FASHION Magazine

See more Kate Middleton style »

After two Kate Middleton-less months, our favourite duchess is finally back in the spotlight! Last night Kate attended a gala at the National Portrait Gallery, which is one of her official patronages, and the event was her first official engagement for 2014. Clearly we’re not the only ones taking note of all this official-ness: the Queen loaned Kate an impressive diamond necklace for the evening, one we’ve been fantasizing about since photos first emerged via the Twitter accounts of royal reporters.

The necklace (which looks like it would be right at home on the neck of another fabulous Elizabeth) was a wedding gift, given in 1947 from the Nizam of Hyderabad. Queen Elizabeth—who was just a princess at the time—selected the necklace from Cartier and it’s essentially diamonds on top of diamonds on top of even more diamonds, which is likely why it’s her favourite piece to wear for official portraits.

See more Kate Middleton style in our look book »

You know how you have a go-to outfit for certain occasions? Like, the wrap dress that always works for last-minute meetings or the J.Crew sweats and chambray shirt that have become your weekend uniform? Well, when you’re the Duchess of Cambridge, your go-to outfit game is a little more advanced. For instance, a night out at the movies calls for a stunning Temperley London gown. Okay, okay, we kid—but this was the second time that Kate’s worn the black less dress to the theatre (the first was for a screening of War Horse in January 2012) so at the very least, we have to assume it’s a gown that makes for a comfortable viewing experience.

Wednesday’s event was an advanced screening of the latest David Attenborough film, Natural History Museum Alive 3D. So yes: there are photos of Kate Middleton and Prince William wearing 3D glasses while in their black tie attire.

See more Kate Middleton style in our complete lookbook »

Last night the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge attended the London premiere of Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom, as it was selected as this year’s Royal Film Performance. Will and Kate were joined by the film’s stars, Idris Elba and Naomie Harris, as well as Mandela’s daughter, Zindzi Mandela, for the lavish opening. However, the event took a tragic turn when, during the screening, it was announced that Nelson Mandela had passed away. Will briefly shared his condolences with reporters after the film, saying: “We were just reminded what an extraordinary and inspiring man Nelson Mandela was. My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family. It’s very sad.”

The Royal Film Performance started in 1946, and members of the royal family attend each year with proceeds going to the Cinema and Television Benevolent Fund. Always one to look amazing on a red carpet, Kate wore a cream-coloured Roland Mouret gown, a piece that she first wore in May 2012 to a private dinner with The Thirty Club. Kate also wore black suede Prada heels and carried a matching clutch by Mulberry. She also debuted a new hairstyle, opting to wear her hair in a volume-filled ponytail, tied with a black ribbon. But the standout item is, without a doubt, the necklace.

See more Kate Middleton style in our complete lookbook »

Kate Middleton wore a tiara last night and, sadly, this may be the only picture we get to see of it. Unlike almost all other royal engagements that are extremely public and publicized, the Queen’s annual Diplomatic Reception is a closed event. So we’re left guessing at what the rest of Kate’s pale-blue gown looks like—it’s bespoke Alexander McQueen, if that helps—and can only dream of the goings-on at this lavish, white-tie event. (Which, FYI, is a big deal for Will and Kate, as only top-tier royals are invited.)

Now for some tiara trivia, as there is indeed a lot information available on Kate’s newest accessory. Much like the Cambridge’s apartment in Kensington Palace, the tiara used to belong to Princess Margaret. But it was originally owned by the Queen Mother, who had jewellers convert a pearl and diamond necklace (a wedding present from her soon-to-be-king husband, George VI) into the final piece, which is known as the Papyrus Tiara.

See more Kate Middleton style in our complete lookbook »

We may never forgive Kate Middleton for passing up the chance to party with Taylor Swift, but this new Temperley London dress is helping to make up for it. Last night Kate attended SportsBall, a gala event for SportsAid—which is one of her official patronages that is dedicated to supporting young British athletes and Olympic hopefuls. (It’s also the charity that caused that infamous post-pregnancy volleyball photo op.)

As for her outfit, Kate’s black Temperley London dress is from the label’s Fall 2012 collection and featured laser-cut detailing inspired by Renaissance stained glass. The nipped-in waist and full skirt gave it a very feminine feel—and it’s no surprise that various descriptions of the dress have included a nod to Audrey Hepburn.

See this look up close »

Clearly we’re not the only ones feeling super busy this time of year. Kate Middleton was out and about for the second time in as many days, attending a forum meeting at Place2Be, an organization that works to support the emotional wellbeing of children. It’s one of the Kate’s official patronages and based on her extended visit today (the Duchess reportedly stayed for an extra hour to learn about addiction and self-harm) it’s obvious that this charity is important to her.

