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The Duchess Wears Philippa Lepley for Black-Tie Reception

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The Duchess Wears Philippa Lepley for Black-Tie Reception

The Duchess chose a gown by Philippa Lepley for tonight’s black-tie reception in the Bahamas.

The Governor General, Sir Cornelius Alvin Smith, hosted the function at Baha Mar Resort. 

Here is a video as the couple arrived. 

More from this Hello piece. 

The royals were greeted by the Governor General, Cornelius Alvin Smith, and the Prime Minister, Philip Davis and once inside had the opportunity to mingle with community leaders and other notable people from across the Bahamas’ many islands. 

People reports that shortly after arriving, Prince William was expected to “…carry out a duty on behalf of his grandmother the Queen and award Platinum Jubilee medals to heads of emergency services in The Bahamas.”

Another view of the Duchess.

As part of the festivities, the Governor General presented the couple with a reminder of their afternoon out on the water. 

Among the guests was Sienna Evans, Miss Bahamas World 2021.

The royals watched a special performance by the Bahamas Youth Choir.  

Here is a portion of that performance. 

The couple mingled with guests.

This is the last night of the royal tour. Below, a video of the Duke and Duchess as they left tonight’s party. 

Now for our look at what Kate wore. 

She was in the Vienna Crossover Turquoise Gown by Philippa Lepley. It is crafted of “heavenly turquoise bias satin that has been moulded over the bodice in a cross-over design, flowing into Phillipa’s signature shoulder bows, creating a bodice and skirt with side seams only and an effortless look,” per the designer’s couturier’s Instagram page. Below you see another image with the gown, this one from a photoshoot.

From the company’s ‘about’ page: “Phillipa Lepley is London’s go-to couturier for stylish dresses with lasting beauty. Having built up an international reputation over thirty years creating stand-out bespoke dresses coupled with delivering an impeccable personal service, Phillipa brings to life iconic, timeless and effortless feminine designs.” 

More about the designer from this Hello piece. 

Her bridal couture then went from strength to strength, and her designs now appear in top bridal publications worldwide.

She boasts a celebrity clientele which includes Ulrika Jonsson and Davina McCall, and her distinctive signature lies in understated elegance, sophistication, luxurious fabrics and exquisite embellishment.

From what little we could see, the Duchess’s heels look like the Rania 105 Embellished Pumps ($2495) by Gianvito Rossi. 

The style showcases fabric covered with Swarovski crystals and has a 4.2″ heel. Thank you to Heaven for the shoe ID. 

The Duchess carried a bag by British accessories designer Lulu Guinness, the brand’s blue satin Hayworth Bag (£225, about $290).

It measures roughly 7″ x 5″ and has an interior slip pocket with a mirror and the detachable chain shown above. Thank you to Lauren and Middleton Maven for their identification of the bag. 

The Duchess brought back a set by Van Cleef and Arpels she wore to the 2020 Bafta Awards. They are part of the brand’s Alhambra Collection, launched in 1986.

Above, the Magic Alhambra Necklace with Six Motifs ($9650). Below, the Magic Alhambra Earrings ($6100).

Tomorrow the Duke and Duchess have a full schedule before heading back home in the evening. They will visit a church and a children’s home, participate in a wreath-laying ceremony, and attend a fish fry. 

One more photo from tonight. 

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Shirley

Monday 16th of May 2022

I LOVE this dress and hope we'll see it again. But I think it deserves more formal jewelry and/or a belt

KSE

Monday 28th of March 2022

One of the best looks she's ever worn.

Larissa

Monday 28th of March 2022

The name Philippa Lepley was familiar to me and it took me a while to remember that I walk past the shop all the time. I had no idea they did anything other than bridal wear, and the dresses in the window are usually much different in style. The shoulder bows may be described as "signature", which makes them sound like they are the designer's standard sleeve style, but I do think they are the most interesting part about the dress.

The pearly necklace and earrings are a great match to the fabric, and I love that bag! The lips closure is adorable. I don't really care for the shoes and think Kate owns much nicer glittery ones; would have been a great occasion to see some of the Jimmy Choo sandals that were standard in Kate's evening wear for some time.

I do think overall the look is a bit forgettable. That doesn't mean it's bad, or there's anything wrong with it – actually I think the comments of old school Hollywood glamour are spot-on. I do think a few years down the line this dress will be included in some kind of summary post and I'll have forgotten all about it. ;) But in that sense Kate has succeeded in dressing appropriately for a formal event such as this without bringing too much of the attention on herself. It's certainly a nice final evening of what has been a fun week of fashion.

Margaret

Sunday 27th of March 2022

Ooh I love this! This will have to boot the green Jenny Packham from my second (or third) place slot on Kate's evening gowns. The easy simple style is perfect for the tropics. She is never risqué or inappropriately dressed. Elegant in the manner of silver screen ladies of a past era. The icy blue satin reminds me of the fabric of the dress worn by another icon of classic style, Grace Kelly, at her 1955 Oscar's win.

Freda McT

Sunday 27th of March 2022

Great 'red carpet' look that she now seems to have the confidence to wear again and again rocking the bond girl look we saw at the recent Bond film premier. Simply stunning and just a tiny bit regal!

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