I agree that there is something off about this dress: the top does not fit the Duchess quite right, moving awkwardly on her. A shame, because she wears white so beautifully. I would not have chosen those burgundy accessories; I would have preferred to see her match the glam of the high slit and cut-out pattern with higher, black shoes and a sleek black clutch. I feel she tried to dress-down an evening outfit. The colours tend to age a woman with her colouring, as well.
I don't think Catherine has yet learned how to wear a coat with an evening dress (difficult task, to be sure!), but that's fine -- I love watching her try out looks.
The pin was my favourite part.
S Brown
Monday 7th of November 2016
The dress is fairly OK, but the tiny pin looks tacky and out of place on a busy top. If she is going to contrast it with red, then I would like to see some ruby earrings and maybe a red belt. But no poppy pin!!!!
admin
Monday 7th of November 2016
I think the significance of the pin transcends what Kate is wearing.