For today’s engagement, Kate wore a few pieces that are new to the public eye. Her entire outfit was a rich shade of navy blue, right down to her sheer tights and Cornelia James bow gloves. Up top, Kate wore a jacket by Max Mara which featured a smart side zipper and fit her perfectly.

See Kate’s look up close »

Proving that she’s keenly aware of the impact her outfit choices have, Kate Middleton opted to repeat an entire look while visiting the crime prevention charity Only Connect earlier today. After all, a day spent with those in need is not the time to break out a new bespoke McQueen dress. Instead, Kate chose a look she first wore in February 2012: a printed Orla Kiely dress, brown tights and brown suede Aquatalia booties. (A colour palette certainly fitting for a crisp fall day!) The wool dress featured a jacquard bird-print, a belted waist and pleated skirt—the silhouette is not unlike that of Kate’s favourite coats, fitting right in with her go-to look for royal engagements. Also notable was Kate’s hair. The headline-making grey hairs from two weeks ago are still there, but covered with a deeper chocolate tone and accented with a brush of honey-coloured highlights at the ends.

See Kate Middleton’s look up close »

Royals, they’re just like us! Or so the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge would like us to think, after they surprised London commuters earlier today by taking a double decker bus to a royal engagement inside a tube station. Will and Kate were part of a tour to visit Poppy Day ambassadors—military personnel and volunteers who sell Remembrance Day poppy pins—and their unannounced arrival in the London subway system certainly brightened the day of lucky passersby.

While the official Remembrance Day ceremony is slated for this Sunday, Will and Kate were both already wearing their poppy pins. (Which, actually is just like us!) As for her other sartorial choices, Kate matched the pins with a poppy-red coat by LK Bennett, last seen in November 2011.

See all the official Prince George christening photos »

When the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge released the official christening photos for Prince George last week, his animated smile and little waving hands seemed to be saying something. Our baby body language skills being what they are, we’re going with something between “Heeeeeeeyyyyy!” and “Aren’t my parents the coolest?” Because really, both messages are there: the photos, taken by Jason Bell, are beyond friendly and demonstrate just how different the royal world of Will and Kate is compared to the monarchs-in-waiting of past.

The four photos all keep Prince George front and centre, whether he’s flanked by an adoring Queen Elizabeth and Prince Charles or surrounded by the Middleton clan. (As for what Kate’s wearing, we have all outfit details here.) And if a smiling, waving Prince George wasn’t enough to brighten your weekend, on Sunday another photo was released, with the little one gazing into Kate’s eyes, smiles abound. Honestly, we encourage you to flip through all the Prince George christening photos any time you’re feeling down, they really do the trick.

See more Kate Middleton style »

Kate Middleton‘s cream-coloured Alexander McQueen look from Prince George’s christening has been front page news all week, which is perhaps why she swung the colour pendulum in the opposite direction for last night’s 100 Women in Hedge Funds Gala. Her Jenny Packham gown was the deepest shade of blue possible—so inky it read as black, save for a subtle shimmer caught by many a flashing camera.

The event was held at Kensington Palace, making it an easy commute for Kate, considering it’s now the Cambridges’ official residence. (Nothing says palace quite like “£60,000-a-table gala events are held in one wing and the future king’s five-bedroom apartment is in the other,” right?) Let’s take a moment to imagine Kate, gala-ready, rushing through the halls of Kensington Palace en route the event, basically like a scene from Beauty and The Beast. But! All Rebecca Deacon as Lumière jokes aside, let’s get back to talking about what Kate wore. While Kate frequently has designer pieces altered in colour or cut to suit her style, this Jenny Packham silk dress is right from the Fall 2013 runway.

See Kate’s look up close »

Who wore off-white best: a pudgy-cute baby in a dress or the always-stunning Kate Middleton? Okay, it’s not a fair comparison, but with Prince George on the scene, attention is certainly divided. The three month old heir to the throne was christened this morning at an intimate royal affair—just 22 guests are reported to have been in attendance, including the Middleton family, Prince Harry and, of course, the Queen. (Sorry, Cressida Bonas, maybe next time!)

While Prince George’s christening outfit was decided centuries ago (he’s in a replica of the royal christening robe, the original of which is 172 years old) Kate’s christening dress is completely new. It’s a bespoke Alexander McQueen piece, which bares a striking resemblance to the ruffled Reiss dress she wore for her official engagement photos in 2010. Kate kept her hair straight with one side pinned up, the perfect style to match her cream-coloured hat by Jane Taylor and show off her Kiki McDonough citrine earrings.

See Kate Middleton’s look up close » Kate Middleton’s love for athletics is no secret (hello, Olympic celebrations and field hockey antics!) so it’s fitting that today’s outing—her first solo engagement since Prince George was born—was to a SportsAid workshop for young athletes, a charity of which Kate is patron to. Held at an arena […]

The post Kate Middleton wears Smythe and proves that even with heels on she can still play volleyball appeared first on FASHION Magazine.