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| Reuters |
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| Richard Palmer Twitter |
A view of the grand entrance at palace.
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| Rebecca English Twitter |
Ninety five heads of delegation were in attendance including Prime Minister David Cameron and First Lady Michelle Obama as head of the US delegation. This is the second time Kate has met the first Lady. The Cambridges welcomed the Obamas at Buckingham Palace in May 2011 after returning from their honeymoon.
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| Reuters |
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| Reuters |
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| Rebecca English Twitter |
Other notable guests included the Crown Prince and Princess of Norway who arrived in their national Olympic uniform. Queen Margarethe of Denmark and the Grand Duke of Luxembourg. Presidents from Germany, Finland, Serbia, fiji, Brazil and Cyprus were also at the reception.
Guests enjoyed canapes, quail's eggs and celery salt, rosette of smoked salmon, chocolate cherries, honey pralines washed down with a 2007 Blancs de Blancs from the Kent Gusbourne Estate.
You can watch a video at ITN Source.
Kate wore a pale blue coatdress by cutting edge Scottish designer Christopher Kane. It's wonderful to see Kate supporting British fashion and trying something new. The beleted coatdress is thought to be a bespoke piece.
This jacket is a somewhat similar piece. The green and silk brocade currently retails for €2,280 (There is a 50% reduction on it here) The jacket features transparent silk lining, two breast darts, hook fastening, cutout sleeves and a back split.
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| Colette |
Thirty year old Kane established his namesake label in 2006 with his sister, Tammy Kane assisting in his fabric creation and design process. He was awarded the 'New British Designer of the Year' title the same year. Speaking to LFW he described his signatures and ideal client
'I love detail, especially some sort of embellishment that can transform a garment instantly. My ideal client is a real individual and keen follower of fashion. Age doesn't really concern me; I'm more interested in personality and the way a woman carries herself'.
A look Mr Kane's Resort 2013 Collection.
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| Style.com |
Dozens of coaches arrived at Buckingham Palace to take guests to the Olympic ceremony which begins at 9 p.m. Royal aides said Kate won't have time to change but they can't be sure. I'll be back with another post when the ceremony begins :)
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| Paul Harrison Twitter |
Interesting choice. I think Kate will change before the ceremony
ReplyDeleteThis looks like so many other blue creations she's worn. Would it have killed her to ask for this in another color? Red or white, for example? I'm just sick of seeing her in blue 70% of the time.
ReplyDeleteI like it, but her lack of creativity is irritating.
wow, that is really... boring. kane has some beautiful, interestingly designed pieces, and she had him make her a straight coat with a belt, whose most distinguishing feature is it's shininess?
ReplyDeletei much prefer michelle obama's outfit: intricate embroidery, interesting cut, lots of white for the summer.
I was just thinking how good Kate would look in an outfit like that, I thought Michelle looked great
Deletei would love to see kate wearing pieces like michelle's outfit! intricately decorated and beautifully cut, and perfectly appropriate for the season and event.
Deleteas for age appropriate: i actually think michelle's outfit is more youthful and fresh than kate's, which i could picture the queen wearing - but with a gorgeous brooch to give it interest!
michelle's outfit i can see as a designer piece; kate's coat is just so average it's hard to imagine it is a designer bespoke piece.
and that's another thing! what is the point of going to a designer (a man whose profession is creating a unique dress sense) when you then have them make something you want (and can pick up at any bridal shop) instead of the designer's vision/creation?
I feel like she is always very stuff looking at events like this, just cause it's still so different that what she normally does, I do however love this color on her, does anybody know what earrings she is wearing tho?
ReplyDeleteI agree with the comments the dress/coat is a bit safe and similar to previous outfits it would've been nice to see her in something a bit more striking and fresh! I think the outfit must be a bespoke piece as I cannot seem to find it anywhere online. I'm unsure about the clutch being the same the colour looks more of an oatmeal if that's the right way to describe it as opposed to grey and the lock is different it isn't a skull. I could be wrong! I hope Kate changes before the opening ceremony but I'm assuming that with a glass of champagne in hand the mp claiming she was pregnant is wrong :p thank you for your updates :) looking forward to seeing Kate's fashion choices over the course of the olympics hopefully shell be a bit more experimental in her choices and go for something we haven't really seen her in before :)
ReplyDeleteUgh... kill me, but I don't like it. I love what Michelle Obama dress, truly lovely piece... Kate not so much, it's something my great grandma would wear to church.
