Kate returned to a favorite designer this evening for a function at the National Portrait Gallery in London, opting for a dress by Emilia Wickstead.

Weir Photos / Splash News

Tonight’s engagement was a reception celebrating the work done by The Art Room, an organization using art to help young people struggling with emotional and behavioral issues.  Below we see a collection of self-portraits created by Art Room students, their artwork was then turned into wall clocks.

The Art Room

There was a small group of students taking part in the evening’s event, Kate spent time chatting with them.  The charity is celebrating its 11th anniversary, tonight’s function served as the formal launch of the Art Room’s ‘Pledge for the Future’ fundraising drive.

When addressing those at the reception the Duchess shared her belief that art can be a positive change agent, more from the Mirror’s story:

“I am a firm believer in the power of art to make a difference and The Art Room is doing that on a daily basis.

“We all stand here tonight to celebrate this wonderful work.

“I hope that you will join me in congratulating The Art Room and their supporters on these extraordinary achievements.

“As patron of The Art Room, I feel immense pride to see the amazing work that they are doing but I also feel hugely excited to look to a future with more Art Rooms, where many more challenging and vulnerable children will be helped.”

Neil Warner / Splash News

Simon Perry, People Magazine

Below we see how the blue reflects photographers’ flashes, this is as Kate is leaving after the reception.

Weir Photos /Splash News

The color was very, very pretty on her.

The garment combines many of the designer’s signature elements, like a fitted bodice and fuller skirt. Perhaps it is most similar to this piece from the spring/summer 2013 collection.

Emilia Wickstead

Remove the sleeves from the green dress and switch the fabric to a much stiffer, heavier material, and you start to have the sense of Kate’s dress. It has a similar bodice (although Kate’s waistline is higher), a center seam on the skirt like Kate’s, and the runway dress also has a deeply scooped back, not visible in the photo we are sharing. Ultimately it isn’t really relevant, those hoping to purchase a dress like Kate’s will need to speak with their seamstress or tailor, we won’t see be seeing an off-the-rack version of Kate’s dress for sale anytime soon.

UPDATED:

People magazine has an online story with the following information:

Described as a pale blue silk blend, full skirted summer dress, the custom creation was based on a dress in the current spring/summer collection from the New Zealand-born and London-based designer.  “It was made specially for the duchess,” says a spokeswoman. “We’ve had a style in store that’s very, very similar. So it was very slightly bespoke for her.”

The original is named the CZ dress…. although now sold out, it originally sold for £990 (around $1,500), but the bespoke version costs an extra $300, so Kate would have spent around $1,800.

The spokeswoman meanwhile also tells PEOPLE that because of the so-called Kate Effect, the company says they have had a “few orders placed” for new bespoke versions since the charity event.

As mentioned, the Duchess is fond of this designer’s work. Below we see Kate wearing other pieces by Ms. Wickstead: from left to right, St. Patrick’s day 2012 (worn again in 2013), the pleated pink frock was worn twice last year (Sovereigns’ Luncheon and Palace Garden Party), the gold coatdress was worn for the Order of the Thistle in 2012.

PA Wire/PA Wire/Splash News/Splash News

Our early look at the autumn/winter 2013 Emilia Wickstead collection may be viewed here.

LIFE Magazine/Old Indian Photo

Kate accessorized with her Rupert Sanderson ‘Malone’ pumps.

Rupert Sanderson ‘Malone’

The ‘Malone’ Style is no longer available, the ‘Malory‘ is similar to the ‘Malone,’ although its toe is more pointed. Mr. Sanderson’s footwear is carried by Bloomingdale’s and Matches Fashion in the USA, as well as Selfridge’s and other department stores in the UK, he also has a wonderful handbag collection.

Kate also wore those still-unidentified drop earrings, her hair was curled and partially pulled back.

Splash News

The color was beautiful on Kate, she looked simply radiant, happy and relaxed. In several photos the fit of the garment seemed off, with pulling under the arms, it is hard to know if it was just those photos or the dress itself. I imagine it is next to impossible to perfectly fit dresses at this stage of one’s pregnancy unless items are altered a day or two before they are to be worn.

We’ll see you Friday for the events at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden, and the Making of Harry Potter attraction.

LINKAGE:

• The National Portrait Gallery website is here, its blog is located here, Facebook page may be seen here and its online gift shop can be visited by clicking here
• The Art Room’s website can be found here, its Facebook page is here
• Grazia’s story on the Emilia Wickstead a/w 2012 runway show is here, if interested in seeing what the designer wore to her own wedding in 2011 (not to mention the bridesmaid dresses she created), click here for Vogue’s story
• The Mirror story on tonight’s event is here, the Daily Mail story may be seen here
• The Telegraph’s video may be viewed here,