Kate chose Irish designer Orla Kiely for her engagements in Oxford today.
James Whatling/Splash News
The Duchess was greeted by cheering crowds at Rose Hill Primary school and Oxford Spires Academy, she was visiting both on behalf of The Art Room, one of her patronages.
Georgina Brewer ITV Twitter Feed (@GeorginaITV)
More on the organization and its work from The Telegraph’s story:
The Duchess, who studied history of art at university, chose The Art Room as one of the first four charities to which she has given her patronage, as she is a firm believer in the power of art to help build self-esteem.
The charity helps to fund art teachers who give children intensive sessions in a specially-designated part of each school, where they create objects they can take home and keep
The students created an apron for Kate, much like those worn by their Art Room teachers.
Mark Stewart (@RegalEyes)
Here we see Kate with one of the young artists at Rose Hill, watching students paint their interpretations of the famous Edward Lear poem “The Owl and The Pussycat.”
British Monarchy
After her time at Rose Hill Kate moved on to Oxford Spires, where students eagerly awaited her arrival.
Twitter Feed (@MaxFosterCNN)
Below we see Kate being presented with flowers as she arrives.
The British Monarchy
The dress is officially called the Birdie Shirt Dress, crafted of a wool jacquard. The dress originally retailed at £325 ($485), but was on sale for £162 ($242), a discount of 50%.
Orla Kiely Birdie Print Dress
It features 4 oversized buttons on the front bodice, deep pleats at the waist front and back, pockets on the side seams and a self-belt.
Orla Kiely
The UK site offered the piece in Walnut and Turquoise, while the US site also carried it in Slate, all sizes at all online sites now appear to be sold out.
Orla Kiely
This talented designer is best known for her distinctive prints, her products have been sold handbags, stationery and other paper products, housewares and tabletop pieces, she also did a line for the Tate. You can visit the Orla Kiely shop here, and have a peek at her spring styles. If you would like a look at many of the Kiely style’s shown for London Fashion Week, they are in our previous post here.
Some US residents may have been first introduced to her work via her collaboration with Target in 2009.
Target
She has even designed for cars and other motor vehicles, like this bus.
Wikipedia
There is also an Orla Kiely yoga mat created as a fundraiser for another of Kate’s charities, Action on Addiction.
Action on Addiction/Orla Kiely – Yoga Matters
Many will recognize Kate’s booties, they are the Aquatalia Rouge, originally noted by fashion fans when the Duchess joined her fiance at the time, William, for an appearance in Anglesey.
Via Aquatalia Passport to Style
The booties are now sold only at Nordstrom, they have been renamed the “Royal,” and appear to be available in all sizes as of this writing.
Kate also carried her black clutch and wore her Kiki McDonough Grace earrings.
Kiki McDonough
To learn more about the Art Room, visit its web page here, or its Facebook page here, or visit the group’s online shop.
For more on what Kate wore, the Mirror’s story is here, the Daily Mail piece is here, and the Telegraph’s is here.
The Telegraph
The BBC also has a video story up, as well as a slide show with wonderful (and large) photos, and The Independent’s stories (print & video) are found here.
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Also today, a quick look at several style by designers at London Fashion Week.
McQ by Alexander McQueen held its first London show in quite some time, below we share two pieces well-suited to the Duchess, in a silhouette she seems to like.
NOWFashion
If one added several inches in length to either of the red McQ frocks they would appear almost tailor-made for Kate.
NOW Fashion
Showing in London yesterday, Erdem.
NOWFashion.com
The designer’s signature touches were evident: the lace overlays, circumspect hem lengths, along with sophisticated suits and dresses.
NOWFashion.com
Simply put, the collection exuded a ladylike aesthetic, one Kate appreciates.
NOWFashion.com
Today’s final note involves Kate and William’s dog, Lupo. That’s right, today it was revealed the four-legged family member has been named Lupo.
