Poll Results, Anzac Day 2020, Friday Flashback

We are back with our fourth post for the week! We don’t often have that many in a ‘normal’ week, but I have to say it has been a delight to share that much content with you all as it is a welcome distraction for me from what can seem like an endless litany of difficult news. 

Today we begin with a quick update on the dress worn by the Duchess last night in the Clap for our Carers video. Ghost London, the company that created the piece, announced they are donating all proceeds from sales of the dress to the NHS. 

Here is more from Ghost’s Facebook post. 

Thank you to Isa for her tip on this!

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Next, results of the 2019 handbag polls. First, the numbers for your favorite evening bag.

I don’t think anyone is surprised to see the winner is the Charlie Classic Silk Clutch by Wilbur and Gussie, with the runner-up being the white satin clutch by Alexander McQueen.

When it came to your favorite daytime bags it was a colorful collection of vote-getters! Here is a look at the numbers. 

This visual representation of the results shows the green Manu Atelier Micro Bold the big winner. Only seven votes separate your second and third choices, the Small Darley in red and the Asprey 1781 Pochette in ‘blueberry.’  

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Our Friday fashion flashback is on a topic suggested by several readers, a look at what Kate has worn for Anzac Day commemorations. Tomorrow is Anzac Day, marking the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War, the battle at Gallipoli. It also honors Australians and New Zealanders who have served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations.

The day is marked with special services and ceremonies in Australia, New Zealand, and the UK, but this year those services have been canceled or altered to accommodate social distancing. The Australian High Commission in the UK posted a video on Facebook about this year’s ‘Standing Together Apart’ plans. 

In New Zealand and Australia, it is already after 9 am; many observances have already happened. In New Zealand many took part in the Stand at Dawn effort, encouraging people to stand in silence at the end of their driveway, their mailbox, front door, balcony, or other locations. Below, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern at the end of the Premier House driveway, accompanied by her father Ross Ardern (left) and partner Clarke Gayford.

This is Ordinary Musician Orson Paine of the Royal New Zealand Navy Band playing the last post at dawn on the end of his driveway.

In Australia, people were asked to observe a moment of silence and Light up the Dawn. Below, the Honourable Paul de Jersey AC, Governor of Queensland with a candle this morning. 

In Sydney, the Town Hall was bathed in red lights to commemorate the day.

People in Melbourne at the Shrine of Remembrance this morning (Saturday morning). 

The scene at Australia’s War Memorial in Canberra at dawn.

In the UK traditionally there is a Dawn Service at the Australian War Memorial on Hyde Park Corner in London, as well as services at the Cenotaph and Westminster Abbey but they have been canceled. Below, Kensington Palace’s tweet this afternoon about the day.

The first time we saw the Duke and Duchess at an Anzac service was in 2014 when the couple was on tour in Australia. They took part in two services, starting with the dawn service at the Australian War Memorial. 

The duo arrived about 5 am and listened to readings done before the full ceremony got underway. Below, images of those who died in service to their country were projected onto the Memorial’s walls.

They were the first royals to attend an Anzac Day service in Canberra since the Queen and Prince Philip attended in 1970. 

Later that morning the Duke and Duchess took part in a second service at the War Memorial. 

They left bouquets at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and also laid a wreath. 

This was their final event in Australia before heading to the airport. 

Here you see the royals at the Memorial’s Roll of Honour.

Last year the Duchess attended the annual ANZAC Day Service of Commemoration and Thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey. She was escorted by Prince Harry; William was attending an Anzac Day service in New Zealand.

The Duchess, Duke of Gloucester, and Duke of Sussex.

I think it is likely Kate and William would have attended this year’s service had it not been canceled. 

Kate chatting with some of those participating in the service.

Now for Kate’s sartorial selections at the different functions. For the early service in 2014, the Duchess wore the Noa coat by Temperley London. 

The coat had a high neck, inset satin panels in a ribbed diamond pattern, as well as one of Kate’s favorite design elements in a garment, a fit and flare silhouette. Here is a better look at the satin motif on the back (left) and front (right) of the coat.

She previously wore the coat for 2013’s Remembrance Sunday observances.

And now for a closer look at the ensemble Kate wore for the second service in Canberra at the War Memorial and the family’s departure from Australia.

She was in a coat by Michael Kors, the “indigo twill jacquard swing coat” from the label’s spring/summer 2014 collection. It features a fit-and-flare silhouette, front flap pockets, slightly puffed sleeves at the shoulder, front button closure, and full skirt.

Kate accessorized with a hat by Australian milliner Jonathan Howard, his ‘Boutton’ design.

Another view.

She also wore her suede Alexander McQueen pumps and ‘Muse’ clutch by Stuart Weitzman for Russell & Bromley.

Kate’s poppy brooch turned out to be an anemone, a gift given to her by the wife of soldier Ben Roberts-Smith, recipient of the Victoria Cross, Australia’s highest honor. The flower is a reproduction of a Carl Faberge piece. 

Additionally, she had on her diamond and sapphire earrings and appeared to be wearing the Woodland charms by Asprey of London.

Kate brought the Kors coat back in 2016 to open the Magic Garden at Hampton Court Palace (center), and then again in 2017 for the dedication of the Iraq Afghanistan Memorial in London (right). Here you see how she styled the piece on all three occasions.

And now for our final outfit, the Catherine Walker coatdress worn last year.

Kate was in the ‘Amber’ style with some modifications. The product description references “a clever diagonal fastening of dimpled gold buttons adds further interest to this sharp peacock blue coatdress.” 

The Amber has the fit and flare silhouette Kate is so fond, as well as full-length sleeves and a hemline that hits mid-knee. The Duchess’s version does not have the lapels and open neckline, but a funnel-style collar.

Kate also elected to go with self-covered buttons instead of the metallic gold seen in the photos and cut the number of buttons from four to three.

The Duchess also wore a new hat by Rosie Olivia Millinery.

It is the Varick style, a piece that is “…almond-shaped and showcases beautiful pheasant feathers” per the product description. 

Here you have another view of the hat and also Kate’s updo. 

Kate paired her Emmy London  Natasha clutch with the brand’s Rebecca’ pumps.

And wore her Kiki McDonough Blue Topaz/Diamond Drop earrings and Eden Blue Topaz/Diamond Flower Necklace. 

The Duchess also wore a poppy for the service.

Thank you to all who suggested this as a topic; it turned out to provide a look at observances in Australia and New Zealand this morning. 

May everyone stay safe and healthy this weekend!