Kate in a New Blue Goat Fashion Coat for Action on Addiction Visit

For today’s Action on Addiction engagement, the Duchess wore a new coat by Goat Fashion.

Kate was visiting the organization’s new treatment center in Wickford, Essex, about 90 minutes east of London.

The new center has been taking patients since October, but today’s engagement celebrates the official opening. The center provides nine-week treatment programs for those dealing with addiction.

Kate has been the royal patron of Action on Addiction since 2012.

Kate was also there to promote Action on Addiction’s new initiative called Clouds in the Community.” We learn more from The Express:

Clouds in the Community aims to offer an effective alternative to residential treatment and provides the charity with an opportunity to provide services in more than one place.

Victoria Murphy of The Daily Mirror shared a video of Kate meeting with trustees and supporters.

The Duchess of Cambridge meets trustees and supporters of @ActionAddiction in Essex today pic.twitter.com/IEcQMZ6Khm

— Victoria Murphy (@QueenVicMirror) February 7, 2018

The new strategy will help the organization reach more people in more places. Here you see Kate taking part in a discussion with healthcare professionals about the ‘Clouds in the Community’ program.

She very much seemed to enjoy herself at the function.

The Duchess delivered brief remarks.

On opening the centre, The Duchess said: “Huge congratulations. I believe so passionately in community projects, so I wish it all the best for success in the future”. pic.twitter.com/HwdidnAje0

— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) February 7, 2018

Here is a portion of Kate’s remarks as published in The Daily Mail.

It seems like a long time since I first got involved with Action On Addiction, I think it was six years ago, but they have a very special place for me and were really at the start of my learning, particularly now, with the development of my work into mental health. You are very special to me, so it’s great to be here as well as seeing the development of where the charity has gone over the years gone past.”

And Kate by the plaque she unveiled at the event.

A quick sidebar: In this picture, you see the Vice Lord Lieutenant of Essex, Jonathan Douglas Hughes.

He is the gentleman who slipped and fell when William and Kate visited Stewards Academy in Essex in September 2016.

As Kate left today she spoke with people who had gathered hoping to see her. 

Including these two little ones bundled up for the cold temps. 

Now to Kate’s ensemble for the day, starting with her Ellory coat by Goat Fashion.

This is the Ellory in ‘marine blue,’ a good color on Kate. 

The garment is 100% wool, and it features a high collar that is almost a mockneck, the distinctive bow at the neckline, diagonal front pockets and concealed front fastenings on the front placket. Originally $880, it is on sale in very limited sizes for $440. 

The piece also comes in cameo pink ($880) and in black ($880).

Kate carried her Aspinal of London clutch.

This is the piece done in tandem with Beulah London as a fundraiser for the UN’s Blue Heart Campaign Against Human Trafficking. The white bag with blue hearts is still available at Beulah($325).

Beulah continues to offer a variety of Blue Heart products.

The Duchess wore her Stuart Weitzman ‘Power’ pumps in black suede.

She had a brief hiccup many of us have experienced as she arrived; her heel temporarily became stuck in a grate in the parking lot when she arrived, but it was quickly extricated. 

The Duchess wore her tanzanite earrings by G. Collins and Sons.

Her hair was down with a loose curl. 

Another view.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Our other topic today: the LK Bennett Jenny Packham collection (it is also being referred to as the LKB X Jenny Packham collection).   

The company hosted a party celebrating the collaboration earlier this week at The Connaught in Mayfair.  

This is LK Bennett’s first bridal collection. 

One of the more interesting things about the collection that we mentioned in a previous post. 

It will be a “here to stay” collection that will be permanently stocked across L.K. Bennett’s boutiques and on its web site, unlike the brand’s previous collaborations which were released as limited-edition capsules.

LK Bennett has posted an interview with the designer online.

In the post, Jenny Packham is asked what her favorite shoe would be from the new collection. She said that if she were forced to choose it would be the Dahlia style seen below ($745/£495).

More from Emily Cronin’s Telegraph piece:

Originally, Packham’s collection was supposed to consist of just six shoes- in the end it includes 16 pairs of shoes and four clutches, all of which pick up themes from her fluid, heavily embellished bridal designs.

Below, the Fifi Embellished Heel ($395/£265).

The Telegraph has a story featuring Jenny Packham and the new collection. From that piece:

“Brides today really want their weddings to look individual and creative,” says Jenny Packham, a bridalwear authority and one of the Duchess of Cambridge’s favourite designers (when asked if she had been invited to submit designs for Meghan Markle’s wedding gown, Packham will only smile, then zip her lips and mime throwing away the key). “There’s nothing standard about a wedding dress or shoes anymore.”

If interested in a lace look, here are some options, (l to r): the Cecilia Lace Sandal ($425/£275), the Nora Lace Clutch (£195), and the Parris Lace Heels ($345). 

The Summer Ivory Sandal ($445/£295) and the Felicity ($525/£350).

This is the Beatrice Satin Open Court Shoe (£350).

There are also flats; this is the Cari satin flat (£245) with an organza flower.

The Sissi clutch in ivory leather (£175) and the Beatrice in satin with organza flowers (£225). 

The Brigitte clutch in satin with crystals and pearl (£195).

A special version of Kate’s Fern (£295, roughly $410) has been included in the line.

There are several styles not shown here in the post; the entire collection on the UK site may be seen here, and the pieces offered on the US site are viewable here.

LINKAGE:

• Learn more about Action on Addiction at the charity’s website here; follow the organization on Facebook here, or follow the Twitter feed here
• The Daily Mail’s coverage of today’s engagement is here; The Express story is here; The Evening Standard’s piece is here; The Mirror’s article is here
• Pop Sugar’s gallery is here; Just Jared’s gallery is here