The Duchess Wears Self-Portrait for ‘Hold Still’ Reception

The Duchess wore Self-Portrait for a palace reception in honor of those who worked on the Hold Still project.

Photos of the event were posted on the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s Instagram page this afternoon.

Most readers will remember Hold Still, a 2020 endeavor spearheaded by the Duchess in tandem with the National Portrait Gallery; the Duchess is the gallery’s royal patron. For Hold Still, the public was asked to submit photos taken during the UK’s first lockdown in 2020. More than 31,000 images were submitted, and 100 were selected to be part of a digital exhibition. Those same 100 images were also featured in a book, Hold Still: A Portrait Of Our Nation in 2020.

The book includes a foreword by the Duchess.

The National Portrait Gallery offers the book (£24.95/$34.09); it is also available at Amazon ($35.86).

The Instagram post included a ‘thank you’ message from the Duchess.

Thank you to the brilliant partners who made Hold Still a reality! ?

It took a long time to bring everyone behind this incredible project together in person but tonight we finally managed it. The idea for #HoldStill2020 came right at the start of the pandemic, and aimed to bring people and communities together, using the amazing power of photography.

It was made possible by so many partners – @nationalportraitgallery @coopuk @bookfairies_uk – to name just a few, and what’s more remarkable is how it was all orchestrated from kitchen tables and spare bedrooms!

The most special thanks must go to the thousands of people across the country who took time to share their experiences of lockdown. Without them, the project really would not have been possible.

I don’t know when the reception was held – if it was last night or today, or earlier in the week.

Now for a look at what Kate wore for the event, with thanks to Emily for another fab ID. The Duchess was in the Cream Tailored Boucle and Chiffon Midi Dress ($570) by British retailer Self-Portrait.

The dress is made of polyester fabric and described as a midi wrap style with “a long-sleeved bodice that is fitted at the waist and falls to a pleated midi skirt.” It features several textures, including the nubby boucle, chiffon, and lace. The garment has peak lapels, flap pockets, a self-belt, and it is lined. Below, a closer look at the details.

The design is also available in black (without the boucle fabric) and a sleeveless style.

My guess is that the Duchess wore this brand because the project was all about portraits.

I am not able to identify the earrings or necklace worn for the reception.

If there is more information or more photos become available I will update the post.

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Heather

Friday 24th of September 2021

When 2 styles meet and compliment each other so beautifully. The sophistication of the tailored jacket and the fun skirt really makes this outfit so stylish. Have read many glowing reports across various global media outlets today showcasing Kate's glamorous outfit. The media can be so unkind but today the fashion stars seem to have aligned.

Citron

On a déjà vu Kate avec une tenue de même style, en juin 2011 pour le derby d'Epsom : une robe en mousseline Reiss et une veste Joseph. Elle était charmante :)

ElizaMo

Good spot!

This is not my favourite look, but definitely one of my favourite projects. The vision and work were so refreshing during a very dark and uncertain time. Thank you for your work Susan. Although I don't comment often, I 'drop in' on this blog once or twice a day, and needed to say 'Thank you' again. Reading this blog brings me so much joy. Love seeing the Duchess, and love your moderate take on it all. Hope you can keep up the good work you are doing and journey with the Duchess in the years to come.

admin

Thank you, DP.?

marley

Love your comments ElizMo, Debs and Anne. This outfit smashed it out of the park. it is a little edgy from the usual conversative garments that are worn. The textural tones of the fabrics together with the structured jacket and a whimsical skirt is amazing. Whoever put this outfit together needs to be cogratulated. Kate is certainly the stand out guest at the event and certainly cements her presence.

Must be so hard when you are constantly in the public eye and the position that Kate holds. Whenever she walks out the door all eyes are on outfits, accessories, even the colour of your hair and style. How confronting for anyone to have to deal with.

I only ever make a point of commenting when I like an outfit. I don't feel that I have the right to degrade another persons outfit or look. Most of us would hate that personal scrutiny.

Debra bishop

Wednesday 6th of October 2021

Agreed, I love the dress so modern & cool. I am a big fan of Self Portait. She has been dressing more like a professional woman, wide leg trousers, blazers, high rise jeans worn with designer blazer etc..it does feel a bit like she is looking around & seeing younger women dress and slowly introduce these looks. I hope she keeps it up!

Christa

Self Portrait makes some rather bizarre looking dresses and I think this dress is about as good as they come in that line. She pulls off the funky look (which would have been improved with more lux fabrics). I wonder though if she decided on a look from this brand for Hold Still reception because of its name, apropos to the occasion of a photography exhibit-- wear the most palatable look available from a brand called 'Self Portrait'?