ReplyDeleteAgreed. Mrs. Obama looks very polished and classic. She looks slender in that ensemble too
Deletei love michelle's outfit, esp that gorgeous intricate embroidery!
Deleteand the cut is so attractive and flattering.
I liked Kate's dress,,,BUt Michelle looked gorgeous too!! Maybe Kate could work with Michelle's designer also,,,I dint like the clutch at all,,it looked very crummy next to her outfit. she couldve easily carried a contrasting colored clutch in the UK colors. Also, Charlotte can you tell what earrings she is wearing??Thanks for the quick update!!!
ReplyDeleteWell, that first photo can knock the pregnancy rumors off for awhile, I hope. That is a glass of champagne, no?
ReplyDeleteThis color...really doesn't do much to her skin tone and/or figure. :( I always find shiny satin powder blue super boring and aging.
ReplyDeleteLovely, regal, mature! Very polished, lovely mint shade!! Altogether, a 180 degree turn from what I think was the blue skinny jean "faux pas."
ReplyDeleteNice to see the Duchess and M.Obama together again! Silvia
I totally agree with you Sylvia :)she could've added a brooch to her dress to kick it up a notch. But I still love the color and it looks lovely on Kate!
DeleteThank you! Silvia :)
DeleteMan your fast Charlotte. Great post. I loved the dress. Again the Duchess looked just stunning. Can't wait to see more pictures of the Duchess & her prince.
ReplyDeleteThe Duchess looks lovely. However, there is definitely room for improvement. But I tend to agree with many who think this piece is a little too safe/boring. While it's a lovely coat/dress - it is quite forgettable. Perhaps the Duchess is going for an understated look with the simple lines and solid colors (which tends to be look she's been going for recently) - but I think she could have achieved that but still used some small/tastefully placed details to turn things up a little. Perhaps a statement belt, or embroidery on the coat... just something to give it a little more character - and be a little more youthful too.
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with the opinions above,for me this time michelle obama much intriguing than kate. Too safe,especially the colour,it reminds me the erdem's trooping the colour outfit.I think she looks much better in bold colours and in warmish colours,i don't think that silvery tones suits her a lot,not as much as she wears them. And the hair,for social events she really could do something with them,I'm bit bored seeing her 3 consequtive times on 3 different types of events in the same long hair. And Charlene,for me her outfits are kind of "old-young".I guess its result of trying to equilibrate the age difference between her and her older husband and living in shadow of princess Grace-she resembles her but it's rather her disadvantage since there always be a comparation and not a winning one for her. For me she somehow lacks personality-just my impression. Greetings from Prague,let the games begin!:-))
ReplyDeleteoooh, nice comparison to the erdem trooping the colours outfit - i found that outfit aging and unflattering too. tho i like the coat better than the erdem.
DeleteHm, I like the colour of the coatdress and the fabric. It sit well on her. But I miss something..any special detail that it could look fantastic or that I think "oh, how gorgeous!"
ReplyDeleteOf all the outfits I see, I like Princess Charlene's the best. You can always tell the French. There's just something special and elegant about it.
ReplyDeletePrincess Charlene is not French, she's South African.
DeleteSo predictable, so ordinary. Just like her. Of all the extraordinary resources made available to her she chooses the least fascinating.
ReplyDeleteLike it from the front... But not in the back. One of many choices that doesn't fit her in the rear! She needs to get them taking in or wear padded panties ,)
ReplyDeleteShe looks very beautiful. I dont think there is anything wrong with her wanting to wear 'classic, timeless' pieces. Good for her I say7
ReplyDeleteI agree with bonnieux.
DeleteLOL, Kate can't win! She either looks "vulgar" or "boring". The Queen was wearing peach, Camilla had ivory (I believe), so it seems that ALL the royal ladies (as hosts) opted for understated colors - maybe to allow their guests to make more of a "splash". I thought she looked terrific!
the queen wore pale blue, bea wore bronze. i don't know what camilla wore.
Deletewhich leads me to:
hey, photo agencies, how about posting (more/any) pics of the other lovely ladies, like camilla, sophie and eugenie!
ok, one more thing from me (for now):
ReplyDeleteshe could have worn a nice dress for the reception, and put on the coat for the ceremony (when it was probably chilly).
maybe one of the erdems she wore to canada? either would look beautiful on their own, as well as under the coat.
why wear the coat, all buttoned up, to an indoor, day event? let us see the dress underneath!
has anyone seen pics of eugenie, sophie or camilla?
ReplyDeleteHello!
ReplyDeleteI am a long-time reader of your blog and I first want to say thank-you for doing such a great job! You post interesting information about Kate, the functions/charities/events she is involved with, and the royals as well as information about her fashion, where it came from, and when she last wore it. I love it all! Also, I appreciate that you keep things positive and in perspective without being overly adamant - I like that there is an actual conversation on topics and looks rather than an all-or-nothing complete love. Your commentary in insightful and fun and I am so glad you continued this blog. I hope that money in the form of advertising on your site or freelance writing finds you soon.
It would be great if on occasions where Kate does functions with the Queen to see photos (when you can get them) of the Queen’s clothing as well. The Queen and Kate wore very similar colours to this event and it is interesting to see them together.
Yours is my favourite blog, thanks for writing!
Sincerely,
Dana
Thank you very much for reading the blog. Kate and the Queen did wear almost the same colour and it compeltely slipped my mind to include a photo. I'll do that now and include HM more in the blog when she and Kate attend the same events :)
DeleteLooks great!
DeletePrincess Charlene is looking just like an old and sad lady. I feel sorry for her. Just always looks miserable! Plus, that haircut is very ageing... Duchess Catherine was fabulous! I just admire her so much and in so many ways, I can see anything looking boring on her!
ReplyDeleteHi Charlotte, Thank you for all the photos, I didn't see any real coverage of the reception on TV?! I can't believe how predictable and safe the outfits are when having bespoke pieces created...and doesn't Kate love these coats?!
ReplyDeleteI don't think Charlene even looks like Charlene...I find that whole situation very sad, she never looks happy and again always seems to wear blurgh/black instead of strong bright colours. Also, I thought given Alberts age they would have been pregnant a long time ago, another sign (for me) that all is not well....
They should all take a leaf out of Her Majesty's book who is a rainbow of colour so we can see her, adds a brooch for interest etc. although I wasn't sure about last nights headwear (or the one at Chelsea flower show) imho.
Thanks again,
PPx
Obviously everyone has different ideas as to what HRH should wear, but I cannot recollect her ever stating a wish to be a style icon.
ReplyDeleteTo me she always looks suitably dressed and doing well what she is supposed to do---talking to the Queen's guests and looking as though she is enjoying doing so.
I wonder how many of us could look interested in the President of a country when we would probably be trying to remember where on earth his country is.
I think we've become accustomed to the American Hollywood style of "formal" dress which is extreme, over-the-top and, usually, tacky and tasteless. Members of the upper classes in any nation dress and have always dressed conservatively and with quiet, yet expensive, understated style. The British Royals always have exemplified this mode of dress, including Princess Diana. Remember all the Catherine Walker ensembles? None of them was extreme or flashy in any way. There's also a protocol for the young royals and their appearance, the Queen still is in charge, remember, Kate isn't in charge of the show by a long shot and won't be for a long time. Charlene looks old and tired and sad, her smiles are obviously forced. Such a sad situation there, some of the echoes of Princess Grace's situation.
ReplyDeleteprincess charlene looks old and boring or duchess looks so regal and classy but i prefer that michelle obama dress
ReplyDeleteHi, surprised so many people liked Michelle's dress and wonder if they looked at it outside of this blog. She's a big somewhat husky woman and that full pleated skirt makes her look bulky, especially in the rear. She also is very broad-shouldered and the neckline brings that out. Often her choices don't compliment her figure. Love Kate's ice blue coat dress. It is conservative but in a very rich, elegant fabric and contrasts with the youthful, light dress she wore earlier. Both suit her figure perfectly. It is odd that she and the queen wore almost the same color, I always heard royal ladies coordinated their outfits but am beginning to doubt this. Did not think the tight jeans very royal, and they need a more dramatic longer top to look right. Both the jeans and coat dress should dispel pregnancy rumours.
ReplyDelete"Husky"? Just because she's bigger than a size 0 doesn't mean she's "husky"! I think Michelle Obama has a great figure. She's strong and muscular, which makes her a great role model for the active, healthy lifestyle she's promoting through her position as the First Lady. I'm not a huge fan of all her clothes (the red, white and blue blazer she wore a couple of days ago was pretty tacky, IMO) but I think this outfit looks lovely on her.
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